Party boat creating waves on Brisbane River

IT has been a hit with Brisbane partygoers since arriving on the Brisbane social scene since last year, but Sydney-based Seadeck has ruffled feathers among riverfront residents and even pedestrians.

Noise on partyboat Seadeck has annoyed residents on the river.

IT has been a hit with Brisbane partygoers since arriving on the Brisbane social scene since last year, but Sydney-based Seadeck has ruffled feathers among riverfront residents and even pedestrians.

The vessel, managed by Neptune Hospitality, alternates between Sydney Harbour and the Brisbane River, where it sails a repeating circuit from Teneriffe to South Bank on Friday nights and weekend afternoons. It is due to return to Sydney by October.

Sound from four speakers can be heard from the river banks, including by families walking along footpaths.

One Dockside Marina resident said although it had improved, language in rap music played on one cruise was highly inappropriate for their children.

“It was definitely much better last week (June 29-July 1) but that was the first time we have heard it that low,’’ they said. “Prior to that the noise was knock-your-socks-off decibels and it has been that loud for weeks.’’

They said part of the problem was the sound carried well over water and was audible for about 10 minutes before and after Seadeck passed by because it travelled so slowly.

The vessel also repeated its circuit many times over several hours.

Denielle Tearle and Kayleigh Douglas Seadeck aboard Seadeck. It has been a hit with partygoers.

Seadeck managing partner Scott Robertson said this was its second Brisbane season and it took feedback very seriously because it was “not in our interests to get everybody offside’’.

“We work closely with all local authorities,’’ he said.

“All managers and DJs are fully briefed to be mindful of volume. We have noise limiters and DB (decibel) monitors and are constantly monitoring levels.

“When we designed the boat we aimed the four speakers inwards towards customers, but bass travels in every direction and sound travels over water.’’

Mr Robertson said the vessel catered to all ages, not just young people who liked rap, and music tended to be disco or “lifestyle’’ themed.

An Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation spokeswoman said it was “investigating matters involving MV Seadeck under the Liquor Act’’ but could not comment further. “There are no specific noise conditions endorsed on (its) liquor licence, but all licensed premises are required to comply with the unreasonable noise provisions in section 187 of the Liquor Act 1992 and section 40 of Liquor Regulation 2002,’’ she said. It was the licensee’s responsibility to ensure noise did not affect the public.