Eyes on the river

COUNCIL has its sights set on management of the Noosa River after the community jury recommended the State Government hand over control.
Some 18 of the 24 community jury members recommended council seek control of mooring, anchoring, live-aboards and commercial leases after it was agreed that the state wasn’t up to the job.
Mayor Noel Playford said council welcomed the advice and would raise the issue with the state.
“Government officials admit they haven’t the budget to manage the river effectively so we are likely to see a better result if we take on some of the responsibility,” Cr Playford said.
“Council and the State Government have been looking for ways to work together to tackle various issues relating to the river and they’ve told us they’re open to us taking over some of their management tasks.”
The recommendation by the jury comes after growing concerns about abandoned and derelict vessels, effluent pollution from boats, commercial leases and other issues.
Council voted to use 12 further recommendations, which the jury reached consensus on, in drafting a detailed management strategy for the river.
The recommendations include use of a river ranger, use of legal channels to rid the river of abandoned, derelict and unsafe vessels and a review of mooring fees.