The Queensland Government has reached a major milestone in protecting the state’s waterways, with safe removal of more than 2,000 derelict and abandoned vessels.
The milestone was marked with the removal of the abandoned yacht The Hoodlum from the southern end of the Pumicestone Passage near the Turners Camp Rest Area.
Delivered through the Keeping Our Waterways Safe program, the achievement highlights years of sustained effort to remove hazards from Queensland waters.
Since 2018, Maritime Safety Queensland has cleared more than 10,000 tonnes of abandoned vessels and hazardous materials, improving navigation safety and reducing the risk of marine pollution.
On average, around 257 vessels are removed each year — equating to about two every three days.
Among the significant achievements of the Keeping Our Waterways Safe program is the successful removal of the nine-metre sailing vessel Waylander in Moreton Bay, and the 50-metre ex-commercial vessel Endeavour Bay in Trinity Inlet, Cairns.
The Waylander broke free during severe weather, was pushed into mangroves on the northern side of Coochiemudlo Island, creating a serious safety and environmental hazard.
The removal of the Endeavour Bay was one of the program’s most complex operations, involving the extraction of 37 tonnes of hazardous materials and 98,000 litres of fuel and contaminants from the unseaworthy vessel.
Derelict and abandoned vessels can pose significant risks to both waterway users and the environment, particularly as they deteriorate, leak pollutants or break free from moorings.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the milestone highlighted the importance of ongoing action to protect Queensland waterways.
“Every derelict vessel removed is one less hazard for boaties and one less risk to our marine environment,” Mr Dillon said.
“Queensland’s waterways are central to our lifestyle and economy, and programs like Keeping Our Waterways Safe help ensure they remain clean, safe and accessible for everyone.”
Alongside removal efforts, Maritime Safety Queensland is working on strengthening vessel owner accountability to prevent vessels becoming derelict.
A suite of regulatory reforms is being explored to enhance enforcement powers, clarify owner responsibility and enable earlier intervention for high-risk vessels.
Owners remain responsible for their vessels. Where they fail to act, Maritime Safety Queensland can intervene and pursue cost recovery.
Maritime Safety Queensland continues to work with vessel owners, councils and communities to identify and remove hazards as part of its ongoing commitment to safer waterways.
To report a suspected derelict or abandoned vessel, contact Maritime Safety Queensland.
