Abandoned boat removed from Moogurrapum Creek

Redlands MP Kim Richards, who chairs the War on Wrecks task force, said abandoned vessels continued to be a challenge for coastal communities.

Not only did abandoned boats cause pollution, they posed risks for kayakers and boaties travelling nearby.

“We have always maintained it is the owner’s responsibility to remove or repair derelict vessels,” she said.

“However, where owners can’t be located or where they fail to meet their obligations the state has powers to act.”

Almost 270 derelict boats have been flagged by Maritime Safety Queensland for removal since the task force was set up in July this year, with about 50 boats clogging up waterways removed.

The state government was also investigating another 90 derelict vessels for removal.

Ms Richards said the ten-metre fibre glass boat at Moogurrapum Creek had become an eyesore and needed to be taken away.

“The dilapidated eyesore had become the subject of community comment and dissatisfaction especially among kayakers keen to enjoy the natural scenery of the waterway,” she said.

“Contactors used a crane on a barge, taking advantage of high tides to gain access to the wreck and collect it in a two-day operation.

“This is an excellent example of Maritime Safety Queensland’s commitment to protecting our waterways and the people who use them.”

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the state government could recover clean-up costs by taking boat owners who neglected their responsibilities to court.