The Queensland Government, through Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ), is implementing new Noosa River regulations focusing on anchoring time limits and speed restrictions to manage congestion and environmental impact.
Vessels over 5m are now limited to 28 days anchoring per financial year, plus ongoing speed controls like summer 6-knot limits, aiming to make the river safer and more sustainable for everyone.
Key Regulations & Initiatives:
- Anchoring Limits: Vessels over 5 meters are limited to 28 days of anchoring in the river per financial year; after reaching the limit, they can’t re-anchor in the river until the next financial year.
- Speed Limits: Temporary 6-knot speed limits are enforced during busy summer periods (e.g., until January 31, 2025) to reduce wakes and improve safety.
- Vessel Management: MSQ is working to manage overcrowding from houseboats and illegally anchored vessels through stricter enforcement and new legislation, addressing environmental concerns and housing issues.
Maritime Safety Queensland confirms the current number of moorings in the Noosa River will be maintained at 119 (which has been the limit for many years), with no new moorings planned. From 1 January 2026, Maritime Safety Queensland will increase compliance controls to ensure the new anchoring restrictions are being adhered to by the boating community.
The completed Noosa River Management Plan, effective from 1 January 2026, delivers on Maritime Safety Queensland’s long-term goals to:
- Improve navigational safety and fair access for all waterway users.
- Protect the environment and preserve the river’s natural ecosystems.
