Projects

Projects

Upgraded Paradise Point Boat Ramp now open

Boaties can once again enjoy easier and safer access to the Broadwater, with the upgraded Paradise Point Boat Ramp now open following a $1.65 million renewal project delivered by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority. The popular facility has undergone a complete upgrade, replacing ageing infrastructure with a new three-lane boat ramp and centrally located floating walkway designed to make launching and retrieving vessels safer, easier and more efficient.

Operation Clearwater delivers improvements for Gold Coast waterways

Operation Clearwater has wrapped up after eight weeks of targeted education and enforcement across the Gold Coast waterways, delivering safer waterways, stronger compliance and a cleaner Broadwater.

Operation Clearwater delivering results across the Broadwater

The Broadwater is one of the Gold Coast's most loved places. Through Operation Clearwater, GCWA and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) are working together to address long-standing issues affecting access, amenity and the overall condition of the Broadwater.

Gold Coast Seaway marks 40 years of coastal engineering and connectivity

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority has marked 40 years since the opening of the Gold Coast Seaway, recognising four decades of supporting navigation, recreation and connectivity across the Gold Coast waterways network.

GCWA Planning Framework Receives National Recognition

GCWA is proud to announce that its Planning team, together with project partner Meridian Urban, has received a National Commendation at the 2026 Planning Institute of Australia Awards for Planning Excellence.

Joint agency operation steps up action across the Broadwater

A major joint-agency operation is underway across the Gold Coast Broadwater, bringing together the Gold Coast Waterways Authority and Maritime Safety Queensland to improve safety, access and amenity across one of Queensland’s busiest waterways.

Paradise Point Boat Ramp upgrade works now underway to improve safety and access

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has commenced construction on the Paradise Point Boat Ramp upgrade, with works now underway following the award of the construction contract to Australian Marine and Civil.

Paradise Point Boat Ramp upgrade to improve safety and access

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has awarded the construction contract for the Paradise Point Boat Ramp upgrade to Australian Marine and Civil, with works scheduled to begin from April 2026.

Australia Day long weekend 6-knot speed limit in the Broadwater

Boaters are reminded that a 6-knot speed limit will be in place in the signed Broadwater speed zone during the Australia Day long weekend, from Saturday 24 January to midnight Monday 26 January.

Australia Day Long Weekend: 6-knot speed limit on the Broadwater

Boaties are reminded that a 6-knot speed limit will be in place on the Gold Coast Broadwater from Saturday 24 January to midnight Monday 26 January 2026 as part of Australia Day long-weekend safety arrangements.

Keeping our waterway clean and safe over the Christmas break

The Christmas and New Year period is one of the busiest times on the Gold Coast’s waterways — and this year was no exception.

Christmas and New Year Office Closure

The GCWA office will close at 12.00pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen at 9.00am on Friday 2 January 2026.

New appointments strengthen GCWA Board

GCWA has welcomed new appointments to its Board, while acknowledging the contribution of outgoing members who have helped guide the organisation through a period of significant growth and reform.

Doug Jennings Park: Temporary traffic changes on Sunday 11 January 2026

Doug Jennings Park will be the venue for the Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping event on Sunday, 11 January 2026.

Anchoring & Mooring on the Gold Coast

GCWA is responsible for monitoring and enforcing anchoring and mooring rules across the Broadwater, rivers, creeks and canals. These rules ensure fair access to popular anchorage areas, particularly during busy weekends and public holiday periods.

Schoolies Music Festival at Doug Jennings Park – 26 November 2025

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has been recognised at the 2025 Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) Queensland Awards, taking out the Improving Planning Processes Award for its pioneering approach to managing one of Australia’s most complex and dynamic coastal environments.

Temporary Closure: Seaway Promenade (South)

Please be advised that the southern section of the Seaway Promenade/Training Wall will be closed to the public on Thursday 13 November 2025, between 6:00am and 8:00pm, due to authorised works.

GCWA recognised at 2025 PIA Queensland Awards

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has been recognised at the 2025 Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) Queensland Awards, taking out the Improving Planning Processes Award for its pioneering approach to managing one of Australia’s most complex and dynamic coastal environments.

Derelict Vessel Removed from Browns Inlet, South Stradbroke Island

Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has removed a 12.8-metre abandoned timber Millcraft cruiser from Browns Inlet on South Stradbroke Island, improving safety and protecting the surrounding natural environment.

Keeping the Sand Moving – and the Waterways Clear

Every day, the Gold Coast Sand Bypass System quietly does the heavy lifting that keeps the Seaway open and our waterways connected.

Sand Bypass System Facility Upgrade to Deliver Safer, Modern Amenities

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is extending the Sand Bypass System (SBS) facility at The Spit, Main Beach.

Our Waterways Future: Project update

The Our Waterways Future survey has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took part — we received strong engagement from the community, stakeholders and partners who care deeply about the future of our waterways.

GCWA welcomes new funding for safer waterways

GCWA has welcomed the Crisafulli Government’s $15 million Keeping Our Waterways Safe program — a significant investment to support the removal of abandoned and derelict vessels across Queensland.

South Wave Break Island Channel Dredging Completed Ahead of Schedule

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is working to improve navigational access around our waterways by dredging the South Wave Break Island Channel. The dredged material will be reused to nourish foreshores of the Broadwater.

Waterways Users App

Gold Coast waterway users can enhance their on-water experience with marine navigation Mobile App DECKEE.

Santa Barbara Boat Ramp Replacement

Replacement of the Santa Barbara Boat ramp is set to commence June 2025 and be completed in early October 2025. GCWA will be constructing a new dual-lane boat ramp to improve access to the waterways for recreational users

Annual Maintenance Painting: Sand Bypass System Jetty

The Gold Coast Sand Bypass Jetty will commence the annual maintenance painting program with the entire structure to be re-painted at once for the first time in 2025.

Marine Stadium Recreational Uses Trial Project

Gold Coast Waterway Authority (GCWA) is undertaking a trial of a waterways management option that aims to support a broader range of recreational uses within Marine Stadium, located at the Top of The Spit, Main Beach.

Information on current projects on The Spit can be viewed here – The Spit Gold Coast.

Completed projects

2025

Broadwater Parklands Jetty and Pontoon

Honouring the Missing: First Green Seat Installed at Doug Jennings Park

Dredging Underway to Improve Seaway Access and Protect Gold Coast Beaches

Have Your Say: Wave Break Island Draft Feasibility Study

Doug Jennings Park Revitalisation Reaches Major Milestone

New Planning Framework Now Available  

Broadwater Boat Ramp Reopens After Major Upgrade

Santa Barbara Boat Ramp Upgrade Complete

Major Dredging Campaign of Gold Coast Waterways Starts Today

South Wave Break Island Channel Dredging Project

2024

Sand Bypass System Jetty Upgrade

North Channel and South Channel Dredging Project

Muriel Henchman Park Improvements

Murlong Crescent recreational boating facility replacement

Cavill Avenue Pontoon Repair

Isle of Capri Boat Ramp Upgrade

Navigational aids major maintenance and renewal

2023

Oxenford Pacific Highway pontoon and boat ramp upgrade project 

Marine Stadium Jetty and Pontoon

Coomera River Channel Dredging

Seaway Dredging Project

Alberton Pontoon module replacement

Jabiru Island boat ramp upgrade

Southport Broadwater Parkland pontoon repairs

West Crab Island Channel (North) Dredging

2022

Gold Coast seaway – north & south channel dredging

Proud Park Pontoon replacement

Sand Bypass System – Annual jetty maintenance painting (2018 – 2022)

Sand Bypass System – high voltage switch gear

Tipplers Pontoon replacement

2021

The Seaway Promenade, The Spit

Alberton boat ramp upgrade

Jacobs Well Infrastructure Upgrade

Jacobs Well Main Channel (north & South) dredging

2020

Sand Bypass System jetty upgrade

West Crab Island channel dredging project

Underwater Remote Operator Vehicle (ROV)

Seagrass Light Sensitives Study

Smart Camera Trial

2019

Alberton – New pontoon

Coomera dredged sediment management facility

Palm Beach – Osprey nesting platform 

Sandback Study in Southern Broadwater

South Wave Break Island dredging project

2018

Canalpa Passage navigational access

Doug Jennings Park ongoing infrastructure improvements – Stage 4

Labrador channel & north channel dredging

Paradise Point pontoon upgrade

2017

Doug Jennings Park ongoing infrastructure improvements – Stage 3

Economic and Social Values of the Waterways

Muriel Henchman Park Pontoon upgrade

Sand Bypass System Stage 2 – supply & install new high pressure pump

Seaway south emergency access

2016

Biggera Creek and Broadwater foreshore

Cabbage Tree Point dredging

North, South and South Wave Break Island channels maintenance

Navigational aids major maintenance and renewal

Seagrass Light Sensitivities Report

Surfers Paradise Revitalisation – Appel Park

Tipplers Passage Boating Facility Improvements

Tipplers Passage dredging

2015

Colman Road Boat Ramp Renewal

Currigee – new maintenance vessel

Doug Jennings Park Toilet Block