Boaties using the Noosa River are being reminded that 28-day anchoring restrictions are in place.
Boats over five metres in length are not permitted to be anchored in the Noosa River and adjoining waters for more than 28 days each financial year.
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) said there has been strong early compliance with the changes which started on January 1 this year across the Noosa River and adjoining waterways.
MSQ said the changes aim to improve navigational safety, environmental protection and fair access to waterways for all users.
Once the 28-day limit is reached, vessels are prohibited from re-anchoring in the river until the next financial year and the long-term storage of vessels at anchor is no longer allowed.
More than 70 boats that were anchored long term on the river have already been removed.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said while cooperation from many Noosa vessel owners was encouraging, there were still a number of vessels that had not complied.
“It’s great to see the Noosa boating community cooperating with Maritime Safety Queensland to improve the safety and amenity of the Noosa River,” Mr Dillon said.
“While Maritime Safety Queensland is conscious these changes can take time for some owners to achieve compliance, the new rules were introduced in January 2026 after significant stakeholder and community consultation, and with a great deal of prior notice.
“MSQ will undertake formal compliance and enforcement activity in the near future for vessel owners that have not yet complied without a valid reason,” Mr Dillon said.
