October waterways update shows improved voluntary compliance
Voluntary compliance with anchoring rules increased across the Broadwater in October, while Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) continued enforcement action and the removal of abandoned watercraft and pontoons.
The voluntary compliance rate rose from 70% in September to 85% in October. Officers monitored 178 anchored watercraft across the Broadwater, from Southport to Paradise Point Channel.
The results suggest more watercraft moved without the need for formal enforcement.
During October, GCWA:
- issued 26 marine infringement notices and 10 notices to remove
- removed three anchored watercraft following the expiry of notices to remove
- removed six abandoned watercraft and four abandoned pontoons.
The number of anchored watercraft recorded in the Broadwater also fell slightly, from 274 in September to 269 in October.
While voluntary compliance improved, fewer watercraft moved after formal notices were issued. Compliance following marine infringement notices fell from 68% to 62%, while compliance following notices to remove fell from 94% to 70%.
These results reinforce the need for continued monitoring and follow-up where owners do not comply.
October’s work formed part of GCWA’s six-month monitoring program, continuing the compliance presence established through Operation Clearwater. Three full-time compliance officers delivered the program, with support from the operations team, including weekend coverage.
Since the Keeping Our Waterways Safe program began in late 2018, GCWA has resolved 395 abandoned watercraft matters across Gold Coast waters.
In November, officers will continue monitoring anchored watercraft, progressing unresolved compliance matters and removing abandoned watercraft and pontoons.
