- Independent review launched into short-and-long term solutions to mitigate shoaling at Mooloolah River bar on the Sunshine Coast.
- Review will develop recommendations taking into account views from the Stakeholder Reference Group.
- Investigations continue into the tragic death of an experience skipper, who lost his life while crossing the bar last month.
The Crisafulli Government has announced an expert independent review into long-and-short-term solutions to address shoaling at Mooloolah River bar on the Sunshine Coast.
It follows the tragic death of experienced skipper Robert Smith, who lost his life crossing the Mooloolah River bar on the morning of 27 August 2025.
The review will develop recommendations to help prevent and/or mitigate shoaling events, taking into account the varying views of the current Stakeholder Reference Group.
The Crisafulli Government will also establish the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority to give locals a greater say in how their waterways are managed.
The authority will take on long-term responsibility for managing the Mooloolah River bar and implementing recommendations from the review.
Maritime Safety Queensland has already undertaken targeted dredging of the bar in June as part of the Western Channel Trial, with follow-up surveys conducted in July and August.
Mariners continue to be issued regular warnings about conditions including shoaling at the bar crossing.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the review would consider impacts on the community, tourism operators, maritime and recreational users.
"Our thoughts are with Robert's family and the entire Sunshine Coast boating community," Minister Mickelberg said.
"While the incident remains under investigation, we know the Mooloolah River bar presents ongoing challenges.
"We are a government that listens to the community, unlike the former Labor Government which has been in charge of the crossing for the last decade.
"That's why I've asked my Department to commission an independent review to ensure we're doing everything reasonably practicable to improve safety."
Deputy Premier and Member for Kawana Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government was listening to residents of the Sunshine Coast after a decade of decline under the former Labor Government.
"As the Member for Kawana, I welcome this expert independent review of the Mooloolah River bar and the establishment of a Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority following the tragic death of a beloved member of our community – Robert 'Smithy' Smith," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"For nearly a decade, myself and the Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson have been raising safety concerns and calling for action to address the dynamic and challenging nature of this bar.
"The Crisafulli Government is listening to residents of the Sunshine Coast and delivering change after a decade of decline.
"Robert Smith's tragic death remains under investigation; however, we owe it to Smithy's loved ones and the community to make this waterway as safe as possible."
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson welcomed the announcement and paid tribute to the community's advocacy.
"This is a deeply sad time for our community, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Robert's family and friends," Ms Simpson said.
"Together, with locals, we have been calling for the best long-term solution and we are committed to ensuring this review delivers that, with ongoing local input continuing with the new Waterways Authority.
"It's about making our waterways safer and ensuring local voices are heard."
The review's Terms of Reference are available here: https://www.msq.qld.gov.au/Boating-facilities/Mooloolaba-boat-harbour-dredging
