News release from the Noosa Council as follows:

The beauty of the iconic Noosa River is to be further protected through the declaration of a marine zoning for the river.  If adopted, this will entail new requirements for a range of activities on the river.

Chair of the Noosa River Plan Community & Industry Advisory Committee Cr Peter McGregor says that with the increase of boats and various activities on the Noosa River, it has been necessary to develop a zoning plan to better manage recreational and commercial activities.

"Marine Zones are designed to allow marine activities in some areas, but not others, for reasons such as safety, amenity and environmental protection," explained Cr McGregor. "The Noosa River Marine Zone Proposal has been developed from extensive consultation and meetings with community and government representatives and is a key outcome of the Noosa River Plan."

Under the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Regulations 1994, local government can make proposals to Maritime Safety Queensland to establish marine zones.  Fellow member of the Noosa River Plan Committee Cr Frank Wilkie said today that Noosa will be the first Queensland council to propose a marine zoning.  "This will provide an effective mechanism for managing waterway activities to protect the highly valued Noosa River system," he commented.

A discussion paper has been prepared which addresses restrictions on marine activities including jet skiing, water skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing and freestyling activities.  It also proposes new restrictions for the operation, landing and take off of seaplanes, aeroplanes, hovercraft and helicopters.

Noosa Council is inviting interested members of the public to make submissions on the marine zone proposal up until July 20th.  The document may be viewed at the Noosa Council Offices at 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin or online at www.noosa.qld.gov.au/newsPublic notice of proposal to create a marine zone for public comment.

Pursuant to S 222 of the Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994, Noosa Council has prepared a discussion paper for a Marine Zone Proposal for the whole of the Noosa River and is now inviting submissions from public authorities, industry, interested groups and persons, and the public.

A marine zone is proposed for the Noosa River to regulate in certain areas personal watercraft (jet skis and the like), water skiing, kitesurfing, and windsurfing. It also proposes to prohibit the landing and take off of hovercrafts, airboats, seaplanes and helicopters on the Noosa River.

A copy of the discussion paper may be viewed at Level 2, Council’s Offices, 9 Pelican Street, Tewantin or can be obtained by contacting Noosa Council on 07 54495162, or viewed:

Noosa River Marine Zone Proposal 

Map 2 PWC Areas 

Map 3 Water Skiing Areas 
Map 4 Freestyling, Surfing & Wave Jumping Areas 

Written submissions on the discussion paper may be given to Council by any person. A properly made submission:

1. Is in writing and received by Council by 20 July 2007; and
2. Includes the name and address of each person making the submission; and
3. States the grounds of the submission and the relevant facts and circumstances in support of the grounds; and
4. Is addressed to Noosa Council, at PO Box 141, Tewantin, Q 4565, fax 07 5447 1062 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it