Access
The ability to get out onto the water quickly from a launching point such as a boat ramp, jetty or pontoon.
This first-of-its-kind framework is designed to ensure each of the Gold Coast’s unique waterways is managed effectively—while aligning with a broader vision for sustainability and future growth.
Have your say in shaping the future of our waterways.
Deliver efficient and sustainable management of and access to the Gold Coast waterways.
Enhancing the waterways experience.
The ability to get out onto the water quickly from a launching point such as a boat ramp, jetty or pontoon.
A navigable channel network supported by infrastructure needed to access it.
Locations promoted for a variety of uses including recreation, events and industry activities such as shipbuilding and maintenance, tourism, film and television production.

40-44 Seaworld Drive
Main Beach Qld 4217
PO Box 107
Southport Qld 4215
Any damaged or missing aids to navigation such as beacons, buoys, markers or signs, should be reported as soon as possible on
07 5539 7350
For community engagement, communications or media enquiries please contact mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au
Who’s Who in the Blue explains who is responsible for managing, protecting and regulating Queensland’s waterways, particularly on the Gold Coast.
It clarifies agency roles across safety, environmental protection, pollution response, compliance and infrastructure, helping avoid confusion and duplication.
Overall, it’s a quick reference guide that supports coordination, accountability and effective waterway stewardship.
GCWA managed multi-use destinations, building infrastructure for commercial and recreation use of Gold Coast waterways.
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional custodians, the Yugambeh peoples of South East Queensland, including the Kombumerri, Mununjali, Wangerriburra, Bullongin and other clans, and their Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their unique and ongoing spiritual and cultural connection with the land and waters of the Gold Coast area.
Status: Closed
The Sand Bypass System (SBS) jetty is a working platform and is closed to the public whenever construction activity, sand pumping operations or maintenance works are underway, or during severe weather events.
For safety reasons, the jetty will remain closed until the end of 2026 while essential maintenance and ongoing sand pumping operations continue. We appreciate your understanding.
To find alternative jetty facilities, please visit the GCWA Destinations Map.
GCWA’s tidal works mapping is a public resource for general information purposes only.
The tidal works mapping is not a cadastral survey or hydrographic survey product. It should not be relied upon as the basis for making any decision, whether a business, conveyance, development, property boundary, property description, property title, property transaction, or any other decision.
GCWA makes no warranty, representation, or guarantee, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, content, reliability, suitability, or timeliness, with respect to the information or related graphics.
GCWA has taken care in preparing the mapping information, but accuracy is not guaranteed, and the information contained in the tidal works mapping must not be construed or used as a legal description of any property. Under no circumstances will GCWA be liable for any damages whatsoever, including business interruption, loss of business information, loss of data, loss of profits, property valuation, or any other damage, arising from use or misuse of this tidal works mapping.
Any errors or omissions should be reported to GCWA in writing by email to mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au.
Status: Closed
The SBS jetty is a working platform and for safety reasons is not open to the public during construction projects, when operating, undergoing maintenance or during severe weather events.
Until the end of 2025 while maintenance works, and sand pumping operations take place, the jetty will be closed.
Your understanding is appreciated, to find alternative jetty facilities please visit the GCWA destinations map.
Tidal works mapping information
GCWA’s tidal works mapping information is a public resource for general information purposes only. It is not a cadastral survey or hydrographic survey product. It should not be relied upon as the basis for making any decision, whether a business, conveyance, development, property boundary, property description, property title, property transaction, or any other decision. GCWA makes no warranty, representation, or guarantee, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, content, reliability, suitability, or timeliness with respect to the information or related graphics. GCWA has taken care in preparing the mapping information, but accuracy is not guaranteed, and the information contained in the GCWA Open Data Portal must not be construed or used as a legal description of any property. Any errors or omissions should be reported to GCWA in writing by email to mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au. Under no circumstances will GCWA be liable for any damages whatsoever, including business interruption, loss of business information, loss of data, loss of profits, property valuation or any other or damage arising from use or misuse of this mapping information.
| I want to talk to someone about… | Officer | Phone number |
| reporting oil pollution, a significant navigational hazard, or a damaged aid to navigation.Waterways Vision and Waterways Management Strategy | Waterways Operations Crew | 07 5539 7350 |
| a media issue | Senior Communications Advisor | 07 5539 7350 |
| a project | Program Delivery team | 07 5539 7350 |
| the Sand Management Plan | Planning and Innovation team | 07 5539 7350 |
| Waterways Access
· Dredging · Public pontoons & other marine infrastructure · Sand Bypass |
Program Delivery team | 07 5539 7350 |
| Waterways Management | Waterways team | 07 5539 7350 |
| · Anchoring and Mooring Compliance
· Aquatic Events · Doug Jennings Park · Abandoned vessels · Aircraft take-off and landing permits |
Waterways team | 07 5539 7350 |
| ·Navigation Aids
·Signage ·Pollution |
Waterways Operations Crew | 07 5539 7350 |
| Marinas | Waterways team | 07 5539 7350 |
| Private pontoons, jetties & boat ramps | Waterways team | 07 5539 7350 |
| Buoy Moorings | Planning and Innovation team | 07 5539 7350 |
| Executive Governance | 07 5539 7350 | |
| GCWA Board, CEO matters | 07 5539 7350 | |
| Community Engagement, Sponsorships & Partnerships | Community Engagement Officer | 07 5539 7350 |
| Business Management | Business Services team | 07 5539 7350 |
| Accounts Payable – General Accounts | Business Services team | 07 5539 7350 |
| Accounts Payable – Projects | Program Delivery team | 07 5539 7350 |
| Accounts Receivable | Business Services team | 07 5539 7350 |
Status: Closed
The SBS jetty is a working platform and for safety reasons is not open to the public during construction projects, when operating, undergoing maintenance or during severe weather events.
Until the end of 2025 while maintenance works, and sand pumping operations take place, the jetty will be closed.
Your understanding is appreciated, to find alternative jetty facilities please visit the GCWA destinations map.
