Resident calls for council to act on Victoria Point wreck

The timber and fibreglass barge is about 10m long and was reasonably sound until a large whole was cut in its seaward side which has started loosening timbers.

James Dunlevie said the the wreck had been upturned on the southern side of the point boat ramp for about three months after strong winds and heavy seas and was a major eyesore.

“Lately with the powerful winds we’ve had, it’s starting to break up,’’ Mr Dunlevie said.

“There’s pieces of timber floating around and littering the shore.’’

Mr Dunlevie said nails were protuding from beached timber which could end up in a child’s foot.

“It’s time the council got in and cleaned this mess up,’’ he said. “There’s no need for the beach to be strewn with rubbish like this.’’

A council spokesman said staff were working on the vessel’s removal.

“Except where it constitutes an immediate hazard, council and Marine Safety Queensland must follow a prescribed procedure for an abandoned vessel to ensure every effort is made to contact the owner prior to its removal,’’ he said.

“This process has been finalised, with the vessel now considered abandoned.

“Council is working with MSQ on detailed investigations to determine the safest way to remove the vessel, with timing also influenced by the need for a large tide to allow works to take place.

“Council asks that people show common sense and not approach or climb on the wreckage.

“Until the removal is complete, council will continue checking the surrounding tidal area for vessel debris that may have broken away from the main wreckage and dispose of it safely.’’

Abandoned boats are an enduring problem along the coastline, with a handful foundering in Thorneside’s Tingalpa Creek where they were abandoned by owners.