Where do old boats go to die in Brisbane? You know the ones that are waterlogged, rusty, have a spongy core and filled with leaf litter. The responsible boat owner will most likely sell their boats, or take them to them to a scrapyard or dump if they have ruled out boat repairs. But other vessels have been seemingly abandoned in Brisbane waterways, including inlets at Lota Creek & Wynnum Creek, where derelict boats have been left to deteriorate for many years.
Understandably locals aren’t impressed, labelling the run-down boats an ‘eyesore.’ But finding the original owners of the boats has become something of a challenge. With no permits required, free mooring and no policing of how long a boat has been there, it is difficult for some to determine which boats have been officially abandoned, with some vessels in greater states of disrepair than others.
Interestingly the Brisbane City Council has said it is not their responsibility, and Maritime Safety Queensland said no one agency was specifically responsible with MSQ managing vessels that are a navigation or pollution hazard. Since none of the abandoned vessels in Wynnum and Lota creek pose this threat, it seems the boats are here to stay – for the time being at least.
For those walking along the waterfront at Wynnum and Lota it is quite clear that many of the vessels are in serious disrepair, and more than likely that many of these will never see the open seas again. This poses the question that should boaties be allowed to moor their boats in places like Wynnum Creek for indefinite periods at no cost, and should there be a better way of tracking each vessel to each owner?
Here at Holt Marine, the only boats we like to see are out on Brisbane’s waterways, enjoying the benefits of this enjoyable and rewarding pastime. We encourage all boat owners to do the right thing and respect the local waterways. At our service centre we repair boats so instead of writing your boat off, consider bringing it to us since your old boat may not be dead after all, and just be waiting for a new lease on life. Call us today. (07) 3353 1928.
