Derelict boat finally removed from Wynnum Creek as part of War on Wrecks program
A derelict boat which sparked outrage from residents after polluting a popular Brisbane waterway for more than a year has finally been removed, with another eight to go soon.
Southeast
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A DERELICT boat which caused outrage from residents after polluting a popular creek in Brisbane’s bayside is finally gone.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) removed the vessel, Mirriana, during high tide on Wednesday night as the State Government’s $20 million War on Wrecks program continues.
It is unclear exactly how long the vessel had remained in the creek but many residents believe it had been at the location for more than a year.
The vessel’s owner was given until June 2 to submit a salvage plan to Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and have the boat removed before June 9 after the matter was heard in district court.
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But that did not happen, sparking action from TMR and MSQ.
“The derelict vessel Mirriana was removed from Wynnum Creek by our contractor overnight on the high tide,” MSQ general manager Angus Mitchell said.
“The removal followed a lengthy District Court process as the owner failed to comply with an enforcement order and continued to pollute the creek.”
Starting in 2018, the War on Wrecks program removed more than 100 vessels from waters around Queensland in a year before focus shifted to Wynnum, Manly and Lota last year.
Nine boats were removed from the bayside area, however the Mirriana remained and became a concern for local residents.
But MSQ isn’t finished yet, with the organisation continuing to work towards the removal of another seven or eight derelicts in the creek through an abandoned property process over coming weeks.