Our Waterways Future

Our Waterways Future

A long-term framework to guide the future use,
management and enhancement of the
Gold Coast waterways.

Download Final Framework
Download Final Framework

Planning for the Future of Our Waterways

The Gold Coast’s waterways are central to our identity, lifestyle, economy and way of life. As the city continues to grow, so too does the demand placed on these unique and valued places.

With more people living, working and playing on and around the water, careful planning is needed to ensure our waterways remain accessible, connected, resilient and well managed for generations to come.

Our Waterways Future was developed to help respond to these challenges and provide a strategic framework to guide the future use, management and enhancement of the Gold Coast waterways.

What is Our Waterways Future?

Our Waterways Future is a first-of-its-kind framework being developed by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA). It’s designed to ensure our waterways are well-managed and future-ready—supporting a growing population and evolving community needs over the next 20 years and beyond.

Building on the Gold Coast Waterways Management Strategy 2021–2030, the draft framework provides more detailed direction and supports the development of local waterway plans in high-use areas across the city.

Our Waterways Future will guide investment in transformative projects that aim to:

  • Improve access
  • Enhance user experiences
  • Deepen understanding and appreciation of our waterways

Why It Matters

Planning for the future of our waterways is essential to maintaining the Gold Coast’s world-class coastal lifestyle while accommodating the needs of a thriving, modern city.

The framework focuses on five key factors shaping the future of our waterways:

  • Population Growth
  • Economic Development
  • Environment & Sustainability
  • Community Use & Access
  • Place & Landscape

Just as the City of Gold Coast plans for the future use of land, GCWA is planning for the future use and management of our waterways—to ensure they remain vibrant, accessible, and sustainable for generations to come.

Sign Up

Make sure you sign up to our Project Mailing List to receive updates on the project.

Subscribe Now

Make sure you sign up to our Project Mailing List to receive updates on the project – .

The Our Waterways Future survey has now closed.

Thank you to everyone who took part — we received strong engagement from the community, stakeholders and partners who care deeply about the future of our waterways.

Your feedback is helping to inform the development of GCWA’s long-term strategy for the Gold Coast’s waterways.

Next steps: We are now analysing the input received and will share a summary of findings and next actions later this year.

Learn More

Key dates

Engagement period

The Our Waterways Future survey has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part. We received strong engagement from the community, stakeholders and partners who care deeply about the future of our waterways. Your feedback is helping to inform the development of GCWA’s long-term strategy for the Gold Coast’s waterways. Next steps: We are now analysing the input received and will share a summary of findings and next actions in 2026.

Our Waterways Future – Final Framework

GCWA_Our Waterways Future V7 – Website

Phase 2 Engagement Report

GCWA_Phase2_EngagementReport – FINAL

Phase 1 Engagement Report

Phase 1 Engagement Report

Timeline

  •  

    Early 2024

    Phase one consultation and technical studies completed.

    Mid to Late 2024

    Review findings, studies and create proposed future directions.

  •  

    Early 2025

    Draft Our Waterways Future

    Mid 2025

    Phase two consultation

  •  

    2026

    Consultation

    • Commence local waterway plan preparation
    • Commence big ideas implementation
    • Future community consultation

Why we need a framework

The Gold Coast’s waterways are central to our identity, lifestyle, economy and way of life. As the city continues to grow, so too does the demand placed on these unique and valued places.

With more people living, working and playing on and around the water, careful planning is needed to ensure our waterways remain accessible, connected, resilient and well managed for future generations.

Download Phase 2 Engagement Report

What is Our Waterways Future?

Our Waterways Future is a long-term strategic framework developed by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority to guide the future use, management and enhancement of the Gold Coast waterways.

Building on the Gold Coast Waterways Management Strategy 2021–2030, the framework provides a clear direction for future planning, investment and decision-making, while supporting the development of local waterway plans in key areas across the city.

The framework aims to:

  • Improve access
  • Enhance user experiences
  • Protect and celebrate waterway values
  • Support sustainable growth
  • Strengthen the connection between people and waterways

What We Heard

More than 1,800 people participated in Phase 1 engagement, with further feedback received through Phase 2 consultation on the draft framework. Community members, stakeholders, industry representatives and government agencies all contributed to shaping the final framework.

The message was clear: people value the waterways for the lifestyle, recreation, environmental and economic benefits they provide, and want to see them protected, enhanced and carefully managed as the city continues to grow.

Download Engagement Reports

Phase 2 Engagement Report

Phase 1 Engagement Report

Key Themes Shaping the Future

The framework focuses on five key factors that will influence the future use and management of the Gold Coast waterways:

  • Population Growth
  • Economic Development
  • Environment and Sustainability
  • Community Use and Access
  • Place and Landscape

Final Framework

Download the final Our Waterways Future Framework.

Download Final Framework

Sign Up

Make sure you sign up to our Project Mailing List to receive updates on the project.

Subscribe Now

Make sure you sign up to our Project Mailing List to receive updates on the project – .

The Our Waterways Future survey has now closed.

Thank you to everyone who took part — we received strong engagement from the community, stakeholders and partners who care deeply about the future of our waterways.

Your feedback is helping to inform the development of GCWA’s long-term strategy for the Gold Coast’s waterways.

Next steps: We are now analysing the input received and will share a summary of findings and next actions later this year.

Learn More

Key dates

Engagement period

The Our Waterways Future survey has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part. We received strong engagement from the community, stakeholders and partners who care deeply about the future of our waterways. Your feedback is helping to inform the development of GCWA’s long-term strategy for the Gold Coast’s waterways. Next steps: We are now analysing the input received and will share a summary of findings and next actions in 2026.

Our Waterways Future – Final Framework

GCWA_Our Waterways Future V7 – Website

Phase 2 Engagement Report

GCWA_Phase2_EngagementReport – FINAL

Phase 1 Engagement Report

Phase 1 Engagement Report

Timeline

  • Early 2024

    Phase one consultation and technical studies completed.

    Mid to Late 2024

    Review findings, studies and create proposed future directions.

  • Early 2025

    Draft Our Waterways Future

    Mid 2025

    Phase two consultation

  • 2026

    Consultation

    • Commence local waterway plan preparation
    • Commence big ideas implementation
    • Future community consultation

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

Need Assistance?

Who’s Who in the Blue

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.

https://gcwa.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Whos-Who-in-the-Blue-v4-004.pdf

Access, Management & Destinations

  • Access & Management

    Information on Anchoring & Mooring, Boating, Dredging, Operations Team & Tidal Works

    Learn More

  • Our Destinations

    GCWA managed multi-use destinations, building infrastructure for commercial and recreation use of Gold Coast waterways.

    Learn More

Acknowledgement of Country

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.