River jury takes issues on board

NOOSA’S 26-member Community Jury met for the first time on Saturday to begin deliberations on how Noosa River could be better managed.
The second jury will consider the role the council should play and what resources it should apply when it comes to the Noosa River.
Jurors took a ferry trip to see some of the issues first-hand while listening to a commentary highlighting how the river’s health and appearance have changed over the past few decades.
The council’s environment officer for rivers and coast Jan Maddin gave the jury a summary of the underlying issues and the current roles of various State departments and agencies involved in managing the river, as well as the council’s role.
Ms Maddin said some of the main issues facing the river included the proliferation of abandoned and derelict vessels, river clutter and the effect on visual amenity; effluent pollution from vessels; the impact of anchoring and live-aboards, non-compliance with regulations including commercial leases and activities and the effect of moorings in declared Fish Habitat Areas.
Noosa Council environment and planning manager Kerri Coyle said current management arrangements were complex, while the level of resources and a state-wide management approach were also having an impact.
The jury heard about the agencies involved in managing the Noosa River, such as:
* Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ): (part of the Department of Transport and Main Roads) Manages compliance via a system of complaint and information referrals to other State agencies.
* Boat Harbours Team: Manages anchoring, mooring, grounding and living on board, and issues mooring and Live On Board permits.
* Boating and Fisheries Patrol, Queensland Police Service (QPS): Responsible for monitoring anchoring and mooring; monitoring of waste holding systems; conducting marine safety campaigns and regulating Noosa River Marine Zones.
* Department of Natural Resources and Mines: Responsible for administering commercial jetty leases.
* Department of Environment and Heritage Protection: Manages construction approvals, dredge permits and other permits.
The council also plays a role in regulatory activities regarding the Noosa River Marine Zone along with the Boating and Fisheries Patrol.
The jury will not be considering issues relating to commercial and recreational fishing, erosion issues and issues with pollution from run-off as these are all subject to various current reviews and studies by agencies such as The Nature Conservancy, State Fisheries and Healthy Waterways.
Following the first meeting, jury members have compiled a list of issues they’d like to hear more about and the experts they wish to consult. Council and newDemocracy Foundation are now working on delivering research and speakers for the jury when it next meets on 16 September.
To get involved, have a say and stay up to date with the jury’s progress visit yoursay.noosa.qld.gov.au