2026 Waterways Management Program released
GCWA has released its Waterways Management Program 2026–2030, setting out its priorities for the Gold Coast waterways over the next four years.
The Program brings together planned investment in dredging, navigational access, waterways management, asset renewal and the operation and maintenance of the Gold Coast Sand Bypass System.
Priority activities include maintaining waterways assets and facilities, undertaking asset condition assessments and continuing hydrographic surveys to inform dredging and future investment decisions.
The Program also supports GCWA’s ongoing compliance activities and the introduction of the Strengthening Gold Coast Waterways Management Program in 2026–27. This work will support improved waterways management, compliance outcomes and navigational access.
Planned dredging includes work in the North Channel, South Channel and Coomera River Channel, along with maintenance dredging at the Gold Coast Seaway entrance.
GCWA will also continue developing the Broadwater Local Waterway Plan and undertaking early planning and investigations to prepare future projects for delivery.
The Waterways Management Program is prepared each year as a rolling one-plus-three-year plan. It confirms GCWA’s priorities for the current financial year and maps out planned investment for the following three years.
Its development was informed by technical investigations, asset and waterways data, and consultation with the City of Gold Coast, government agencies, the maritime industry and the community.
The Program supports the long-term direction established by the Gold Coast Waterways Management Strategy 2021–2030, turning that direction into practical projects and activities.
As a rolling plan, projects and priorities may change in response to funding decisions, project readiness, emerging risks and changing operational needs.
Find out more about GCWA’s priorities and planned investment for the next four years.
