Simpler speed rules for Paradise Point Channel trial

• A 6-knot speed limit will apply to all vessels and jet skis in the Paradise Point Channel north of the Sovereign Islands bridge from Monday 14 September.
• The 12-month trial will replace the current mix of speed requirements with one consistent limit throughout the trial area.
• The trial will be monitored and reviewed after six and 12 months to inform future speed-limit arrangements for the channel.

One consistent 6-knot speed limit will apply to all vessels and jet skis in the Paradise Point Channel for 12 months from Monday 14 September.

The trial area covers the channel north of the Sovereign Islands bridge. Within this area, the rule will be simple: 6 knots for everyone.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer Andrew Mahon said the trial would make the speed requirements clearer and easier for waterway users to follow.

“The current arrangements combine a posted 40-knot speed limit with separate requirements for some vessels to travel at 6 knots when close to anchored boats and private pontoons,” Mr Mahon said.

“This trial replaces that mix of requirements with one consistent rule throughout the trial area: 6 knots for every vessel and jet ski.

“A simpler rule will be easier to understand and follow, particularly when the channel is busy.”

The trial follows a review of the existing 40-knot speed limit and how the waterway is being used. The review considered marine incident and compliance data, observations of on-water behaviour and stakeholder feedback.

The review found that many smaller boats and jet skis were not complying with the existing requirements to travel at 6 knots when close to anchored boats and private pontoons.

“The school holidays are traditionally a busy time on Gold Coast waterways, so introducing the trial beforehand will give waterway users time to become familiar with the new rule as activity increases,” Mr Mahon said.

“We will monitor how the new limit works in practice, consider community and agency feedback and use the evidence to inform what happens after the trial.”

Waterway users should look for the new speed signs, travel at no more than 6 knots throughout the trial area and allow a few extra minutes for their journey.

GCWA will monitor compliance and marine incident data, public reports, operational observations and feedback from the community and government agencies.

An update will be provided after six months, followed by a final evaluation at the end of the 12-month trial.

For more information, visit Paradise Point Channel speed limit trial