There’s been a decrease in the level of poor boating behaviour on the Noosa River, following a Maritime Safety Queensland enforcement blitz.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said combined on-water patrols between Maritime Safety Queensland and the Queensland Police Service had recently brought down rates of non-compliance.
“MSQ and QPS have increased their presence on the Noosa River over the past five months,” Mr Bailey said.
“MSQ’s personal watercraft-mounted enforcement team and its new Noosa based high-speed enforcement boat Caruso have intercepted more than 500 vessels during this period.”
Mr Bailey said the efforts had made a significant improvement in overall compliance rates, increased on-water education and halved the number of marine infringement notices issued.
“MSQ’s compliance officers are now noticing the number of boating offences is declining and the nature of offences is less serious. They can be dealt with by cautions and education, rather than fines,” he said.
“That said, MSQ will maintain a strong compliance presence during September and the coming school holidays.
“This will include holding two boating safety days in Noosa that will feature demonstrations on how to use marine flares and information about lifejackets.”
The boating safety days will form part of a state-wide campaign focusing on two of the fatal five – carrying and using the required vessel safety equipment and proper trip planning for boaties.
Queensland boaties have been invited to have their say on future investment in recreational facilities across the state.
Head to getinvolved.qld.gov.au/gi/consultation/8850/view.html
Input closes on 14 October 2022.
