- The Crisafulli Government is delivering on its election commitment for a Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority.
- The Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority (SCWA) will be established by 1 July 2026, taking responsibility for maintaining local waterways and delivering and upgrading key marine infrastructure.
- The SCWA will also lead the development of a 10‑year waterways management strategy as part of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to protecting the region's lifestyle and environment.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland's future and delivering on a key election commitment, with the establishment of the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority (SCWA) from 1 July 2026 through legislation introduced last night.
Labor failed to properly regulate waterways on the Sunshine Coast, leading to choked and overburdened waterways, and a lack of clarity for marine industries, local councils, and residents.
The SCWA will provide holistic waterway management, deliver certainty where it is needed and is part of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to protecting the region's lifestyle and environment now and into the future.
The independent statutory authority will oversee waterways from Pumicestone Passage to the Noosa River and Noosa Lakes, including the Mooloolah River and the Mooloolaba State Boat Harbour.
SCWA will be responsible for long‑term marine planning, dredging and maintenance of declared channels, and the delivery and upkeep of essential marine infrastructure such as jetties and boat ramps.
The establishment of the SCWA also furthers the Crisafulli Government's swift action and emergency works to protect and restore Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage, by supporting the long-term management and maintenance of the system.
The establishment of the SCWA also furthers the Crisafulli Government's swift action and emergency works to protect and restore Bribie Island and the Pumicestone Passage.
Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations Jarrod Bleijie said the Crisafulli Government was delivering on its election commitments to the Sunshine Coast, after community concerns had been ignored by Labor during their decade of decline.
"Establishing the Sunshine Coast Waterways Authority is another example of the Crisafulli Government delivering on our election commitments," Deputy Premie Bleijie said.
"Labor short-changed the Sunshine Coast by refusing to establish this crucial body, despite the Gold Coast having a similar authority for over a decade.
"Whether it's delivering Bribie Island urgent works or the establishing the Sunshine Coast Waterway Authority, the Crisafulli Government is listening to the residents of the Sunshine Coast and giving locals a greater say in how their waterways are managed."
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the SCWA delivered on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to futureproof the waterways in and around the Sunshine Coast for community and visitors to enjoy now and for generations to come.
"The SCWA will support safe, accessible waterways providing structure and governance to marine businesses and communities, to preserve the Sunshine Coast's lifestyle and economy now and into the future," Minister Mickelberg said.
"We know Labor made a mess of marine health and infrastructure during their decade of decline, with polluted and overcrowded waterways being the result of minimal to no regulation, oversight and planning to keep pace with a growing population."
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the SCWA would be a one-stop-shop to deliver trusted local knowledge for all water users.
"The SCWA will help local industries continue to thrive and invest with confidence, while protecting some of the Sunshine Coast's greatest natural assets," Ms Simpson said.
Member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said the Crisafulli Government was delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy for the Sunshine Coast.
"Properly looking after our waterways will give a boost to tourism operators, helping build a better lifestyle through a stronger economy," Ms Morton said.
Member for Pumicestone Ariana Doolan said the SCWA would help protect the future of the Pumicestone Passage.
"The Pumicestone Passage was ignored by the former Labor Government, but the SCWA will help manage and protect this waterway for future generations," Ms Doolan said.
Maritime Safety Queensland will remain the state's maritime regulator, responsible for pollution management, safety compliance, education, enforcement and emergency response.
