Vessel in Wynnum Creek given marching orders by state authorities

A $20 million State Government program to rid Queensland waters of derelict vessels has seen more than 100 boats removed but the project has hit a snag this week as one owner refuses to remove his boat from a bayside location.

A PLAN to rid popular waters on Brisbane’s bayside of derelict boats has hit a snag with the owner of one vessel refusing to move.

The State Government’s $20 million War on Wrecks program kicked-off in 2018 with more than 100 derelict vessels removed in the past financial year.

Focus was shifted especially to waterways in Wynnum, Manly and Lota from last year with nine boats recently removed from the area as past of the campaign.

But one vessel has remained in the Wynnum Creek, becoming an ongoing concern for some residents.

The boat owner was required by Maritime Safety Queensland to submit a salvage plan yesterday and have the vessel removed according to an approved plan by June 9 after the matter was heard in district court.

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Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Angus Mitchell said owners were responsible for the maintenance or removal of derelict vessels.

General photograph of boats in the Wynnum Creek. Picture: Richard Walker

“We always work with owners to ensure they meet their responsibilities,” he said.

“Maritime Safety Queensland does take a compassionate approach and acknowledges compliance with directions may not always be possible under current state and federal pandemic directions.

“However, where an owner fails to comply without reasonable grounds, MSQ will act promptly to appoint a contractor to remove the vessel and can seek redress through the courts.”

Some other areas of Wynnum Creek which have been cleaned up through the War on Wrecks.

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease said she had been working with locals to get derelict vessels removed, including in Wynnum Creek.

“I know there is one unseaworthy boat in there that’s of particular concern to residents,” she said.

“I first alerted the War on Wrecks program to this vessel in October of last year.”

“Unfortunately the owner has been fighting tooth-and-nail to keep the vessel in the creek.”

Ms Pease said the long-term investment for the War on Wrecks program meant ongoing work and job security in the marine sector.

“We have an ongoing responsibility to clean up our marine environment and now we have an equally important mission to keep people in jobs at a time when they’re most needed,” she said.

State Member for Lytton Joan Pease. Picture: Philip Norrish

Ms Pease said MSQ and partner agencies have prioritised a list of vessels most likely to become navigational or environmental hazards.

“Authorities continue to contract out work to local marine businesses to have them removed,” she said.

“Local marine businesses can expect to see more work coming their way as we reduce a list of nearly 200 wrecks and vessels of concern across the state.”