Waterways wreck war

THE Queensland government’s $20m program to clean up the state’s waterways has seen dozens of derelict vessels removed from Gold Coast waters.

The Palaszczuk government’s $20m War on Wrecks program removed 37 derelict vessels from Gold Coast in 2021.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said on the Gold Coast a mix of speed boats, yachts, house boats and cabin cruisers between 4-to-12 metres had been removed and destroyed from locations including Currigee, Labrador, Jacobs Well and Cabbage Tree Point.

“This year, a further 11 abandoned vessels are set to be removed at multiple Gold Coast locations – remember, if it’s your boat, it’s your responsibility,” he said.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority CEO Chris Derksema said since the program launched in September 2018, 154 abandoned watercraft had been removed from Gold Coast waterways.

“We work closely with Maritime Safety Queensland to identify and monitor abandoned vessels, which includes identifying owners and encouraging them to take responsibility in the first instance,” he said.

“Where the owners fail to remove a vessel, the next appropriate measure is to remove and destroy it while seeking cost recovery from the owner.”

People who spot an abandoned vessel are encouraged to report it either by email mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au or phone at 5539 7350.