Funding Support in Development for Damaged Boat Removal in Whitsundays

Support is being developed to assist with the removal of damaged boats from waterways in the Whitsundays following recent severe weather, with Queensland Reconstruction Authority working alongside councils to address the issue.

A Queensland Reconstruction Authority spokesperson said disaster recovery funding arrangements have been activated to support councils across the affected region, however the current scope of support does not include the removal of damaged vessels from waterways. Existing disaster response measures are focused on land-based operations such as sandbagging, traffic management and evacuation support.

Boat removal has been identified as a priority in the Whitsundays due to the scale of damage and the impact on waterways.

The removal of damaged vessels from waterways sits in a grey area under existing recovery frameworks. Maritime Safety Queensland may intervene where a vessel is impeding navigation or access within a waterway, particularly if efforts to contact the vessel owner are unsuccessful.

Transport and Main Roads explained that under Queensland’s maritime safety and pollution legislation, owners are responsible for the clean-up and salvage of their vessels.
 
“Where vessels pose a risk to navigation, public safety or the environment, or are deemed abandoned after reasonable attempts to contact the owner, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) may arrange removal,” said a Transport and Main Roads spokesperson.
 
“If MSQ is required to remove a vessel, it will seek reimbursement for the cost from the owner, including through the courts, if required.”

Outside of navigational safety concerns, broader cleanup activities remain the responsibility of councils.

Queensland Reconstruction Authority will not be physically removing vessels, instead providing financial oversight and support to ensure councils can carry out necessary recovery works effectively, on time and within budget.

The spokesperson said work is underway to develop a targeted funding package to support boat removal in the region. While standard recovery funding can be activated quickly, more specialised assistance is delivered through exceptional circumstances packages, which are designed to address unique, short-term needs in specific regions. Boat removal in the Whitsundays is being considered under this category.

The funding package is still in development and no timeframe has been confirmed for an announcement. Once finalised, details will be made available to councils and the community

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