Concerns raised by residents over the next stage of the Noosa River Waterway Management Plan have prompted Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to review aspects of the program before Stage 6 commences in October.
The plan, which has been in development for several years following extensive community consultation, is being rolled out in stages across the Noosa River and its tributaries. Stage 5 began on 31 May this year, restricting boats over five metres from anchoring within 30 metres of the northern shoreline of the river. Exemptions apply for boats up to 7.5 metres, which are allowed to anchor in the area for up to two hours per day, following advocacy from Noosa MP Sandy Bolton.
Stage 6 is due to begin on 1 October and introduces a limit of 28 days per year for anchoring vessels over five metres on the Noosa River system below Lake Cooroibah. Some residents, including members of the Cootharaba Community Association (CCA), have voiced concerns that the staged rollout could result in unintended consequences such as vessels being pushed further upstream and creating a ‘dumping ground’ in less regulated parts of the river.
Independent Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton MP said she has sought reassurances from MSQ that the plan will be applied consistently across the entire river system. She facilitated a recent meeting between CCA members and senior MSQ representatives, including general manager Kell Dillon, to discuss the community’s concerns.
“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,” Sandy said.
She confirmed MSQ is reviewing the details of Stage 6 to ensure the plan avoids negative impacts. “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,” she said.
The Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg MP, has also provided reassurance in a letter to residents that the plan will encompass the entire Noosa River system once fully implemented.
MSQ said the staged rollout is designed to balance safety priorities with community expectations, while also giving time for those who will be affected by the reforms to adjust. The agency noted that immediate safety concerns need to be addressed first, but the long-term goal remains the implementation of restrictions and rules across the whole river system and its tributaries.
Sandy said she welcomed the willingness of both the minister and MSQ to address issues as they arise. “I thank both Minister for TMR Brent Mickelberg, as well as MSQ’s general manager Kell Dillon and the MSQ team, for their responsiveness and for providing clarity on the intended outcome of the Noosa River plan,” she said.
She also thanked the community for their collaborative approach. “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 Waterway Management Plan and to update as further information becomes available. 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.”
Further stages of the plan, including the extension of the 28-day anchoring restrictions to the entire river and its tributaries, will be announced by MSQ in coming months.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback to MSQ via sunshinecoast.maritime@msq.qld.gov.au and to copy correspondence to Sandy’s office at noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
For now, the focus remains on ensuring the plan delivers the intended benefits of protecting the Noosa River system while balancing the needs of the boating community and the broader public who value the river as one of the region’s most important natural assets.
