Canal clearing in "parked" boats row

Action is being taken after residents complained of boats “parked” for weeks and months in a Moreton Bay canal.

Moreton Bay City Council Local Laws Rangers have put ‘abandoned vessel’ notices on several boats in Newport, with a deadline to move.

A Council spokesperson said rangers “continue to actively monitor any unauthorised vessels in Jabiru Canal”.

“One vessel has since departed from the canal. Another two are subject to compliance action,” the spokesperson said.

“Mooring a vessel in a Council controlled canal is a restricted activity under Council’s Community Standards for Public Land & Roads Local Law 2023.

“Where mooring is not permitted, Council takes appropriate action in accordance with the vessel being abandoned or occupied.”

Councillor Sandra Ruck (Div 5) said Council investigations had been “frustrated by the movement and return of vessels” and no-one appearing to be onboard.

It followed calls for action from waterfront residents over boats "parking" free in the canal. Some slipped anchor and hit vessels moored to pontoons.

When a homeowner tried to claim for damage, it appeared the “parked” vessel had not been insured. Rubbish was also dumped in the water and on canal banks.

Comments in the Newport Waterside Residents Facebook group include: “I don’t complain much but geez we are sick of looking at these boats in our canal”.

Another posted: “We pay to live here. They don’t! Half of them are within 10m from three of us who live here. Just sick of looking at them (boats) dumped there.”

Further comments included: “These boats constantly drift anchor and damage other boats.

“What is meant to happen when they drift into the people’s boats that live on the canal when half the time no-one is even on board.”

Mooring in a Council-controlled canal is restricted except for an emergency, essential services, contractors working for Council or if moored to a private jetty/pontoon with owner’s permission.

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

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