Gold Coast boat leaking sewage fires up locals

A disintegrating houseboat on the Gold Coast has outraged locals, with many calling it “disgusting” and a “disgrace”. Don’t read if you’re planning on going for a swim.

A SUNKEN houseboat leaking sewage into the water at Paradise Point has disgusted locals as they wait for the eyesore’s removal.

The abandoned vessel, which was submerged near Sovereign and Ephaim Island earlier this week has begun to slowly disintegrate causing household items including paper towels, air pumps and other debris to wash onto the shore.

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A sunken houseboat at Paradise Point is polluting Gold Coast waterways. Picture Glenn Hampson

Despite an ongoing ‘War on Wrecks’ by the State Government, abandoned ships are constantly being found on the Gold Coast waterways.

As of January more than 72 vessels had been removed under the $20 million program.

A spokesman for the Gold Coast Waterways Authority said there was no oil leakage detected from the vessel and a warning buoy had been put in place.

The responsiblity for the removal comes under state body of Maritime Safety Queensland.

According to sources the owner of the boat has been located and discussions about its removal are ongoing.

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A sunken houseboat at Paradise Point is polluting local waterways . Picture Glenn Hampson

LNP Member for Broadwater David Crisafulli said despite the Maritime Safety program, authorities were not keeping up with the demand.

“It is a disgrace, it just doesn’t sit high enough on the priority list of the state,” Mr Crisafulli said.

“This isn’t just about aesthetics, it is about the environmental health of our waterways.”

Mr Crisafulli said it was a “screaming call for action” and the process to remove abandoned vessels was “simply taking too long.”

“If this was on the land where sewerage was being spilt where people could see it we would be up in arms,” he said.

“Just because it is in the water we seem to let the problem sit and wait.”

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A sunken houseboat at Paradise Point is polluting local waterways . Picture Glenn Hampson

“If it is an issue of resources give us more resources, if it is an issue of process change the legislation because at the moment is it just not working.”

A local to the area who chose not to be named said the submerged ship was “incredibly dangerous”.

“The markings aren't clear and the boat can’t be seen, honestly it is just disgusting.”

The Gold Coast Bulletin has sought comment from Maritime Safety Queensland.