Meeting #3 Jury calls on Coast Guard, NICA and Kabi Kabi for River wisdom

Suspected illegal discharge from boats and dilapidated, drifting and poorly lit vessels are among the major problems afflicting Noosa River, says Noosa Coast Guard Commander Alan Hall.Mr Hall was one of three special guests to address Noosa’s second community jury, as it deliberates ways to better manage Noosa River and the role Council should play. Mr Hall said he had personally seen many examples of defective anchor chains and ropes, boats left in a poor state of repair and poorly lit vessels creating a hazard for other river users. Mr Hall strongly suspected that there was illegal discharge from some moored vessels and that some people who lived aboard vessels long-term simply moved every two months to avoid paying mooring fees.Mr Hall called for properly regulated moorings with weekly or monthly fees payable, and for rangers to check and regulate vessels’ discharge rates.

Helena Gulash, representative of the local Kabi Kabi people, and Tony Haslam from Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA), also addressed the jury.

Mr Haslam spoke in favour of an integrated approach and recommended the Noosa River Plan as a good resource.

Council clarified that while some actions within the Noosa River Plan had been implemented, others were more complex and Council has no authority, nor dedicated funds devoted to these specific river management activities.

Ms Gulash said the traditional owners had been managing the river’s natural resources with a sophisticated system for thousands of years and that the river was like a bloodline flowing through the country.

Ms Gulash also advocated a broader catchment approach with sensitivity to indigenous sacred and cultural heritage sites.

The jury meets for a fourth time to focus on its key recommendations to Council on November 11. All community jury meetings are held at Council Chambers and are open to the public.