State Government’s War on Wrecks to benefit bayside

The State Government has taken its program to rid Queensland waters of derelict boat wrecks to next level and is set to benefit the bayside.

An abandoned vessel removed from Wynnum Creek in 2017. Picture: Supplied

THE State Government has called on boat owners to take more responsibility as they take their War on Wrecks program in Queensland waterways to the next level.

More than 220 vessels have been removed around the state since the $20 million program started last year with another 170 boats removed or repaired by owners after orders from Maritime Safety Queensland.

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease said the program had been successful, especially in waters on Brisbane’s bayside.

“That (figure) includes five vessels which have been removed across the bayside. I’ve been working with residents and MSQ to deal with derelict vessels that remain, including in Wynnum Creek,” she said.

“To make further inroads we now need boat owners to take more responsibility.”

Spero Kartanos.

Wynnum resident and Quest Community News fishing columnist Spero Kartanos said he believed the government putting the issue as a priority would have a positive impact on the bayside.

“I think it’s a great idea with some of the wrecks around the place, if they’re sitting on the bottom for months or years I can’t see too many getting fixed,” he said.

“I also love the idea of owners needing help to make them seaworthy that the government can help.

“Some boat owners get too old or sick so any help is fantastic. I am pretty sure most owners of the craft would be grateful with any help to fix or remove.”

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Ms Pease said she understood some of the struggles facing boat owners but taxpayers should not have to pick up the tab.

“If a vessel is in poor condition or unseaworthy, MSQ officers will be knocking on the wheelhouse door and asking owners to step up to their responsibilities,” she said.

“Where owners are aggressive or reluctant to co-operate, MSQ will move quickly to ensure they comply with the law and seek to recover any costs they incur.”

War on Wrecks Taskforce Chair and Member for Redlands Kim Richards said the taskforce had removed derelict and abandoned vessels up and down the Queensland coastline.

“We’ve removed an average of 20 wrecks a month since the campaign began,” she said.

“MSQ is working with Queensland salvage businesses to do the job efficiently, with the support of responsible owners, local government and state government agencies.

“Patrols of the waterways are being conducted to identify of any vessels that could become derelict and owners are being put on notice to take early action before their vessels become a hazard to navigation or the environment.

“We also want communities across Queensland to help identify the worst derelict vessels in their areas, so we can add those vessels to our watch list.”

To report a derelict vessel, email [e-mail].