As previously outlined in our January 2026 Update, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) has commenced implementation of Stage 6 of the Noosa River Management Plan, introducing a 28-day anchoring limit for vessels 5 metres and over. This is a combined stages 6 and 7, due to concerns raised by residents that Lake Cooroibah and Cootharaba would be used as a ‘dumping ground’ for non-compliant vessels. 

While the intent of the Plan is to improve safety and amenity for all river users, from the very start in 2023 our office has been clear that no resident in hardship was to be made homeless as a result of any changes. Based on feedback direct to our office from impacted resident river users a number of issues have emerged which we have raised directly with MSQ, as well requesting a Statement of Reasons and a review of how the new regulations are being rolled out.  

We have also written to the Minister for Transport to outline a number of matters arising including:  

  • The need for a temporary on- or off-water storage option for vessel owners who are actively working to comply with the new regulations. 
  • Financial assistance or grants for vessel owners in hardship who were unaware of the changes and need support to relocate their vessel to unregulated waters to achieve compliance. 
  • Mooring policy changes that prioritise local residents on the waitlist, as well address moorings being utilised for long term storage, instead of usage. 
  • Adequate resourcing of MSQ, including the use of technology such as ‘Bluebottle’ autonomous data gathering/monitoring, to ensure the river is managed to community expectations into the future. 

We will keep the community informed as we receive further responses from the Minister and Maritime Safety Queensland.  

Compliance  

MSQ continues to encourage vessel owners who wish to comply, but who may be unable to do so due to financial or other constraints to contact the MSQ Noosa team via MSQNoosa@tmr.qld.gov.au or 5373 2310 to discuss their individual circumstances. MSQ has advised that it will work with vessel owners to support compliance and has already endorsed compliance and transitional plans, for some vessel owners with special circumstances, to be implemented as soon as practicable. 

Further information 

For clarity, it is important to note that liveaboard rules themselves have not changed. The current changes relate only to anchoring and apply to all vessels, not just houseboats. Those living on board that have a valid liveaboard permit and are on a registered mooring, jetty or marina are not affected by the change to anchoring regulations.  

We were also advised, permanent liveaboard permits have not been issued since 2005. Any permits issued since that time have been temporary, generally to address specific circumstances such as repairs. Over the past 18 months, vessel owners identified as having neither a permit nor compliant arrangements were encouraged to apply for permits and to make provisions toward compliance. MSQ advise that for those wishing to live aboard a vessel legally, the best option is to moor at a commercial marina. On the Sunshine Coast there are several marinas available, including three in Mooloolaba, one in Caloundra and one each at Sandstone Point and Pacific Harbour on Bribie Island. This ensures compliance with regulations while providing a safe and legal option for living aboard a vessel. 

While there has been commentary regarding the consultation that took place, MSQ was not legislatively required to undertake public consultation nor seek stakeholder feedback prior to implementing changes. Under its existing powers, MSQ could have amended the regulations without notice to address growing safety concerns associated with increasing congestion. Extensive community engagement on these matters had occurred over many years through the former Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee and public consultation.  

There are claims that vessel owners were unaware of the impending changes, which could have occurred to those who purchased since 2023 from owners that were aware and did not reveal, and we all feel deep empathy for these residents. For others there was a general awareness through media, social media, discussions with others or visits to these vessels, but chose to believe/hope the changes and compliance actions would never occur. We continue to work with MSQ on behalf of any resident impacted and again reiterate as we have from the start, that no resident facing hardship was to be made homeless as a result of the changes, and encourage anyone in hardship or at risk of homelessness to engage with MSQ and Youturn as a matter of urgency, and to let our office know about their situation  

 To read the full Noosa River Management Plan via www.msq.qld.gov.au/about-us/news-and-stories/changes-for-boating-on-noosa-river. 

As some who have contacted our office regarding changes are not currently listed on the Noosa Electoral Roll, we wish to remind anyone who are not Noosa residents to also contact the State Member of Parliament for the electorate in which you are enrolled, as our focus is on our residents. To find out which electorate you are enrolled in, visit the Electoral Commission of Queensland website at www.ecq.qld.gov.au/electoral-boundaries/where-is-my-electorate. If you need to update or change your enrolment details, further information is available at www.ecq.qld.gov.au/enrolment/enrol-or-update-your-enrolment. 

For direct advocacy regarding the Noosa River Management Plan please contact the Minister for Transport and Main Roads via transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au. Please cc our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive to us.