Noosa River Anchoring Regulations Come into Force

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) has implemented the final stage of its Noosa River Management Plan, effective since New Year's Day. This plan restricts boats larger than 5 meters from anchoring in the river for more than 28 days.

Houseboat Residents Face Eviction and Displacement

Dozens of houseboat residents face potential eviction, significant fines, and the removal or disposal of their homes by authorities.

Over 20 boats have already been towed since the plan's implementation, with several taken directly to a waste facility.

Residents report that many affected individuals lack alternative housing and the financial means to relocate or store their boats elsewhere. Concerns have also been raised that many houseboats are specifically designed for rivers, lakes, and estuaries, rendering them unsuitable for open water and dangerous bar crossings.

Some residents have lived on the river for decades. Others moved onto boats due to the increasing homelessness crisis. Residents also claim the changes will result in job losses for some affected individuals.

Regulatory Aims Versus Community Concerns

MSQ states that the changes aim to:

"make the river safer and more accessible for all waterway users."

These regulations apply comprehensively across the river, connecting waterways, creeks, surrounding lakes, and the Noosa Everglades. A spokesperson confirmed the changes resulted from extensive community consultation since 2021 and advised those experiencing genuine hardship to contact MSQ.

The regulatory adjustments follow complaints from some Noosa riverfront property owners, who have described certain boats as "eyesores" and, at times, derelict or abandoned.

However, residents argue that the new rules do not effectively address the "eyesore" issue:

"many of the boats considered problematic are moored and therefore exempt from the new anchoring restrictions."

They contend that well-maintained, inhabited houseboats are being displaced, while derelict moored vessels remain. Many affected residents have reportedly been on mooring waitlists for extended periods.