MSQ teams up with Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol
Queensland boaties and fishers will see further enforcement and resourcing benefits of a single marine services agency now that Maritime Safety Queensland has teamed up with its long time partner, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol today officially transferred from their present home within the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) to Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) within Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol already works closely with MSQ in both education and enforcement roles under a memorandum of understanding in place for several years.
Boating and Fisheries officers share office space and facilities at half of all Maritime Safety Queensland’s operational bases.
By bringing them within Maritime Safety Queensland’s organisation they can better combine their assets in delivering services such as marine education and safety awareness programs, which is good news for all boaties.
The shift will also enable better coordination of marine assets and personnel to respond to maritime emergencies such as oil spills and severe weather events.
Look out for more joint patrols especially in areas such as the Gold Coast and the Whitsundays, which will enable better monitoring and enforcement of a broader range of on-water marine activities.
