Boat owners urged to prepare vessels as river conditions change

Published on 14 January 2026

Rockhampton Regional Council is advising boat owners on the Fitzroy River to prepare their vessels following advice from Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).

Recent significant rainfall across the Fitzroy River catchment has resulted in increasing upstream flows and rising river levels, with water flows in navigable sections of the river expected to increase.

Floating debris and vegetation may already be present on the river and are anticipated to increase in volume as water continues to move downstream from the upper reaches of the river system.

Vessel owners are urged to take proactive steps to protect their vessels, including preparing to remove or securely moor them. Owners choosing to move vessels should exercise caution, as debris may foul propellers or clog water intakes.

Mariners are reminded to monitor weather forecasts and river conditions regularly, maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 16, and comply with all directions issued by the Regional Harbour Master or authorised delegates.

The community are encouraged to stay up to date via Council’s Emergency Dashboard at https://emergency.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/

For the latest marine information, follow the Maritime Safety Queensland dashboard at https://qldmaritime.msq.qld.gov.au/

Advice for boat owners:

• Prepare to remove or secure your vessel.
• If choosing to move your vessel, be aware of debris fouling engine propellers or clogging water intakes, which may render your vessel a dead ship and loss of propulsion or steerage may result.
• Vessels owners on moorings should be aware of apparatus integrity.
• Mooring lines are to be doubled with secondary lines to alternative cleats.
• Check boat cleats for integrity, ensure lines are made fast to substantial boat parts, for example mast steps, winches and so on, bearing in mind cleats are known to have been torn out of decks.
• Have sufficient line to secure your vessel and position spare fenders and lines.
• Do not use chain to secure the vessel.
• Ensure ropes and other synthetic fibres are in good order and are capable of withstanding high loads, lines to be adjustable from on-board.
• Keep storm anchors and spare warps ready at hand but well secured to prevent them creating a potential hazard such as fouling propellers in the event you must move the vessel.
• Monitor the weather forecasts.
• Make sure you comply with all directions issued by the Regional Harbour Master or delegates.