Southern Moreton Bay Incident Response

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) responded over the weekend to a sunken vessel in Southern Moreton Bay near Jacobs Well, undertaking first-strike response to contain and monitor the situation.

Initial information indicated the vessel was fully submerged in approximately five metres of water and leaking diesel fuel.

GCWA deployed and anchored sorbent booms around the stricken vessel to assist with containing the spill and installed a special buoy to clearly mark the vessel’s location for navigation safety.

A diesel slick was observed extending approximately one nautical mile north of the vessel’s location on the incoming tide.

Contractors have since confirmed the vessel’s fuel breathers have now been covered, which has contained and significantly reduced the amount of diesel being discharged from the vessel.

GCWA continues to monitor the situation.

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

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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

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  • Our Destinations

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

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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.

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