Tag: abandoned boats

Damaged Yacht Prompts Public Safety Advisory at Margate Beach

Residents and visitors at Margate Beach are being asked to keep their distance from a damaged yacht as local authorities work to secure the area.

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Incident and Vessel Condition

Margate Beach in Redcliffe has become a safety concern after a yacht broke free from its mooring and ran aground. The damaged vessel, which had taken on water before beaching, raised worries about possible pollution and hazards. 

Photo Credit: Leonard J Matthews/Flickr

Inspections found no fuel or oil leaks, but the hull sustained significant damage. Some items have already been removed from the yacht to reduce risks to the community.

Community Safety Measures

Council emphasised that residents and visitors should avoid approaching the grounded yacht to prevent injury. Maritime Safety Queensland has provided safety advice for skippers, including monitoring weather forecasts, planning trips early, and wearing lifejackets. 

Photo Credit: David McKelvey/Flickr

Beachgoers are being reminded that these measures are designed to protect both individuals and the wider community using the waterways.

Broader Concerns Over Abandoned Vessels

The grounding at Margate Beach reflects wider issues in Moreton Bay, where abandoned or improperly moored boats have frustrated residents for months. Council has issued notices to owners of vessels left in canals and continues to work with state agencies to ensure unseaworthy boats do not pose risks to navigation, the environment, or public safety. 

In recent years, only a small number of vessels have been removed by Council, highlighting the challenges in managing waterways effectively.

Ongoing Monitoring and Community Involvement

Both the Council and Maritime Safety Queensland continue to monitor Margate Beach and surrounding waterways to prevent further incidents. 

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Residents are encouraged to report drifting or damaged vessels promptly, helping authorities maintain safe conditions along the foreshore. Local awareness and compliance play a key role in reducing hazards and preserving the beach for community enjoyment.

Published 19-August-2025

Redcliffe Residents Fume Over ‘Parked’ Boats in Jabiru Canal

Photo Credit: Moreton Bay

Authorities are currently investigating concerns raised by homeowners in Redcliffe’s Jabiru Canal, where numerous boats are reportedly being left for weeks or even months, causing frustration and damage for waterfront residents.

Read: Redcliffe Joins Expanded DFV Response with Specialised Police Team

Residents living along the canal, which is bordered by homes and shops at Newport Marketplace, have reported a growing number of vessels being abandoned. In one incident, a boat slipped its anchor and collided with a homeowner’s vessel, which was moored to a pontoon, resulting in thousands of dollars in damage. 

The resident involved found that the “abandoned” boat was uninsured, making it impossible to claim for repairs. There are also claims that rubbish has been discarded into the water and onto canal banks from some of these lingering boats.

Community Concerns Mount

Jabiru Canal
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay

Many residents have expressed their strong dissatisfaction with the situation. One member of a local private social media group shared that they were “sick of looking” at the boats in their canal, questioning why they are permitted to stay for such long periods. Another resident highlighted that they pay to live in the area, unlike those living on boats, and noted that some vessels are anchored very close to homes. 

Comments from the community also indicated concerns about boats constantly drifting and damaging other vessels, with the added problem of uninsured owners being unable to cover the cost of repairs.

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Council’s Stance and Legal Framework

Jabiru Canal
Photo Credit: Moreton Bay

A spokesperson for Council stated that vessels are only allowed to be moored in canals within the local government area under specific conditions, such as during an emergency or when a contractor employed by Council is conducting maintenance work. If an offence is confirmed, enforcement action can be taken, which may include issuing notices, fines, or potentially Council removing the vessel.

Council’s spokesperson noted that the legislative framework for mooring in canals in the region is provided by the Community Standards for Public Land and Roads Local Law 2023. For any instances where a vessel breaks free from its anchorage or mooring, residents are advised to contact Vessel Traffic Services at 3258 4888 or Water Police at 3895 0333.

Published Date 11-Jun-2025