Supporting Cleaner Waterways Together at The Seaway

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority was proud to be a partner of the Sea World Foundation Ocean Clean Up Community Event held at The Seaway, with volunteers turning out in strong numbers to help protect the Gold Coast’s marine environment.

The community event brought together volunteers of all ages to remove litter from the shoreline, while certified divers collected debris from below the surface, highlighting the shared commitment to cleaner, healthier waterways.

The event demonstrated the value of partnerships in taking practical action where it matters most. By working together with community organisations, volunteers and industry partners, meaningful outcomes can be achieved for local waterways and the environment.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority teams work on the water every day to help keep waterways safe, clean and accessible through hazard management, compliance activities and waterway operations. Community initiatives such as this play an important role in supporting those ongoing efforts.

GCWA thanks Sea World Foundation, all volunteers and fellow event partners for their contribution and commitment to caring for our waterways.

Keeping Our Waterways Safe: Compliance Results Delivered Across Gold Coast Waterways

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) continues to deliver targeted compliance action across the Broadwater and surrounding waterways, with officers working every day to improve safety, access and amenity for the community.

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Gold Coast waterways management planning including Spit Master Plan

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We are developing the next Waterways Management Program 2025-2029 and Spit Works Program (Community Infrastructure) 2025-2029 to guide our projects and operations for the next four years.

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Community and industry consultation – Strategic Planning Framework

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is extending the Marine Stadium Recreational Uses Trial (the trial) at the Top of the Spit for another 12 months.

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GCWA sponsorship of ‘Climate Ready Guidebook’ for marinas

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has continued its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through the sponsorship of a Climate Ready Guidebook for marinas.

At the recent Marina’s24 conference, GCWA proudly announced its sponsorship of the ‘Climate Ready Guidebook’, a publication by the Marina Industries Association (MIA). The guidebook serves as a comprehensive resource to assist marinas in embracing climate resilience strategies and advancing decarbonisation efforts.

During the conference, GCWA’s CEO Chris Derksema presented, sharing of our unwavering dedication to safeguarding the Gold Coast waterways for future generations. Emphasising the critical role of sustainable practices in marine management, Chris Derksema spoke on GCWA’s ongoing initiatives aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change and promoted the responsible use of our cities coastal resources.

The Climate Ready Guidebook represents a significant milestone in GCWA’s broader mission to foster environmental sustainability and resilience across the region, while supporting its stakeholders and supply chain in their journey. By supporting the development and distribution of this guidebook, GCWA aims to empower local marinas to implement effective climate adaptation measures and reduce their carbon footprint.

GCWA would like to congratulate MIA for bringing the guidebook to life and are excited to see its widespread use within the local marina community. The organisation also extends its commitment to providing ongoing support and guidance to our local marinas embarking on their climate resilience journey.

For marina operators and stakeholders interested in accessing the Climate Ready Guidebook, it is readily available for download for all MIA members through the MIA website. Further enquiries and feedback can be directed to MIA.

 

Upcoming webinars – Gold Coast waterways management planning including Spit Master Plan

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We are developing the next Waterways Management Program 2024-2028 and Spit Works Program (Community Infrastructure) 2024-2028 to guide our projects and operations for the next four years.

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GCWA zeros in on climate change targets

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is acting on climate change and investing in projects that support a sustainable future for the Gold Coast’s iconic waterways.

GCWA Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema said work was already well underway in response to the severity of climate change and its potential impacts to our waterways and community.

“We acknowledge that climate change is the most significant environmental challenge that humans have faced, and we recognise the impacts of increasing global temperatures on climate patterns, extreme weather events, and ecosystems around the world,” Chris Derksema said.

“In response, we are actively mitigating our own climate change impacts and preparing for the future, allowing us to maximise sustainable and resilient waterways services and infrastructure at the same time.

“While we are making a concerted effort to build sustainability into our own operations, we’re also working closely with our suppliers and stakeholders to make improvements where possible.”

Chris Derksema added that the foundations for action had been set by a robust Climate Change Policy which sets clear and achievable targets for GCWA, including the reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions.

“We recently adopted a Climate Change Policy that supports GCWA in better managing the effects of climate change and provides a framework for improved climate-related oversight and governance,” Mr Derksema said.

“The Policy confidently outlines our commitments, including the adoption of carbon emissions reductions targets, and how we’ll integrate climate change into our business operations.”

Key targets and collaborative actions under the GCWA Climate Change Policy include:

  • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to achieve net zero scope emissions as soon as possible and preferably by 2025
  • Working with key supply chain areas such as dredge operators and marinas, to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 or sooner
  • Working with staff, contractors, consultants, and the community to raise awareness of our Climate Change Policy
  • Ensuring all GCWA staff undertake climate change awareness training
  • Collaborating with local research organisations and other relevant organisations to raise awareness on climate change impacts relevant to Gold Coast waterways.

Jetty and Pontoon Installation in Marine Stadium

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With the installation of a jetty and pontoon commencing soon at the northern end of Marine Stadium as part of the implementation of The Spit Master Plan, GCWA has issued a Waterways Notice detailing a restricted area for watercraft from Wednesday 29 June 2022 until end of February 2023 – click here to view the notice.

The notice requires a person in charge of a watercraft not to enter into, navigate, anchor, moor or otherwise operate the watercraft on, waters of the restricted area. Restrictions have been put in place to meet work health and safety requirements to support construction workers and protect the public from any hazards associated with the work carried out.

Once installed, the jetty and pontoon facility will provide much needed on-water transport access to Doug Jennings Park, Moondarewa Spit, and the Seaway Promenade. The pontoon will allow for temporary berthing of recreational and commercial vessels, including emergency services.

Construction is anticipated to be complete in February 2023. Access to the Muriel Henchman Drive public boat ramp and pontoon will remain open during this period.

Nikolas Strugar - Ravens at Odds

National Recognition for The Spit’s Seaway Promenade

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Photography by Nikolas Strugar | Ravens At Odds

The Spit Redevelopment project, located at the top of Main Beach, received the 2022 AILA National Landscape Architecture Award for Parks and Open Space at their annual awards night held on 14 October 2022.

The Seaway Promenade and Moondarewa Spit redevelopment project was a key outcome of The Spit Master Plan Implementation being undertaken by the Queensland Government and designed by a locally based landscape architects, Place Design Group.

The AILA jury praised The Spit Redevelopment with the top award in the Parks and Open Space category, for providing a “strong example of positive open space design within the context of foreshore infrastructure.”

“The design “worked well within the coastal context and showed restraint in material choice to avoid overpowering the stunning landscape, while still providing clear accessibility and a variety of public viewing spaces. “Said the AILA jury in the award citation.

Redevelopment works were completed in early 2021 following a $5.61 million investment from the Queensland Government, generating more than 20 jobs.

Further public realm works will continue over the coming years to ensure The Spit remains a premium Gold Coast destination for locals and visitors.

To learn more about the implementation of The Spit Master Plan visit: https://gcwa.qld.gov.au/spit-master-plan/.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority Science and Innovation Advisory Committee

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Are you passionate and motivated to use your knowledge and expertise to help enhance, sustain and promote the Gold Coast waterways?

If you would like to share your expertise in coastal management, planning and marine ecology, and bring strategic advice on scientific, technical and innovation directions for GCWA, we are looking for new members of our Science and Innovation Advisory Committee (SIAC).

SIAC Committee meets four times per year and provides oversight to the implementation of programs under the Environmental Management Framework for managing sand resources in Gold Coast waterways and other matters related to the management of Gold Coast waterways.

Click here to view and fill in the Expression of Interest form and join us in our mission to optimise access to our Waterways City and maximise social, economic, and environmental outcomes.

In accordance with State Government policy, membership of the SIAC will be on an honorary basis with an appointment period of two years.

Expression of Interest close Thursday the 30 June 2022

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

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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.

https://gcwa.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Whos-Who-in-the-Blue-v4-004.pdf

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

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.