Clean up vital waterway

IT’S a disgrace that the environmentally-sensitive Trinity Inlet on the doorstop of Cairns is a graveyard for rotting, rusting and festering marine vessels.

But, as the Weekend Post reveals today, there are an embarrassing 50plus abandoned and derelict boats trashing the inlet while powerless authorities watch on.

Many of the boats in the waterway, which range from yachts to industrial fishing trawlers, were sunk or abandoned as long as 20 years ago and leech paint, anti-foul and other chemicals into the crucial breeding ground for marine species as they slowly decompose.

It’s clear the owners just don’t care and the authorities have not acted until now, after the Weekend

Post investigated and sought details in a Right to Information application.

When the newspaper first highlighted the problem in May, when the vessels numbered 54, Main Roads and Ports Minister Mark Bailey committed to launching an inquiry.

Since then two vessels have been removed and dismantled by Maritime Safety Queensland after they were surrended by owners.

MSQ’s priority is to focus only on the vessels that pose the greatest risk. That’s not good enough. For too long authorities have turned a blind eye to the wrecks, which are out of sight and mind of most people, away from the bright tourist lights at the city’s marina.

But more must be done. The inlet is a beautiful area, with a myriad of wildlife, including crocodiles, sustainable fish species and incredible birdlife.

The mangroves are a crucial breeding ground and must be protected at all costs. Nick Dalton nick.dalton@news.com.au