Ridding the Fitzroy River of wrecks

The Fitzroy River’s worst wrecks are being removed.

Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Minister Mark Bailey said seizure notices had been posted on seven vessels, including yachts and recreational boats.

“Residents and boaties have long objected to these eyesores slowly deteriorating in our waterways,” Mr Bailey said.

"They not only detract from the area’s visual appeal but also pose a potential risk to the environment and a hazard to safe navigation.”

Mr Bailey said Maritime Safety Queensland issued notices to vessels lying neglected in Coorooman Creek, the Fitzroy River and Rosslyn Bay.

“The notices required the owners to come forward by a deadline of last week or have their vessels seized and removed,” he said.

Mr Bailey said it was always the owners’ responsibility to manage the maintenance or removal of their vessels.

“We will work closely with them to ensure they are the rightful owners and to assist them manage repairs or removal,” he said.

“While there is no quick solution, we prioritise those which pose the greatest risk to safe navigation or the environment especially where owners cannot be identified.”

The Department of Transport and Main Roads, which has responsibility for ports, intervenes if owners cannot be identified or they fail to take appropriate action.

Local marine civil contractors have begun removing the vessels from their watery resting places. 

The barge ‘Moreton Venture’ started operations Monday, visiting each site to safely and cleanly remove the vessels and take them to an on-shore disposal site.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of the week.

Media contact

Minister Bailey’s Office  3719 7324