Supporting Cleaner Waterways Together at The Seaway

/in , , /by

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

/in , , /by

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.

Read more

New signage rollout completed at Muriel Henchman Park (The Spit Boat Ramps)

/in , , /by

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has delivered the first full precinct signage rollout at Muriel Henchman Park (The Spit Boat Ramps), marking an important milestone in the implementation of The Spit Signage Guidelines.

Read more

Marine Stadium recreational opportunities area extended to March 2027

/in , /by

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has extended the current management arrangements for the Marine Stadium Recreational Opportunities Area at the Top of the Spit until 31 March 2027.

The arrangements support a broader range of recreational uses within Marine Stadium by ensuring the space can be enjoyed by swimmers, paddlers, and other non-powered watercraft.

Since the arrangements were introduced in March 2023, GCWA has been monitoring the area to assess how the space is being used and how effectively the management approach is working.

Monitoring has included:

  • Regular water quality testing
  • Monitoring recreational use of the area
  • Monitoring powered vessel compliance

Results to date indicate positive outcomes for Marine Stadium, including:

  • Improved water quality
  • Strong community use of the recreational opportunities area
  • High levels of compliance with vessel requirements

Extending the current arrangements to March 2027 will allow GCWA to continue monitoring outcomes and consider long-term management options for Marine Stadium.

Current arrangements include

  • Recreational opportunities area – no powered watercraft permitted in the northern 300 metres of Marine Stadium
  • Jetty and pontoon use area – powered watercraft may use for up to 20 minutes, no anchoring
  • Approach channel – powered watercraft permitted, no anchoring or mooring

These arrangements were originally introduced following extensive community consultation as part of the Marine Stadium Destination Planning process in 2022 and the subsequent Marine Stadium Tidal Exchange Investigation.

For more information view the updated Waterways Notice

New appointments strengthen GCWA Board

/in , , , /by

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.

The new appointments will strengthen GCWA’s governance and capability as it continues to manage and protect the Gold Coast’s waterways.

The newly appointed Board members are:

  • Ms Deanna Nott (Chairperson)
  • Ms Kerry Noyes
  • Mr Luke Bradnam
  • Mrs Sarah Colgate

Together they bring a broad range of expertise across strategic communication and governance, marine and boating operations, tourism and visitor economy, business development and industry and stakeholder engagement.

Mr Andrew Fielding remains on the GCWA Board, with Ms Shelley Curtis continuing to serve as the City of Gold Coast Mayor’s representative.

GCWA Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema thanked outgoing Board members for their leadership and guidance.

“Our Board plays a vital role in providing strategic oversight as GCWA delivers an expanding program of waterways management, infrastructure renewal and community engagement,” Mr Derksema said.

“I thank our outgoing Directors for their contribution and welcome our new Board members as we continue to deliver safe, accessible and well-managed waterways for the Gold Coast community.”

The outgoing Board members Mr Greg Vann, Ms Judy Spence, Ms Aysin Dedekorkut and Mr Mark Gibbs are thanked for their service.

The new appointments take effect from Friday 19 December 2025.

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

/in , , , /by

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

To support the safe delivery of the event, the Doug Jennings Park ring road will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6am to 8pm on Sunday, 11 January 2026.

Pedestrian access will remain available to all other areas of the park outside the event area during this time.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit in advance and follow any on-site signage and directions from event staff.

Anchoring & Mooring on the Gold Coast

/in , , , /by

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.

We regularly hear community concerns about vessels that appear to “never move”. In practice, Queensland’s anchoring rules mean that some vessels only need to move a short distance (or leave the area for 24 hours) before their anchoring cycle restarts. This can make it seem like nothing is changing, even while compliance actions are occurring.

GCWA’s Compliance Team is out on the water every day conducting patrols, issuing warnings and infringements, and taking action where vessels exceed time limits.

Recent Compliance Activity in Marine Stadium

GCWA recently undertook a targeted operation in Marine Stadium focusing on vessels overstaying the 7-day anchoring limit.

Outcomes of the operation:

  • There were 9 vessels found non-compliant
  • The team has already removed 5 of those vessels
  • The remaining 4 are scheduled for removal later this week

 Anchoring Rules at a Glance

  • Some areas permit up to 7 days in a 60-day period. After this, the vessel must move at least one nautical mile from its original location or leave the area for 24 consecutive hours. If a vessel stays for up to 7 consecutive days, moves into another anchoring area for 24 consecutive hours, and then returns, the 7-day cycle restarts.
  • Other areas allow only 24 hours in a 30-day period.
  • Requirements vary depending on location, so it’s important to check the map before anchoring or visit: Mooring | Anchoring.

These rules help maintain safe navigation, reduce overcrowding, and ensure fair access for all waterway users.

Who Handles What? GCWA vs MSQ

 GCWA often receives questions about abandoned, sunken, or unseaworthy vessels. To help clarify roles:

  • GCWA manages anchoring rules, access, and compliance with time limits.
  • Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) is responsible for unsafe, derelict, unseaworthy or sunken vessels, including marine pollution risks.

GCWA works closely with MSQ when issues overlap, but each agency has distinct responsibilities.

We appreciate the community’s continued interest in how our waterways are managed. GCWA remains committed to fair access, responsible boating, and maintaining safe and enjoyable waterways for everyone.

 

 

Schoolies Music Festival at Doug Jennings Park – 26 November 2025

/in , , , /by

Doug Jennings Park will host the Schoolies music festival on Wednesday, 26 November 2025.

The event is being held within a fenced and ticketed area of the park. Doug Jennings Park remains open to the public, and people can continue to access all areas outside of the event footprint.

Access and Traffic

  • The Doug Jennings Park ring road will stay open during the event.
  • Vehicles and pedestrians can still access all parts of the park outside the music festival area.
  • Temporary fencing, staging, event vehicles and lighting towers will be in place.
  • Visitors are asked to follow signage and directions from event staff and traffic controllers.

What to Expect

  • Event set-up and sound checks will take place throughout the day.
  • The music festival will run into the evening, with event pack-down occurring after the event.
  • Increased traffic and pedestrian movement is expected around Seaworld Drive and The Spit.

Staying Safe and Informed

We are working with event organisers, Queensland Police and emergency services to ensure the event is safe and well managed for both festival attendees and the wider community.

Please plan your visit accordingly, take care around pedestrians and event vehicles, and allow extra travel time if you are accessing the park on the day.

 

 

 

Temporary Closure: Seaway Promenade (South)

/in , , , /by

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority wishes to advise that the southern section of the Seaway Promenade/Training Wall will be temporarily closed to the public on:

  • Date: Thursday 13 November 2025
  • Time: 6:00am to 8:00pm
  • Reason: Authorised works and safety requirements

During this time, access to the southern section of the promenade will not be permitted to ensure public safety while works are undertaken. Signage and traffic management measures will be in place to guide pedestrians and other users.

The northern promenade area and surrounding parklands will remain open as normal.

We thank community members and visitors for their cooperation and understanding while this short-term closure is in place.

Your safety is our priority, and we appreciate your patience as we facilitate these authorised activities.

 

 

GCWA recognised at 2025 PIA Queensland Awards

/in , , , /by

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.

The award acknowledges GCWA’s innovative work in developing and implementing robust, evidence-based planning processes that balance environmental protection, community access, and safe navigation across the waterways network.

GCWA CEO Chris Derksema said the award was a testament to the organisation’s commitment to excellence in planning and collaboration.

“This recognition reflects years of dedicated work to strengthen the way we plan for and manage the waterways,” he said.

“The team has built a model that integrates science, community engagement, and operational delivery — ensuring our waterways remain safe, sustainable, and accessible for everyone.”

The Waterways team, led by Manager Peter Kleinig, accepted the award on behalf of GCWA.

“We’re proud to see our integrated approach recognised by the planning profession,” Mr Kleinig said. “This work is the result of strong partnerships across government, industry, and the community, and it’s helping us chart a more sustainable course for the Gold Coast’s waterways.”

GCWA’s planning approach has been recognised nationally for its use of data-driven decision-making, long-term scenario planning, and commitment to engaging with diverse stakeholders.

The PIA Queensland Awards for Planning Excellence celebrate the state’s best examples of planning leadership, innovation, and impact.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists recognised for shaping Queensland’s future through thoughtful, inclusive, and evidence-based planning.

(Photo: GCWA’s Peter Kleinig and Jason Smith accepting the award)

 

 

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

Need Assistance?

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.