UPDATE: 6 August 2019:
Thanks again for contributing to the future management of Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island. It has tended to be somewhat of a challenging consultation process with the timeline extended well beyond the original intent.
The
scope of this process was to identify and implement site-specific
safety arrangements to enhance the management of conflicting uses in Horseshoe Bay. Throughout the process however, MSQ has maintained fundamental principles guiding consultation;
The end result / outcome is not to be worse (less safe) for any of the key stakeholders, and
Voluntary compliance with any new restrictions is to be maximised through a shared understanding and agreement with the outcome – not a situation where users are either unaware (complex rules) or unwilling to comply.
After 9 months of public consultation it is apparent consensus can not be reached on an appropriate management model to separate commercial
water sports and safe anchorage areas.
Accordingly, MSQ will not be proceeding with anchoring restrictions in Horseshoe Bay at this point in time.
There was however great consensus on the implementation of a 6kn speed limit over the eastern side of Horseshoe Bay.
This new speed limit is to be gazetted on Friday 9 August 2019 and will be implemented immediately thereafter in accordance with the attached plan. You will note a series of buoys to be installed to delineate this area.
A Notice to Mariners will be issued once the new buoys have been installed.
Once again, thank you for your contributions, and patience, whilst we worked through these issues.