FAQ
Who currently manages the Noosa River?
The State Government Department of Transport and Main Roads (through Maritime Safety QLD) manages anchoring, mooring and living on board vessels in the river, and compliance with the Noosa River Marine Zones. The Department of Natural Resources and Mines manage commercial jetty leases.
What aspects of the management of the Noosa River is Council currently responsible for?
Council is responsible for regulation of the Noosa River Marine Zones along with the State Government via complaint referrals. Council is also responsible for educational initiatives regarding the Marine Zones. Council provides advice to the State Government regarding commercial jetty lease renewals.
Is commercial fishing going to be included in the Community Jury's deliberations?
No. This is a separate issue and the Queensland Government is currently undertaking a State-wide review. Noosa Council has contributed to this review with a submission regarding commercial fishing on the Noosa North Shore.
Is the Community Jury going to address riverbank erosion?
No. Noosa Council is currently developing a hydro-dynamic model to inform the best management options for erosion issues along Noosa River foreshores.
Why is the management of anchoring, mooring and living on board vessels in the river a concern?
Most anchored and moored vessels occupy the lower estuary which is the busiest section of the river.
The current legislation allows people to anchor in the Noosa River and leave their vessels unattended at anchor indefinitely. Some boat owners abandon their vessels and they become derelict. There are legislative impediments and no funding has been allocated from the State to remove these vessels.
Some moored vessels are not in good condition and/or their mooring apparatus has not been maintained. Sometimes these vessels break free of their moorings and become a hazard to other river users and infrastructure. Vessels in poor condition detract from the visual appeal of the Noosa River, negatively impacting tourism.
People can live on board on either anchored or moored vessels without approval and without the appropriate waste holding facility on board. Council has received complaints that people on vessels are discharging effluent into the river.
Why is the management of commercial jetty leases a concern?
Commercial jetty lease restrictions were relaxed under the previous State Government which allow activities that are not specifically for marine purposes.
Commercial activities are occurring outside of commercial lease areas on public foreshores without approval and impinges on public open space. This creates a cluttered foreshore and utilities public assets for commercial gain.
Why is the management of the Noosa River an issue to be deliberated by a Community Jury?
The management of the Noosa River, including the negative environmental and amenity impacts regarding the proliferation of vessels in the river, has been a long term problem that is gradually worsening. This is a complex issue with implications for both State and local governments as well as for the Noosa community. There are environmental, legal, social and financial considerations, among others.
A Community Jury fosters broad community input to help Council consider the best long term outcomes for the Noosa River for the benefit of the whole community into the future.
For more information about Noosa's Community Jury.