The Queensland Government has announced an expert independent review into long-and-short-term solutions to address shoaling at Mooloolah River bar on the Sunshine Coast.
It follows the tragic death of experienced skipper, Robert Smith, who lost his life crossing the Mooloolah River bar on the morning of 27 August.
The Government says the review will develop recommendations to help prevent and/or mitigate shoaling events, taking into account the varying views of the current Stakeholder Reference Group.
“As the Member for Kawana, I welcome this expert independent review of the Mooloolah River bar and the establishment of a Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority following the tragic death of a beloved member of our community – Robert ‘Smithy’ Smith,” said Deputy Premier and Member for Kawana, Jarrod Bleijie.
“For nearly a decade, myself and the Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson have been raising safety concerns and calling for action to address the dynamic and challenging nature of this bar.
“The Crisafulli Government is listening to residents of the Sunshine Coast and delivering change after a decade of decline.
“Robert Smith’s tragic death remains under investigation; however, we owe it to Smithy’s loved ones and the community to make this waterway as safe as possible.”
The Government also announced it will also establish the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority to give locals a greater say in how their waterways are managed. The authority will take on long-term responsibility for managing the Mooloolah River bar and implementing recommendations from the review.
Maritime Safety Queensland has already undertaken targeted dredging of the bar in June as part of the Western Channel Trial, with follow-up surveys conducted in July and August.
Mariners continue to be issued regular warnings about conditions including shoaling at the bar crossing.
The review’s Terms of Reference are available here: https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Boating-facilities/Mooloolaba-boat-harbour-dredging.
