Mayor Leu will join the War on Wrecks (WoW) taskforce as deputy chair, under Member for Redlands Kim Richards, in seeking feedback to identify the worst abandoned boats, with the backing of a $20 million WoW ‘fighting’ fund to remove the ships.

Port Douglas’s Dicksons Inlet is said to be home to at least 13 ruined vessels.

“We know how much these wrecks can spoil our beautiful waterways in Douglas Shire, so I am looking forward to working with other communities across the state to help fix this problem,” Mayor Leu said.

“Ultimately all wrecks could be seen as illegal dumping with potential to have a detrimental impact on our waterways.

“They can also pose a serious safety hazard during large tides or other weather events.”

Minister for Transport for Main Roads, Mark Bailey, said Mayor Leu and the taskforce would consult with Queenslanders everywhere to identify problem areas.

“I will expect the taskforce to progress towards achieving a long-term vision, where owners are able to take responsibility for their vessels for their entire lifecycle, and all Queenslanders can enjoy safer, cleaner seas,” he said.

“We continue to emphasise that vessel owners are responsible for maintaining their vessels and either repairing or removing them from water if they become derelict or a wreck.

“There is a general expectation in the community the government will act to remove their abandoned vessels at public cost but this is not the answer.”

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