As mentioned in our May 2025 Noosa 360 update, stage six of the Noosa River Management Plan (NRMP) is scheduled to commence on 1 October 2025 which applies a limit of twenty-eight days per year for anchoring vessels over five meters in length on the Noosa River system. As per the details in the link above, as requested by Sandy and based on community feedback, Maritime Safety QLD (MSQ) has agreed to review the scope of this stage to ensure there are no unintended consequences in its implementation.

The community feedback has included concerns that the stage six anchoring changes outlined in the NRMP could potentially lead to further upstream being used as a ‘dumping ground’ for vessels.

Considering this, Sandy obtained from MSQ reassurances that they are, and have always been, fully committed to the full implementation of the Noosa River Management Plan across the whole of the Noosa River system and its tributaries as per the outcomes of the extensive community consultation over the least three to four years. This was endorsed by the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee in early 2023.

In response to a request from members of the Cootharaba Community Association (CCA), Sandy facilitated a meeting with senior MSQ representatives in attendance, including the head of MSQ, General Manager Kell Dillon, to discuss concerns raised. It was a very productive meeting where MSQ took onboard the feedback received and as mentioned above are currently reviewing the next stages to avoid any potential unintended consequences. 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, which could include stages being combined.

The Minister for Transport and Main Roads has also said in a letter to residents that it remains MSQ’s intention for the Noosa River Management Plan, currently being initiated by MSQ, to encompass the entire Noosa River system.

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 Management Plan and to update as further information becomes available. In addition, Sandy thanks residents, who raised their concerns through the appropriate channels in a collaborative manner, which as we have seen previously, is very successful.

Further information

To provide feedback to MSQ, please email sunshinecoast.martime@msq.qld.gov.au and CC Sandy’s office in via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.

For our previous Noosa 360 updates on the Noosa River, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=Noosa+River.