Port closes

Issued by Minister for Transport and Minister for Main Roads

5 March 2004

The Port of Brisbane has been closed as it prepares for severe weather heading towards it today.

Transport Minister Paul Lucas said Maritime Safety Queensland had advised ferry and barge operators in Moreton Bay to stop services for the time being.

"Maritime Safety Queensland has been monitoring the weather closely since late yesterday and regularly assessing the situation today," Mr Lucas said.

"Pilotage for ships entering and leaving the port limits was suspended earlier today because the size of the seas was making pilot transfers at the boarding ground off Mooloolaba too dangerous.

"The port remained open for local movements for another four hours or so but eventually even that became too unsafe, with winds increasing to over 60 knots at Cape Moreton and 50 knots at the Inner Bar of the Brisbane River.

"The Regional Harbour Master has closed the port, and recalled all local ferries to their berths. Ferry services from Toondah at Cleveland and Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island are being suspended until further notice."

Five vessels are anchored in Moreton Bay, two waiting to leave and three waiting to come into the port. Another ship is out at sea, waiting to come in.

Commuters who use services such as water taxis to get home to the smaller bay islands should contact those companies to see if they are still operating.

The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for coastal waters south from the Town of 1770 to Coolangatta, predicting destructive wind gusts of up to 50 knots (130 km/h), heavy rain and big seas.

A similar situation in 1998 led to pilotage being suspended at Brisbane but it remained open for local vessels on that occasion.

Maritime Safety Queensland is urging boat owners and operators along Queensland's southern coastal waters also to prepare for the severe weather tonight by checking their boat moorings and fittings.

Maritime Safety Queensland is a Queensland Transport agency that provides a range of essential services. It establishes safety requirements for the maritime industry and recreational boat users, and promotes maritime safety generally.