Clampdown on "abandoned" boats

'Abandoned Vessel' notices have been put on boats “parked” in a Moreton Bay canal – with a deadline for owners to comply with Local Laws.

It follows complaints by residents living beside Jabiru Canal in Newport about a growing number of boats left for “weeks/months” in the waterway.

There are claims one slipped anchor and hit a vessel moored to a private pontoon, as well as rubbish being dumped in the water and on banks.

A Moreton Bay City Council spokesperson said: “Local Laws Rangers have been actively monitoring vessels in Jabiru Canal”.

“The first step is to determine if a vessel is occupied or abandoned. Abandoned vessel notices are issued in accordance with local laws where appropriate,” the spokesperson said.

“Compliance actions are taken with people who do not comply with the City’s current local laws, and these will be monitored until compliance is achieved.

“Further action may occur after the compliance date if the individual has not complied with current local laws, such as vessels being relocated after the compliance period.”

Cr Sandra Ruck (Div 5) told the Newport Waterside Residents’ private Facebook group, one of the vessels was waiting for “mechanical repairs”.

She said Council investigations had been “frustrated by the movement and return of vessels” and in one case no-one appearing to be onboard.

The post, seen by Moreton Daily, said a Ranger went to the canal twice in May and again on June 5, with a Local Laws Team Leader, when three vessels were seen moored.

“Abandoned Vessel notices have been placed on the vessels with a compliance date of 19 June 2025,” Cr Ruck said in the post.

She said mooring in a Council-controlled canal is a “restricted activity under Council’s Community Standards for Public Land and Roads Local Law 2023”.

Exceptions are for an emergency, essential services, contractors working for Council or if moored to a private jetty or pontoon with the owner’s permission.

Abandoned vessels can be seized and impounded after June 19. Those not abandoned and not relocated can also be seized and impounded.

“While it is frustrating for residents for these boats to be removed, these things take time and must be handled in the correct, legal manner,” Cr Ruck said.

Comments on the Facebook post included a call for the return of signs stating anchorage rules.

If a vessel breaks free of it anchorage or mooring, phone Vessel Traffic Services 3258 4888 or Water Police 3895 0333.