Changes for boating on Noosa River
We have introduced a Noosa River waterway management plan, a 6 stage approach, to make the river safer for all.
Developed following community feedback, the Noosa River plan will:
- ease river congestion and improve safety
- ensure fair access to the waterways
- improve environmental impacts from vessel activity.
The Noosa River waterway plan 6 stage approach
Stage 1: September 2023
- A 6 knots speed limits area was introduced:
- within 60m of the southern shore of Noosa River from the entrance to Lake Doonella to Noosa Sound
- across Noosa Sound and up to Woods Bay
- the “dog beach” area, south of the river entrance.
Stage 2: from April 2024
- Maritime Safety Queensland issuing "notices to comply" to vessels that are not seaworthy or not following marine safety and pollution standards.
Stage 3: from May 2024
- Vessels assessed as derelict or abandoned required to be removed from the Noosa River.
Stage 4: July 2024
- No anchoring zone for Noosa River. This will apply to:
- within 60m of the southern shore of Noosa River from the entrance to Lake Doonella to Noosa Sound (commencing from 15 July 2024)
- across Noosa Sound and up to Woods Bay
- the “dog beach” area, south of the river entrance.
Map S8o-54-1 shows the restricted anchorage area of the Noosa River and connecting waterways:
- commencing on the approximate seaward limit of land or mangrove at latitude 26° 23.247' S, longitude 153° 05.301' E near the eastern end of Garth Prowd Bridge at Noosa Heads
- then in a generally easterly and south-easterly direction following the approximate seaward limit of land or mangrove to latitude 26° 23.247' S, longitude 153° 05.158' E which is at the eastern end of Woods Bay
- then in a generally westerly and south-westerly direction following a line at a distance of 60 metres from the approximate seaward limit of land or mangrove to latitude 26° 23.517' S, longitude 153° 04.556' E near the western end of a canal estate in Noosa Heads
- then in a generally south-westerly direction to latitude 26° 23.569' S longitude 153° 04.442' E which is at a distance of 60 metres from the approximate seaward limit of land or mangrove at Munna Point
- then in a generally south-westerly and westerly direction along the Noosa River following a line at a distance of 60 metres from the approximate seaward limit of land or mangrove to latitude 26° 23.698' S, longitude 153° 02.571' E near the entrance to Lake Doonella
- then in a south-westerly direction to the approximate seaward limit of land or mangrove at latitude 26° 23.727' S, longitude 153° 02.554' E near Hilton Terrace road bridge, Noosaville
- then in a generally easterly and north-easterly direction along the approximate seaward limit of land or mangrove to latitude 26° 23.602' S, longitude 153° 04.452' E at Munna Point excluding all waters of Noosa Waters canal estate
- then in a north-easterly direction to the approximate seaward limit of land or mangrove at latitude 26° 23.538' S, longitude 153° 04.589' E near the western end of a canal estate in Noosa Heads
- then in a generally north-easterly direction along the approximate seaward limit of land or mangrove to latitude 26° 23.258' S, longitude 153° 05.273' E near the western end of Garth Prowd Bridge at Noosa Heads
- then in a generally easterly direction to the point of commencement excluding other waters connected with this area.
Stage 5: October 2024
- Unoccupied vessels over 5m long will not be able to anchor in all waters from the southern entrance of Lake Cooroibah downstream to the river entrance.
Stage 6: March 2025
- 28-day anchoring restrictions will apply to all vessels in Noosa waterways (excluding vessels on approved moorings).