Community feedback has prompted Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to streamline the final phase of the Noosa River Management Plan, merging the planned stage six and seven reforms.
These changes will now take effect 1 January 2026, ensuring consistent rules across the entire river system while supporting MSQ’s ongoing commitment to safe, fair and environmentally responsible use of the Noosa River.
Noosa MP Sandy Bolton said, “It is appreciated that following our advocacy, MSQ has reviewed the next stages to avoid any potential unintended consequences.”
“Thank you to General Manager Kell Dillon and the MSQ team for listening to resident concerns regarding stage 6 and the northern section of the river system, and we encourage all to continue to provide feedback over the coming months.”
From 1 January 2026, vessels over 5 meters in length will be limited to a maximum of 28 days anchoring per financial year across the fuII river system. This includes Noosa River, Noosa Sound, Lake Weyba, Lake Doonella, Lake Cooroibah, Lake Cootharaba, the Noosa River Everglades and connected creeks. Vessels may anchor in the system intermittently, but once the 28-day limit is reached, they are restricted from returning until the following financial year.
In addition, long-term on-water storage of vessels at anchor will no longer be permitted, and MSQ have broadcast a reminder to plan ahead by using safe weather windows to relocate and complete repairs or arrange land transport early.
Ms Bolton said, “We will continue to work with MSQ and our community during the remaining implementation stages of the Noosa River Management Plan and will update as further information becomes available.”
“It has been reassuring that anyone identified as vulnerable living aboard vessels over the preceding three years have been offered assistance, and this will continue as per the commitment of MSQ to reduce the risk of homelessness.”
To provide feedback on any of the changes to MSQ, please email sunshinecoast.maritime@msq.qld.gov.au and CC Sandy’s office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
Since the start of the Noosa River Management Plan in September 2023, around 90 vessels have moved out of the new “no anchoring” zones along the southern foreshore, Woods Bay, Little Woods Bay, Noosa Sound and the northern shoreline of the Noosa River. In addition, during this time 32 derelict vessels have been resolved. Of these, 16 vessels have left the river and another 16 vessels were repaired and made seaworthy by the vessel owners after formal instructions were issued by MSQ.
In response to residents raising the need for an independent survey of anchored and moored boat numbers on the Noosa River, local not for profit, Tide & Place, were successful in their Noosa MP grant application which enabled them to undertake.
“Takeouts from the report include that the trend of increasing vessels has halted, and condition of vessels assessed have improved. This was possible referencing a previous survey done in July 2022. Further analysis of vessel numbers subject to MSQ’s reforms will be required ongoing, and we have requested MSQ to fund this,” Ms Bolton said.
Read the full river survey at www.bit.ly/VesselSurvey.
