A new work boat will support the Gold Coast Waterways Authority’s team as they monitor the waterways, respond to concerns and help keep the Broadwater safe and accessible.

The six-metre QG Wasp has joined GCWA’s fleet, replacing the retired QG Tally. The multi-purpose boat will be used for a range of operations and compliance activities across the waterways.

With twin 100 horsepower motors, a service speed of 24 knots and a landing door at the front, QG Wasp will help the team carry out a range of jobs on the water.

GCWA interim CEO Todd Williams said the new boat would support the team’s ongoing work.

“Our officers are regularly out on the water, checking priority areas, responding to concerns and talking with the people who use our waterways,” Mr Williams said.

“QG Wasp is a versatile boat that can be used for different jobs. It’s about making sure our team has the equipment they need to get out there and do their work.”

What happens when a vessel stays too long?

People sometimes ask why a vessel appears to remain anchored in the same area for an extended period.

Mr Williams said responding to a potential anchoring offence was not always as simple as seeing a vessel and issuing a fine.

“Our officers monitor vessels and work through the appropriate steps when there’s a potential issue,” he said.

“That might involve speaking with the owner, issuing a warning or an infringement notice, or taking further action where it’s required.

“Sometimes the team needs to monitor a vessel over several days to gather the evidence needed before taking the next step.

“So, if you see a vessel in the same area for a while, it doesn’t necessarily mean nothing is happening.”

Recent work on the Broadwater

During the week ending 23 October 2026, GCWA officers monitored 55 anchored vessels in the Broadwater north of Wave Break Island to Paradise Point Channel.

The team issued eight infringement notices for anchoring offences and six removal notices for non-compliant anchored vessels. No abandoned vessels were identified.

Officers also inspected three sunken vessels for pollutant discharge. They confirmed there was no immediate pollution risk, and the vessels were referred to Maritime Safety Queensland for follow-up enquiries.

GCWA works alongside Maritime Safety Queensland and the Gold Coast Water Police on waterways matters.

“We each have different responsibilities, but we work together when issues need a coordinated response,” Mr Williams said.

Check your boat after wet weather

Following the recent wet weather, GCWA is encouraging boat owners to check on their vessels and make sure they are secure.

“If something doesn’t look right, seek advice or assistance,” Mr Williams said.

“Our waterways are a shared space, and people use and enjoy them in many different ways. Our team’s work, alongside our partners and the community, helps keep those spaces safe and accessible.”

We’re keeping Gold Coast waterways accessible, safer and well managed. At the Gold Coast Seaway entrance, the final survey following the dredging campaign gives us a clearer picture of the sand trap and the work needed to maintain it.

The survey comparison shows a reduction of 105,684 cubic metres of sand at the Seaway entrance between 13 August and 11 October 2026. GCWA is also preparing to start dredging in the North and South Channels, continuing its program of maintaining key navigation routes.

Understanding the survey result

The 105,684 cubic metre reduction is the overall change measured between the pre- and post-dredge surveys.

Hopper records show 65,354 cubic metres removed by the dredge, Trud R. Natural sand movement is considered to have contributed to the additional reduction recorded in the surveys.

The comparison image below shows where seabed levels have changed at the Seaway entrance, highlighting areas where sediment levels have fallen.

What happens next at the Seaway entrance

The final survey records the depths achieved. Further surveys over the coming months will track changes in sediment volume within the entrance sand trap and help inform future maintenance planning.

Sand continues to move after a dredging campaign ends. Monitoring those changes helps GCWA understand conditions and plan its response.

Preparing for the North and South Channels

The next stage of the dredging program is approaching, with work in the North and South Channels due to start soon.

These works support GCWA’s priority of maintaining key navigation channels to keep waterways accessible. Further information about the start of works, expected timing and advice for waterway users will be provided through the project webpage and relevant navigation notices.

Our focus is maintaining key channels, strengthening monitoring and compliance, looking after essential infrastructure and working with our partners.

Working in partnership

Thank you to the City of Gold Coast for working alongside us on the Seaway entrance dredging project. Working together helps our organisations achieve shared goals for safer, more accessible waterways.