FILE: Some vessels have had to be refloated like the Daisy May in the Caboolture River in September 2020. Photo: Maritime Safety Queensland
The Queensland Government is extending the ‘shelf life’ of its derelict vessel removal program with $15 million for three more years.
And the sunken wreck of the fishing vessel, Lady Jane, is to be removed from the Ross River in Townsville under the extended program.
The Keeping Our Waterways Safe program was due to end on Monday (June 30).
Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg says they want to remove hazards caused by neglected or sunken vessels and will close legal loopholes that allow vessel owners to avoid paying for the cost of removing their vessels.
“We’ll be examining ways to ensure owners are held fully accountable for their vessels from the time of purchase through to disposal.”
“The government understands the importance of working with communities to keep our waterways clear and will continue removing abandoned and derelict vessels with a renewed focus on owner accountability,” he says.
“It’s simply not acceptable for some vessel owners to shirk their legal responsibilities to maintain their vessels or remove them from the water. Abandonment is not responsible disposal,” he says.
THE LADY JANE
Maritime Safety Queensland has seized the Lady Jane and hired local contractor Rhino Dive Pty Ltd to raise and dispose of it, the government says.
“Townsville boaties will be much safer with the removal of the Lady Jane and the marine environment will also benefit,” Mickelberg says.
MP for Townsville Adam Baillie says the removal of the wreck is a win for the community.
“Our waterways should be safe and clean, not a dumping ground for abandoned boats,” he says.
MP for Thuringowa Natalie Marr says clean waterways is crucial to the local community and industry.
“This program is about more than just removing wrecks, it’s about working with locals to build a culture of responsibility on our waterways,” she says.
MP for Mundingburra Janelle Poole says the removal of these vessels helps to safeguard marine ecosystems and protects waterways for future generations.
