Taskforce continues gaining ground in war on wrecks

In July 2018, the Queensland Government committed $20 million over 4 years towards removing derelict and illegally dumped vessels from Queensland waterways. The Minister for Transport and Main Roads announced the establishment of a War on Wrecks Taskforce (the Taskforce), comprised of Parliamentary and Industry representatives to make recommendations to the government for a holistic response to these issues.

Investigation into the root causes of vessel abandonment is underway and the Taskforce plans a series of community forums to discuss the next steps government can take in reducing the number of derelict vessels in our waterways and creating a culture of responsible boat ownership in Queensland.

2020 community consultation forums

The Taskforce undertook a successful community engagement and consultation process and met with regional stakeholders around the state.

Consultation forums were held in the following locations:

• Cairns Saturday 1 August
• Noosa Saturday 22 August
• Wynnum Saturday 12 September
• Gladstone Monday 28 September

Discussions were focussed on the removal program and the implementation of the Taskforce recommendations.  Community feedback was sought on potential changes to licencing and registration, as well as vessel identification.

View a summary of the community discussions (PDF, 206 KB).

War on Wrecks status

As at 30 September 2020, using $7.6 millions of the War on Wrecks funding, Maritime Safety Queensland, along with partner agencies and owners, have removed 659 wrecks and derelicts from Queensland waters. With just under 300 additional vessels identified either as derelict or at risk of becoming derelict, we will continue to remove these rotting, unseaworthy and derelict vessels from our bays, rivers and creeks.

Check out the latest War on Wrecks removals

View some of the recent removals by the War on Wrecks team.

War on Wrecks Taskforce Report

The Taskforce delivered its report (PDF, 1.63 MB) to the Queensland Government, which provides a framework to develop a wholistic approach towards responsible boat ownership.

How you can help

Email us at WarOnWrecks@msq.qld.gov.au if you:

• know of the location of an unseaworthy vessel that is a danger to navigation or a threat to the marine environment or public safety
• own such a vessel and would like to discuss ways of removing it
• know the identity and contact details of the owners of such vessels
• think you can help with suggestions to prevent vessels becoming derelict and abandoned in future.