Nikolas Strugar - Ravens at Odds

National Recognition for The Spit’s Seaway Promenade

/in , /by

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

/in /by

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

Tidal Exchange Field Work at Marine Stadium

/in /by

We’re undertaking some field work in Marine Stadium as part of the implementation of The Spit Master Plan.

On Friday 25 March and 1 April 2022, a small amount of specially formulated dye will be released from a research vessel into the centre of Marine Stadium. Even though it will be at very low concentrations highly sensitive technical equipment will track its movement.

The specially formulated dye has no adverse effects on human health, local ecology or marine life at the low concentrations being used. It is certified to international standards for use in drinking water.

This field work will provide accurate and reliable data that will be used to create a hydrodynamic model. That model will then be used to assess potential solutions to increase tidal movements and recreational amenity.

GCWA has engaged experienced and qualified consultants, Seaport OPX with further guidance from former Director of the Griffith Centre for Coastal Management, Emeritus Professor Roger Tomlinson.

This is the first step towards a greater understanding of the flow of water within Marine Stadium.

Marine Stadium is expected to open to the community on Monday 4 April 2022. We apologise for any inconvenience.

For more information please visit our fact sheet.

Marine Stadium Destination Plan Survey

/in /by

We’re planning for best future uses of Marine Stadium at The Spit, Main Beach, and we need your input.

Marine Stadium is an incredibly popular destination in our city, with a diverse range of use and users.

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is preparing a draft plan for the best future uses for Marine Stadium, in collaboration with the City of Gold Coast and other relevant Queensland Government agencies.

Your survey responses will help us co-design a draft ‘Marine Stadium Destination Plan’, that strikes a balance between economic, environmental, cultural, and social values.

Please partner with us in co-designing the plan by completing the survey below. It should take about 10 minutes of your time.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6R9DGXX

 Thank you, the GCWA team.

 

Sand Bypass System jetty access update

/in /by

We’re closing the jetty to public access this weekend (8-9 May 2021,) and the following 3 weekends, as we’ll be pumping sand during these times.

The jetty was built to support the jet pumps for the Sand Bypass System.

To make sure we keep pace with changes in health and safety regulations, GCWA regularly undertakes risk assessments of its assets.

A recent risk assessment of the Sand Bypass System recommended that we do not open the jetty to the public when sand is being pumped, for safety reasons.

The assessment also recommended that we no longer open the jetty at night because of inadequate lighting and restricted access for emergency services.

Our pumping schedule is determined by natural conditions such as swell direction and height, wind direction and sand build-up caused by those conditions. Typically these conditions prevail from April until October.

We also choose to pump at night and at weekends to take advantage of lower, off-peak electricity prices.

 

Our waterways, our future – 2020 wrap-up

/in /by

What a year 2020 has been.

Whilst COVID-19 has certainly thrown us some curve balls, we’ve been inspired by the willingness of people to work together and help each other out. We hope that continues in 2021 so that the Gold Coast, and the wider community, bounces back to be more resilient than ever.

We want to especially thank the community members who’ve navigated the challenges of technology and social distancing to participate in our Meet the Board events and our consultation sessions on our Strategy update and the next round of Spit Master Plan projects. Your input is vital and continues to guide the important work we do in managing our beautiful waterways.

Follow this link to read the full 2020 wrap-up

Our waterways, our future – share your views

/in /by

We’re refreshing our Gold Coast Waterways Strategy and we’d like to hear your views on what the future of the waterways looks like over the next ten years.

To help us plan ahead, we’re inviting you to fill out this short survey.

It’ll only take a couple of minutes and will put you in the running to win a voucher from Doug Burt’s Tackle World Gold Coast.

Please read the full Terms and Conditions here.

2019-2020 Annual Report

/in /by

In 2019-2020 the Gold Coast Waterways Authority has delivered on key infrastructure, waterways management and research objectives which have been part of our longer-term planning, unlocking more opportunities for local businesses, recreational users and visitors to our waterways city.

We’ve supported safe access to our waterways by continuing to dredge navigational channels, issuing almost 200 permits for events water and in Doug Jennings Park, upgrading boating infrastructure and maintaining more than 2,000 beacons, buoys and marine signs.

You can find out more about the work we’ve done to Sustain, Enhance and Promote our beautiful waterways in our 2019-2020 Annual Report

Meet the Board

/in , /by

The Board is committed to setting priorities locally. Meet The Board sessions are held regularly throughout the Gold Coast to provide community members with the opportunity to provide their input on planning for the waterways now and into the future.

According to the GCWA Chairman, Mara Bún, the role of the community in planning for the waterways now and into the future is vital. The seven-member Board of the GCWA has backed this commitment by meeting with thousands of residents over the past few years to seek their views. We’ve talked with everyone from boaties to divers, waterskiers to jetskiers, residents and visitors to shape our priorities.

To be kept up to date about upcoming Meet the Board sessions and all things waterways, make sure you sign up to our e-newsletter and like us on Facebook.

Subscribe to our e-newsletter

NEXT MEET THE BOARD | SOUTHERN GOLD COAST

MONDAY 10 AUGUST 2020

6.30PM – 7.30PM
Currumbin RSL
165 Duringan St Currumbin QLD 4223

Register to attend Meet The Board in person

Due to COVID-19, our meeting is strictly limited to 30 community members attending. As a result, we will be digitally streaming the event for those at home who are unable to attend.

To register for the digital Webinar, please click here.

 

New-style moorings to protect environment

/in /by

We’ve taken the first steps towards introducing Environmentally Friendly Moorings (EFMs) into Gold Coast waters.

As part of our Buoy Mooring Management Strategy , and in partnership  with Healthy Land and Water (HLW,) we’ve supported the installation of 22 EFMs in the southern part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park at Jacobs Well (pictured above) and Steiglitz (Cabbage Tree Point.)

The EFMs replace the traditional block and tackle swing moorings that generally consist of a heavy block that sits on the seabed attached to tackle, typically a heavy chain which is attached to another chain and/or rope and a mooring buoy.

The chains drag along the seabed as the vessel moves with the wind and tide, disturbing the seabed and damaging seagrass. The seagrass provides food and shelter for marine species such as juvenile fish, dugongs, turtles, crabs and seahorses. Seagrass meadows also help stabilise seabeds and shorelines, reducing erosion.

EFMs, by contrast, typically use a screwed-in mooring post as the anchor point with a swivel head and a specialised shock absorber which connects to a cable rope and surface buoy. This means that apart from the anchor, none of the equipment contacts the seafloor. Without a heavy chain dragging on the seafloor, the EFMs allow vessels to swing around more freely and frequently without causing a dragging motion, reducing constant shading of marine plants which can limit growth.

HLW will monitor the area over a number of years to assess how well the seagrass beds are recovering following the installation of the new moorings.

GCWA and Healthy Land and Water worked closely with existing buoy mooring owners to transition them to the EFMs.

In line with the Buoy Mooring Management Strategy, our Board has decided that from mid-2024, every buoy mooring will transition to an EFM.

You can read more about our Buoy Mooring Management Strategy here https://www.ydsgroup2.com.au/oldgcwa/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/BuoyMooringMStrategyFinalAug17.pdf

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