Operation Clearwater delivers improvements for Gold Coast waterways

Operation Clearwater has wrapped up after eight weeks of targeted education and enforcement across the Gold Coast waterways, delivering safer waterways, stronger compliance and a cleaner Broadwater.

Led by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA), the joint operation brought together government agencies to address non-compliance, improve safety and remove abandoned and derelict vessels from the Broadwater.

During the operation:

• 2,575 vessel intercepts were undertaken
• 279 vessels achieved compliance
• Five abandoned and derelict vessels were removed from the Broadwater.

Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the operation demonstrated the benefits of agencies working together to improve safety and compliance on one of Queensland’s busiest waterways.

“The results of Operation Clearwater demonstrated the value of a coordinated approach to improve safety and compliance on one of Queensland’s busiest waterways,” Mr Dillon said.

“This was an important initiative demonstrating the Queensland Government’s commitment to safer, more sustainable waterways through the collaborative efforts of partner agencies on the Gold Coast.

“Operation Clearwater has delivered strong compliance and safety outcomes on the Gold Coast, while supporting vulnerable people living aboard vessels who needed assistance.

“The removal of abandoned and derelict vessels from the Broadwater is a significant step towards protecting this vital marine environment for future generations.

“Boaties can expect increased and focused compliance activities to ensure safe, navigable and accessible waterways for the Gold Coast community.”

GCWA Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema said the operation had delivered lasting benefits for the Broadwater.

“The Broadwater is one of the Gold Coast’s most important community assets and people expect it to be clean, accessible and well managed,” Mr Derksema said.

“Addressing long-standing issues and removing abandoned vessels has made a real difference to the condition and amenity of the Broadwater.

“Our focus now is on ensuring those improvements are maintained for everyone who uses and enjoys these waterways.”

While Operation Clearwater has concluded, the work to protect the Gold Coast’s waterways continues.

MSQ and GCWA will work together through day-to-day compliance activities to maintain the improvements achieved during the operation and deliver ongoing safety outcomes for everyone who enjoys the Gold Coast waterways.