Derelict vessels a safety hazard
DERELICT boats left to rust and rot in Trinity Inlet are still being gradually removed as authorities continue the fight against cyclone hazards and water pollution.
The Cairns Post on Saturday reported its 12-month campaign to put the environmental nightmare to bed had paid off, but the job is not finished yet.
Marine Safety Queensland has removed and destroyed five derelict vessels in the past 12 months, and overseen the sale of two abandoned vessels to new “responsible” owners.
It has also managed the removal of two vessels by their owners for dismantlement.
A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesman said one neglected boat that has sunk has since become a popular spot with fishers.
It has been marked with a navigational aid and does not pose an oil pollution threat.
“Maritime Safety Queensland and Ports North carry out inspections of vessels around the port to identify those that may become future derelicts and contact owners to prevent them becoming derelicts,” he continued.
Northern Ports assistant harbour master David Ferguson said abandoned watercraft posed a serious threat during a cyclone.
“Regulations in Queensland allow us to move vessels that are causing navigation isJUSTIN sues or water pollution,” he said.
MSQ and Ports North hauled away a vessel for destruction a fortnight ago because it posed “an imminent threat to the port”.
“Using the legislation, we were able to remove that vessel, bring it onto the shore and destroyed the vessel, making sure the harbour stays safe and clean,” Mr Ferguson said.
Ports Minister Mark Bailey said he was happy to look into the removal of any other wrecked boats reported in the waterways surrounding Cairns.
“I understand that there’s a priority basis on that in terms of which ones are removed based on threat,” he said.
“Clearly there needed to be action.
“That’s occurred and I’m happy to look into the remaining ones that are there.
“It was certainly overdue and I’m very glad to have played a role in ensuring that was cleaned up.”
REGULATIONS IN QUEENSLAND ALLOW US TO MOVE VESSELS THAT ARE CAUSING NAVIGATION ISSUES OR WATER POLLUTION
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