Transport Minister John Mickel says legislative amendments introduced in State Parliament today will allow Maritime Safety Queensland to take firmer action against boat owners who pollute waterways or dump derelict vessels along the coastline. "The amendments I have introduced will tighten existing legislation, making offenders who discharge pollution more accountable for the damage they cause," said Mr Mickel.
(PressZoom) - Transport Minister John Mickel says legislative amendments introduced in State Parliament today will allow Maritime Safety Queensland to take firmer action against boat owners who pollute waterways or dump derelict vessels along the coastline.
"The amendments I have introduced will tighten existing legislation, making offenders who discharge pollution more accountable for the damage they cause," said Mr Mickel.
Changes to the Transport Operations ( Marine Pollution ) Act will allow those who suffer loss or damage from a discharged pollutant to recover their costs.
The legislative change addresses a situation which occurred in Gladstone Harbour where the owners of several private vessels were left to negotiate individually for costs following an oil spill from the bulk carrier "The Global Peace" in January 2006.
The amendments will also enable Maritime Safety Queensland to proceed with future regulations regarding the storage of untreated sewage.
Those regulations will require vessels with fixed toilets operating in nil-discharge areas for untreated sewage to have appropriate equipment onboard - for example, a sewage-holding tank or treatment system.
Additional consultation will be undertaken as part of these amendments.
"Considering the growth in shipping and the importance of our fragile marine environment it is essential that Queensland take a strong stance on the discharge of sewage," said Mr Mickel.
A third amendment also introduced today will make owners of derelict vessels more accountable for their removal or salvage.
"These changes mean the last-known registered owner of a ship will be considered to still be the owner for the purposes of written directions about that ship or the recovery of costs," said Mr Mickel.
"As a result the owners will be required to accept their responsibilities so we can maintain the safety, amenity and environmental integrity of Queensland's waterways."
Ministerial contact: Chris Brown 3237 1944
May 14, 2008
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