With stage five of the Noosa River Management Plan underway and stage six beginning in October, there have been concerns raised from community members that anchoring changes could potentially lead to further upstream being used as a ‘dumping ground’ for vessels.
In response, Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton MP obtained from Maritime Safety QLD (MSQ) reassurances they are, and have always been, fully committed to the full implementation of the Noosa River Management Plan across the whole of the Noosa River system and its tributaries as per the outcomes of the extensive community consultation over the least three to four years.
This was endorsed by the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee in early 2023.
In response to a request from members of the Cootharaba Community Association (CCA) for a meeting, Sandy facilitated the attendance of senior MSQ representatives, including the head of MSQ, general manager Kell Dillon, to discuss concerns raised.
“It was a very productive meeting where MSQ reiterated their commitment and took on board the issues raised on the 28 day rule and its potential unintended consequences to Lake Cooroibah and beyond by rolling out in stages,” Ms Bolton said.
“MSQ has taken onboard the feedback received and are currently reviewing the next stages to avoid any potential unintended consequences. It is expected that a decision by MSQ will be made in the next month regarding any changes to the staged approach or schedule to address concerns raised,” the Noosa MP said.
The Minister for Transport and Main Roads has also said in a letter to residents that it remains MSQ’s intention for the Noosa River Management Plan, currently being initiated by MSQ, to encompass the entire Noosa River system.
MSQ has noted in a recent media release that the staged approach to the delivery of the Noosa River Management Plan ensures responsible implementation of the program – balancing immediate safety concerns with community expectations and allowing time for members of the community who may be affected by the reforms to adapt.
Sandy thanked both the Minister for TMR Brent Mickelberg MP, as well as MSQ‘s general manager, Kell Dillon and the MSQ team, for their responsiveness, and providing clarity on the intended outcome of the Noosa River Plan to encompass the entire Noosa River system and its tributaries. Sandy also thanked MSQ for being open to feedback from our community during this journey.
“Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to work with MSQ and our community during the various implementation stages of the Noosa River Management Plan and to update as further information becomes available,” Ms Bolton said.
“In addition, thank you to residents, who raised their concerns through the appropriate channels in a collaborative manner, which as we have seen previously, is very successful!”
Please note the following reminders:
Stage five – from 31 May 2025: Boats over five metres are not allowed to anchor within 30 metres of the northern shoreline of the Noosa River. Exemptions currently apply, following the Noosa MP’s advocacy, for boats between five and seven point five (7.5) metres who are allowed to anchor in this area for up to two hours per day.
Stage six – is scheduled to commence on 1 October 2025: A limit of(28) days per year for anchoring
vessels over five metres in length on the Noosa River system below Lake Cooroibah – note: as per details above, as requested by Sandy and based on community feedback, MSQ has agreed to review the scope of this stage to ensure there are no unintended consequences in its implementation.
Further stages after stage six including the commencement of the 28 day anchoring restrictions for the entire Noosa River system and its tributaries, will be announced by MSQ shortly.
To provide feedback to MSQ, please email sunshinecoast.martime@msq.qld.gov.au and CC Sandy’s office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
