Tidal Works

Tidal Works

Building a boat ramp, jetty, pontoon, revetment wall, or marina?

  • We recommend first contacting the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) before lodging a tidal works development application with the City of Gold Coast, which is the assessment manager for the local government area.

    We offer pre-lodgement advice to help ensure your development proposal aligns with key planning requirements and to reduce the risk of delays.

    What is GCWA’s role?

    GCWA is a referral agency for all tidal works development applications on the Gold Coast. We assess whether proposals comply with our waterways management requirements, while the City of Gold Coast will assess for amenity, community impact, waterways character, and engineering, amongst other things.

    What will GCWA assess

    When you lodge a tidal works development application, you’ll need to provide supporting information that demonstrates how your proposal meets GCWA’s requirements. We assess against the purposes of the Gold Coast Waterways Authority Act 2012, taking into account factors such as:

    • aids to navigation
    • buoy moorings
    • existing channels
    • navigational access for other vessels
    • other nearby infrastructure
    • public marine facilities
    • sustainable waterways use
    • waterway character.

    We also apply the Australian Standard for marina design – AS3962-2020.

  • What else do I need to know?

    Statutory planning framework

    GCWA has developed a clear Statutory Planning Framework to facilitate and support sustainable development on the waterways. The framework includes:

    1. Development Assessment Code – July 2025: Outlines the key performance outcomes and benchmarks to help you meet GCWA’s policy requirements.
    2. Technical Information Guide – July 2025: Provides practical tips and technical detail to help prepare your development application and show compliance with the Code.
    3. Tidal Works Mapping: An interactive online tool showing quay lines, vessel allowances, fairway widths and more, to assist with site-specific planning

    Together, the Code, Guide and Mapping support a transparent, consistent, and efficient planning process.

    Where to start

    Make sure your tidal works proposal aligns with GCWA’s planning framework by reviewing the factsheet.

    Download PDF

My neighbour’s boat is blocking access to my property. Can GCWA do something about this?

All waterfront properties have the right to access the waterway. Vessels and structures must not impede or restrict access to a neighbouring property or structure. In the first instance, we suggest you speak with your neighbour in an effort to resolve the situation. If you need further advice or assistance, please contact the City of Gold Coast and ask for the development compliance unit. Where a vessel berthed at a structure is found to exceed the maximum approved length, or is berthed contrary to the development approval, the development compliance unit may be able to assist.

Who’s Who in the Blue

Who’s Who in the Blue explains who is responsible for managing, protecting and
regulating Queensland’s waterways, particularly on the Gold Coast.

It clarifies agency roles across safety, environmental protection, pollution response,
compliance and infrastructure, helping avoid confusion and duplication.

Overall, it’s a quick reference guide that supports coordination, accountability and
effective waterway stewardship.

Download Who’s Who in the Blue

Acknowledgement of Country

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional custodians, the Yugambeh peoples of South East Queensland, including the Kombumerri, Mununjali, Wangerriburra, Bullongin and other clans, and their Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their unique and ongoing spiritual and cultural connection with the land and waters of the Gold Coast area.

Any damaged or missing aids to navigation such as beacons, buoys, markers or signs, should be reported as soon as possible on 07 5539 7350.
For community engagement, communications or media enquiries please contact mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au

Access, Management & Destinations

  • Access & Management

    Information on Anchoring & Mooring, Boating, Dredging, Operations Team & Tidal Works

    Learn More

  • Our Destinations

    GCWA managed multi-use destinations, building infrastructure for commercial and recreation use of Gold Coast waterways.

    Learn More
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