Residents urged to have their say on future of Moreton Bay harbour

Residents are being urged to have their say on the long-term vision of a Moreton Bay harbour after the State Government released a draft masterplan. SEE THE PLANS

The long-term future of a Moreton Bay boat harbour will be decided in mid-2024, with residents being urged to help shape the harbour’s future for boating and tourism.

Community and stakeholder consultation has now begun for the Scarborough Boat Harbour Draft Master Plan.

The final masterplan would be used as a strategic decision-making and implementation tool to protect and guide future development at the harbour.

The harbour, a key part of the Redcliffe recreational landscape, is also a key centre for commercial marine operators.

In 2021 the Department of Transport and Main Roads began work on the masterplan, including ideas pitched by community and stakeholder groups.

Community and stakeholder consultation has begun on the Scarborough Boat Harbour Draft Master Plan. Picture: File

Insights from that process helped in the drafting of the master plan.

The Government also collected technical information and analysis of marine infrastructure and operations economics, supply chain issues, tourism and environmental values.

Feedback gathered in the public consultation would play a critical role in the final plan, expected to be completed in mid-2024.

Consultation is open until December 11 at: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ScarboroughBoatHarbour

Aerial view of the harbour.

“The goal is to sustainably address a growing maritime industry, engage the community, enhance the function and quality of the harbour and elevate the harbour’s recreation and tourism role in a manner that protects important ecological values,” the plan said.

“Compounding the challenges of limited space, both the public and commercial boating industries are growing.

“This growth will inevitably place greater pressure on the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

“State boat harbours have a central role to play in the sustainable growth of the maritime industry and stewardship of the coastal environments.”

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said it was important a “variety of voices’’ were heard.

“The Scarborough Boat Harbour Draft Master Plan will help establish a long-term vision for the harbour.

“In doing so, it will provide safe and efficient access to Queensland waters, promote activities that are commercially and environmentally sustainable, support the maritime industry and generate local employment and tourism.”

Labor State MP for Redcliffe, Yvette D’Ath, said the masterplan was an important step in the future of the Redcliffe Peninsula.