A helicopter has been mobilised in the Palaszczuk Government's War on Wrecks for the removal of an abandoned yacht that had been left high and dry on rocks at Burleigh Heads.
Member for Redlands and War on Wrecks Taskforce chair Kim Richards said the yacht, Sweet Kate, came to a bitter end in Tallebudgera Creek late last year before washing up on rocks.
"Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) gave the owner plenty of opportunity to salvage the yacht before the tide went out on his chances to act," Ms Richards said.
"A yacht on the rocks calls for an innovative solution but far from being all at sea, the taskforce hatched a plan.
"The taskforce enlisted Marine Civil Contractors who used a helicopter with a sling to hoist the battered hull and other wreckage into the back of a waiting truck."
Member for Gaven and Assistant Minister for Tourism Development Meaghan Scanlon said the salvage and disposal operation was completed late last week.
"The removal of this wreck was necessary for the safety of boaties and other recreational users of our waterways on the Gold Coast which attract thousands of visitors every week from across Australia and the world," Ms Scanlon said.
"Because the yacht was precariously perched on rocks and being hit by surf, the safest option for salvage wasn't by sea but from above with a helicopter.
"The job was done quickly and safely."
Ms Richards said owners were responsible for the repair or removal of their damaged vessels from Queensland waterways.
"MSQ always seeks to recover the cost of salvage operations from the owners of wrecked or abandoned boats where they can be identified," she said.
"And, this helicopter-assisted salvage effort is no different.
"To help keep Queensland's waterways safe for navigation, more than 72 vessels have been removed by either their owners or MSQ under the Palaszczuk Government's $20 million War on Wrecks program.
"Importantly, the War on Wrecks Taskforce is taking a proactive approach by investigating strategies to stop boats becoming wrecks in the first place."
More than 250 derelict vessels have been identified in Queensland waters and are being closely monitored.
Video of the War on Wrecks Taskforce operation at Burleigh Heads is here:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/qs7u5yfax4ztpia/Sweet%20lady%20-%20wrecks%202.MOV?dl=0
