Six-knot vessel speed limit extended

Following consultation with the community, Maritime Safety Queensland has extended the six-knot speed limit for vessels at Double Island Point.

Due to the shifting sandbanks to the immediate west of Double Island Point, the vessel speed limit zone has been extended to ensure a safer lagoon area for all waterway users.

The six-knot vessel speed limit zone now extends from Double Island Point through a yellow marker buoy to a point west of the lagoons.

Maritime Safety Queensland has gazetted an extension to the six-knot vessel speed limit zone at the popular Double Island Point lagoons area on the Fraser Coast.

Implementing these new changes will enhance safety at this busy shared waterway.

Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Kell Dillon said, “Everyone deserves to be able to safely access our wonderful waterways.”

“The beach and lagoon area at Double Island Point have grown in popularity among boaties and swimmers.

“After consulting with the community, we’ve extended the six-knot speed limit for vessels to make sure everyone can safely enjoy this waterway.

“The six-knot vessel speed limit zone now extends from Double Island Point through a yellow marker buoy to a point west of the lagoons,” Mr Dillon said.

The shifting sands had caused the lagoons to extend beyond the six-knot zone, which was previously gazetted in 2022, with the new gazetted areas now capturing the western parts of the lagoon.

The revised speed zone is a decision made around safety concerns following reports and complaints of near misses from the community to several agencies including MSQ, Queensland Police Service, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol and Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

Community consultation on the proposed extension was undertaken in February and March 2024, with the majority of the community being supportive of the extension to the speed limit zone.

Visit msq.qld.gov.au for more information.

Enquiries and feedback can be emailed to consultation@msq.qld.gov.au