AN abandoned houseboat posing an environmental and navigational threat marooned on the beach at Coochiemudlo Island has been removed, with the owner now facing possible prosecution.
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) intervened after the vessel was discovered inside the Moreton Bay Marine National Park, raising concerns about potential pollutants leaking into the protected marine area.
A Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said immediate action was taken due to the risk of debris and onboard pollutants damaging the sensitive ecosystem of Coochimudlo Island and endangering other waterway users.
“If the vessel were to break apart, the debris would pose a serious risk and hazard to other waterway users and pose a pollution risk to the sensitive marine environment,” the spokesperson said.
MSQ identified the vessel’s owner during the investigation and issued a compliance notice requiring the boat’s removal in a designated timeframe.
However, the owner failed to act.
On July 22, MSQ said it safely removed the vessel and disposed of it at an approved waste management facility.
“It is the intent of MSQ to prosecute the owner for failing to comply with the requirement and seek costs for carrying out the removal,” a TMR spokesperson said.
Under Queensland law, boat owners are responsible for keeping their vessels in a seaworthy condition or removing them from state waters if unable to do so.
When owners fail in this duty, MSQ and other agencies — including local councils like Redland City Council — have authority to remove the vessels.
The removal is the latest in an ongoing effort by MSQ to keep Queensland’s waterways safe and environmentally secure.
