Major safety overhaul revealed for Pumicestone Passage waterways

The state government is working to tackle issues of safety, pollution and environmental erosion on the Sunshine Coast, with the help of the local community.

MSQ on patrol on the Pumicestone Passage.

The state government is working to tackle issues of safety, pollution and environmental erosion on the Sunshine Coast, with the help of the local community.

This week, Maritime Safety Queensland launched a three-month compliance campaign in the Pumicestone Passage, in response to community concerns about safety and pollution on the popular waterway.

Patrol data from MSQ has affirmed these concerns, finding 40 per cent of vessels intercepted between July 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025 were non-compliant with safety legislation.

To combat these behaviours, MSQ will begin extra patrols in the area from July 14, targeting speeding, lifejacket laws, “hooning” and “distance off” rules between watercraft and shorelines, infrastructure and people in the water.

Both the southern and northern ends of the passage will see increased patrols through to October, particularly during weekends when recreational boating activity is at its busiest.

The safety campaign will include the use of LIDAR, or “speed gun”, operations and boaties are warned MSQ has a “zero-tolerance approach” to speeding, “hooning’ and other anti-social behaviour on the water, including excess wash.

Vessels moored in the Passage will also be audited for compliance with marine pollution and “live aboard” regulations, and MSQ stated vessels found in poor or derelict condition may require removal under the State Government’s Keeping Our Waterways Safe Program.

Boaties on the Pumicestone Passage can now be hit with on-the-spot fines starting at $333 for non-compliance with new lifejacket rules.

Additionally, boaties can now be hit with on-the-spot fines starting at $333 for noncompliance with new lifejacket rules.

The new laws mandate that life jackets must be worn when:

• Boating alone, (or only with children under 12 years) on an open boat that is less than 4.8 metres in length while underway.
• Crossing a designated coastal bar on an open boat, and on an open area of a boat, of any length.
• Boating at night, that is between sunset and sunrise, on an open boat that is less than 4.8 metres in length while underway
• If you are under 12 years (aged 1 year or more but less than 12 years) in an open boat, or open area of a boat, of any length while underway.

Further, wearing a lifejacket is compulsory when crossing a coastal bar on:

• Small sailing boats (such as lasers, herons)
• Pedal boats
• Rafts, including inflatable rafts
• Rowboats (excluding Surf Life Saving Australia Club Surfboats)
• Sea and surf kayaks.

A Bribie Island breakthrough has increased in size after it formed in the aftermath of Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Photo: Caloundra Fishing World

The safety campaign will run alongside the state government’s recently announced review into erosion and breakthrough events (instances where strong waves or currents cut a new channel through a sand barrier island, creating a new opening to a waterway) on Bribie Island.

The project will consider both short-term actions and urgent solutions available to manage erosion and protect Bribie Island, the Pumicestone Passage, and surrounding communities.

During community consultation, the review received nearly 1,200 submissions detailing concerns regarding the potential for storm surge, the environmental impact of breakthroughs on Bribie Island, and the effects on local infrastructure, including homes, parks and roads.

The state government is launching a review of the Bribie Island breakthrough, with public consultation. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the review will bring together “years of scientific evidence and local insight” to help the government take “urgent and meaningful action”.

“Locals know the area better than anyone and their views will directly shape the next stages of the review,” Mr Bleijie said.

“This process is about delivering practical solutions that reflect both expert advice and community priorities.

“Working in partnership with the Sunshine Coast Council also brings together other levels of Government that can support our focus on fixing the impact of the erosion for the community and the safety of residents using the Pumicestone Passage.”

Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said she was committed to finding solutions and protective measures for the area.

“I will continue to champion this issue on behalf of my community,” Ms Morton said.

“This is an important issue for the local community and we are working together with the independent experts to focus on outcomes and urgent action.”