The Gold Coast Waterways Authority has taken further steps to improve the operation of the iconic Sand Bypass System at The Spit, using a pilot solar array to help meet the operation’s day-time energy needs. The Sand Bypass System is a critical component of the Gold Coast’s waterways network, but it consumes a large amount […]
Building a better understanding of movements on the city’s waterways network will help the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) improve planning to accommodate a growing population and rising boat ownership. CEO Hal Morris said an initial study undertaken by GCWA was the first serious attempt to understand past and present patterns of use on the […]
We’re conducting a long-term study into the birds and animals living on and within the sand banks of the Southern Broadwater to help with the management of threatened species and support the protection of the Gold Coast’s waterways environmental values. With the waterways having a natural capital value of $26 billion it’s important to ensure […]
2018 has been a busy year – read all about what we’ve done to continue to improve access to and management of our waterways here
GCWA is working to improve the management of buoy moorings in Gold Coast waters. These improvements flow from the Buoy Mooring Review in 2014 and our recent Buoy Mooring Management Strategy developed to accommodate the Gold Coast’s rapidly increasing population, while embracing new technology to improve safety and reduce the impact of buoy moorings on […]
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Download the Fact sheet here: Waterways Value Fact sheet The full report can be read here: Socio-economic uses and economic value study of the Gold Coast Waterways
At the Gold Coast Waterways Authority, we’re determined to not get tied up with red tape or give members of the public the run around on waterways management questions. We know that governance of Gold Coast waterways can often be complex and confusing and that it is very important to get to the right person […]
2017 was an exciting one as we worked hard to secure the future of the Gold Coast’s waterways. Read our Year in Review here: Gold Coast Waterways Authority – Delivering on our waterways 2017
Figure 1: Southern Catchments 2016/17 Report Card. Source: Healthy Land and Waters 2016/17 report card hlw.org.au/reportcard The 2016/17 Healthy Land and Waterways Report card has been released, with waterways in the Southern catchments ranging from fair to good. The grades presented an overall decrease in waterways health in the southern region, in most part due […]
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
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.
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.