South Wave Break Island Channel Dredging Project

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is working to improve navigational access around our waterways by dredging the South Wave Break Island Channel. The dredged material will be reused to nourish foreshores of the Broadwater.

Monitoring of the South Wave Break Island Channel has identified that the channel depths are less than desired.

As a popular route for vessels, the channel must be returned to its desired depth to minimise risks to navigational safety and improve access for recreational and commercial vessels.

Navigational aids may be temporarily relocated and vessels must use caution around dredging and placement activities.

Dredged sand will be used to replenish eroded beaches of the Broadwater to reinstate a user–friendly and aesthetic foreshore. A total of approximately 20,000m³ of sand will be removed from the channel.

The project is part of our $50.4 million investment in construction and upgrade projects to improve access to the Gold Coast waterways through the Waterways Management Program 2024-2028.

BENEFITS

• Removal of shoaling improves safety for small and medium sized vessels traversing between the Seaway and western Broadwater
• Continued support for marine industries and people who rely on waterways access for their livelihoods
• Dredged sand will be used to replenish eroded beaches of the Broadwater to reinstate a user–friendly and aesthetic foreshore.

IMPACTS

• Navigational aids may be temporarily relocated
• Vessels must use caution around dredging and placement activities.
• Foreshore access may be restricted whilst replenishment occurs throughout August, September and October.