Gold Coast Waterways Authority cracks down on boaties anchoring too long in Broadwater
SIX boats illegally anchored on the Broadwater have been impounded in a week as authorities crack down on boaties overstaying their welcome.
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SIX boats which overstayed their welcome in the Broadwater have been impounded.
The vessels, mostly yachts and houseboats, were not occupied when the authorities took them into “custody” but the owners will have to pay big amounts in fines and costs before they are returned.
The action by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority follows a spike in complaints.
Waterways boss Hal Morris said the authority had warned the boaties they were being monitored.
While he could not say what the longest stay was, some boats had been there a “long time”.
In just one week, six vessels which had either overstayed a 24-hour limit or seven days in a 60-day period, were impounded.
There were 22 fines issued for anchoring illegally — a $235 on-the-spot penalty — with a Notice of Removal also issued, giving boats 14 days to move on.
The impounded boats have been moored outside the Gold Coast Waterways Authority office at The Spit where they will stay until the owners pay the outstanding fines and costs.
Mr Morris said the raids were all about fairness.
“If one person gets all the best spots and stays there, nobody gets the best spots,” he said.
“It’s pretty well known what the restrictions are.
“We let people know we’re monitoring.”
Mr Morris said vessels could leave and visit another location before returning to their prime position another time.
If nobody claims an impounded boat and it is deemed seaworthy, the authority can sell it with the money used to offset “the taxpayers’ cost that occurred in the process”.
He said GCWA managed the waterways to ensure everyone had a “fair go” at the most sought-after locations.
a stay of up to 24 hours is permitted in rivers, canals and creeks, extended to up to seven days in some parts of the Broadwater.
“We receive many complaints each week from the public about vessels that overstay their
welcome by exceeding the maximum duration of stay on our waterways,” Mr Morris said.
“These restrictions operate like parking restrictions for vehicles in city centres or camping
restrictions in national parks.
“We have limits on the length of stays so everyone gets an opportunity to enjoy the many stunning anchorages available on the water.
“Some of the most enjoyed real estate on our waterways include waters near Wavebreak Island and the Marine Stadium at Main Beach, and we will continue to monitor these areas closely.
“Of course we ask people to be fair and share the waterways but for those not doing the right thing, on-the-spot fines can be issued and the boats can be removed.”
Mr Morris said boats had to move elsewhere to pump out on-board toilets to keep waterways healthy.