Joint agency operation steps up action across the Broadwater

Part of Operation Clearwater, the initiative is delivering increased on-water patrols, inspections and compliance activity focused on unlawful anchoring, abandoned and unsafe vessels, pollution risks and other ongoing issues affecting the waterways.

The operation reflects a coordinated effort to improve navigation, protect the marine environment and ensure fair access to the Broadwater for all waterway users.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority Board Chair Deanna Nott said the Broadwater was one of the city’s most important natural assets and the community expected visible action on issues impacting the waterways.

“The Gold Coast Broadwater is one of our city’s greatest natural assets, and we know the community expects visible action on issues impacting access, amenity and fair use of the waterways,” Ms Nott said.

“This operation demonstrates a coordinated commitment to ensuring the Broadwater remains welcoming, accessible and well managed for residents, visitors and the marine community into the future.”

Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema said the operation would strengthen the on-water presence across key areas of the Broadwater.

“This operation is focused on addressing long-standing issues across the Broadwater, including unlawful anchoring, abandoned vessels and activities affecting access, navigation and amenity,” Mr Derksema said.

“People want to see visible action on the water, and this joint operation increases patrols, inspections and direct engagement with vessel owners across priority areas.”

Alongside compliance activities, agencies are also working to educate waterway users about their responsibilities and expectations around anchoring and use of the waterways.Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the coordinated approach would help improve outcomes across the Broadwater.

“This coordinated approach allows agencies to respond more effectively to ongoing compliance issues and improve outcomes across the Broadwater,” Mr Dillon said.

“The goal is to make the Broadwater safer and more accessible for all waterway users while ensuring compliance issues are addressed fairly and consistently.”

The operation includes targeted patrols and direct engagement with vessel owners across the Broadwater and surrounding waterways.

Community members are encouraged to report unsafe or abandoned vessels and other waterway concerns to help agencies respond quickly and effectively.