A Marine Zone for the Noosa River
The Noosa River will soon become a whole lot quieter and calmer following the Queensland Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan’s announcement that it has been gazetted a Marine Zone, which takes effect from 1 July 2009.
The Noosa River will soon become a whole lot quieter and calmer following the Queensland Minister for Transport, Rachel Nolan’s announcement that it has been gazetted a Marine Zone, which takes effect from 1 July 2009.
The Noosa River Marine Zone limits all commercial and recreational jet-ski activities—excluding emergency services—to the area of the river downstream of the Noosa Waters canal entrance at Noosaville to the river mouth.
All jet-ski activities will be prohibited for the remainder of the river.
The marine zone also amends water ski areas to the current ski runs 1 and 2 between Tewantin and Lake Cooroibah and prohibits hovercraft, air propelled craft and seaplanes operating anywhere on the river.
The commercial jet-ski area on the northern bank of the river opposite Noosaville will continue to operate.
Environment portfolio Councillor Keryn Jones welcomed news of the marine zone and said it was a long held community vision to see stricter measures define the waterways accessible to jet-skis.
“The Noosa River is well known for its natural beauty, high biodiversity and water quality,” Cr Jones said.
“However, the river’s increasing popularity, particularly during holiday season, has put pressure on the river system and created conflict between the different activities as users compete for limited space.
“The challenge is balancing the natural environment, cultural heritage and visual qualities with the recreational, tourism and fishery activities within the river system.
“The marine zone will help to do this by reducing the pressure these activities place on the river. It also delivers on several of the Noosa River Plan initiatives, which was released in November 2004 to help sustainably manage the river system.”
The Marine Zone is created as a regulation under the Marine Safety Act and is enforceable. Fines of $300 or higher can be imposed.
Kite-surfing, kayaking, sailing, fishing, tour boat cruising and houseboat activities will not be affected by the marine zone.