Joint agency operation steps up action across the Broadwater

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A major joint-agency operation is underway across the Gold Coast Broadwater, bringing together the Gold Coast Waterways Authority and Maritime Safety Queensland to improve safety, access and amenity across one of Queensland’s busiest waterways.

Part of Operation Clearwater, the initiative is delivering increased on-water patrols, inspections and compliance activity focused on unlawful anchoring, abandoned and unsafe vessels, pollution risks and other ongoing issues affecting the waterways.

The operation reflects a coordinated effort to improve navigation, protect the marine environment and ensure fair access to the Broadwater for all waterway users.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority Board Chair Deanna Nott said the Broadwater was one of the city’s most important natural assets and the community expected visible action on issues impacting the waterways.

“The Gold Coast Broadwater is one of our city’s greatest natural assets, and we know the community expects visible action on issues impacting access, amenity and fair use of the waterways,” Ms Nott said.

“This operation demonstrates a coordinated commitment to ensuring the Broadwater remains welcoming, accessible and well managed for residents, visitors and the marine community into the future.”

Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema said the operation would strengthen the on-water presence across key areas of the Broadwater.

“This operation is focused on addressing long-standing issues across the Broadwater, including unlawful anchoring, abandoned vessels and activities affecting access, navigation and amenity,” Mr Derksema said.

“People want to see visible action on the water, and this joint operation increases patrols, inspections and direct engagement with vessel owners across priority areas.”

Alongside compliance activities, agencies are also working to educate waterway users about their responsibilities and expectations around anchoring and use of the waterways.Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the coordinated approach would help improve outcomes across the Broadwater.

“This coordinated approach allows agencies to respond more effectively to ongoing compliance issues and improve outcomes across the Broadwater,” Mr Dillon said.

“The goal is to make the Broadwater safer and more accessible for all waterway users while ensuring compliance issues are addressed fairly and consistently.”

The operation includes targeted patrols and direct engagement with vessel owners across the Broadwater and surrounding waterways.

Community members are encouraged to report unsafe or abandoned vessels and other waterway concerns to help agencies respond quickly and effectively.

Paradise Point Boat Ramp upgrade works now underway to improve safety and access

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has commenced construction on the Paradise Point Boat Ramp upgrade, with works now underway following the award of the construction contract to Australian Marine and Civil.

The project will renew the existing 23-year-old facility and deliver a safer, more reliable boat ramp for the local boating community and visitors.

What’s being delivered

The upgraded facility will include:

  • A new three-lane boat ramp
  • A centrally located floating walkway
  • Improved access for a wide range of vessels
  • Renewed infrastructure designed to improve safety and usability

The floating walkway alignment has been adjusted slightly to avoid encroachment into an existing seabed lease. Final positioning will be confirmed during construction following detailed survey and site works.

Why this work is needed

The current ramp has experienced wear over time, including movement between deck planks that has created uneven surfaces and localised drop-offs in the sub tidal zone.

Renewing the facility will improve safety, reliability and access for all users, particularly during busy boating periods and changing tidal conditions.

Construction impacts

Construction will be staged to keep part of the ramp open where possible.

Users should expect some temporary closures during the works, including at times on weekends. Signage will be in place on site and updates will be provided as works progress.

Boaters are encouraged to plan ahead and consider nearby alternative ramps during periods of closure, including:

  • Jabiru Island
  • Boykambil Esplanade
  • Turana Street
  • Centenary Drive

Project details

Investment: $1.65 million
Construction start: April 2026
Status: Works underway

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

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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.

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Marine Stadium recreational opportunities area extended to March 2027

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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

Gold Coast Waterways Authority Welcomes Korean Delegation

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) recently welcomed a delegation from the Republic of Korea to the Gold Coast to exchange insights on waterways management, coastal planning and the long-term future of coastal environments.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the Gold Coast’s integrated approach to managing waterways, balancing environmental protection, recreational use, economic activity and long-term coastal resilience.

During the visit, GCWA representatives presented on the Authority’s role in managing the Broadwater and associated waterways, highlighting the importance of strategic planning, safe navigation, environmental management and the delivery of well-designed public waterfront spaces.

Discussions also explored the evolution of The Spit as a major waterfront destination and the role of long-term planning frameworks such as the Spit Master Plan, which guides future investment, access, public space and infrastructure improvements while protecting the natural values of the area.

GCWA CEO Chris Derksema said the visit reflected growing international interest in how coastal cities manage and plan for their waterways.

“Waterways are some of our most valuable public spaces and they require careful long-term planning and management,” Mr Derksema said.

“The Gold Coast demonstrates how waterways can support recreation, tourism, environmental outcomes and economic activity at the same time.”

The exchange also highlighted the importance of knowledge sharing between coastal cities facing similar challenges around population growth, climate pressures and increasing demand for waterfront access.

Through initiatives such as long-term waterways planning and place-based waterway management, GCWA continues to work with government partners and the community to ensure the Gold Coast’s waterways remain safe, accessible and well managed for future generations.

 

Southern Moreton Bay Incident Response

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) responded over the weekend to a sunken vessel in Southern Moreton Bay near Jacobs Well, undertaking first-strike response to contain and monitor the situation.

Initial information indicated the vessel was fully submerged in approximately five metres of water and leaking diesel fuel.

GCWA deployed and anchored sorbent booms around the stricken vessel to assist with containing the spill and installed a special buoy to clearly mark the vessel’s location for navigation safety.

A diesel slick was observed extending approximately one nautical mile north of the vessel’s location on the incoming tide.

Contractors have since confirmed the vessel’s fuel breathers have now been covered, which has contained and significantly reduced the amount of diesel being discharged from the vessel.

GCWA continues to monitor the situation.

Discover The Spit Stories – Online and On the Ground

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A new digital storytelling platform, The Spit Stories, has officially launched, offering visitors and locals a fresh way to explore the history, community and environment of The Spit.

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Paradise Point Boat Ramp upgrade to improve safety and access

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has awarded the construction contract for the Paradise Point Boat Ramp upgrade to Australian Marine and Civil, with works scheduled to begin from April 2026.

The project will replace the existing 23-year-old ramp, which requires renewal due to separation of deck planks that has resulted in uneven surfaces and localised drop-offs in the sub tidal zone.

What’s being delivered

 The upgraded facility will include:

  • A three-lane boat ramp
  • A centrally located floating walkway
  • Safer and more reliable access for a wide range of vessels

The floating walkway alignment has been adjusted slightly to avoid encroachment into an existing seabed lease. Final positioning will be confirmed once detailed design and survey works are complete.

Why this work is needed

Over time, the existing ramp has experienced wear and movement between deck planks. These conditions can create safety risks for users, particularly during busy periods and changing tides.

This upgrade ensures Paradise Point continues to provide safe, reliable boating access for the local community and visitors.

 Construction impacts

  • Construction will be staged to keep part of the ramp open where possible
  • Some closures will be required, including at times on weekends
  • Boaters are encouraged to plan ahead and consider nearby alternative ramps during the works

Nearby alternative facilities include Jabiru Island, Boykambil Esplanade, Turana Street and Centenary Drive.

Project details

  •  Investment: $1.65 million
  • Construction start: April 2026
  • Status: Contract awarded

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