Major Dredging Campaign of Gold Coast Waterways Starts Today

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  • GCWA will support the recovery of eroded beaches by Easter after ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred damage
  • Dredging of the Gold Coast Seaway entrance, Coomera River and the South Wave Break Island Channel will restore navigation channel depths and provide safer, navigable waterways.
  • More than $2 million will be invested in our waterways to support the long-term viability for both commercial and recreational boaters with safer access.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority have been working with the City of Gold Coast and other agencies to speed up the recovery process of restoring our waterways and beaches following ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Planned dredging activity by GCWA has been adjusted to respond to the impacts of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, with dredging at the Gold Coast Seaway entrance brought forward.

This will provide approximately 30,000 cubic metres of sand that will be taken from the Seaway and placed behind the surf zone at Narrowneck. This will assist in beach recovery and ensure that navigation through the Seaway is maintained.

‘Unfortunately, ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred and recent heavy rainfalls have moved sand off the Seaway entrance, and dredging is now required’ said Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema.

‘We will also dredge the Coomera River and South Wave Break Island Channels at the same time to ensure our waterways remain accessible for boaties’.

‘All navigational aids have now been fully restored after the cyclone, which is critical for the safety of all users of the waterways’ he added.

GCWA will commence dredging at three key channels across the Gold Coast waterways from today.

At the South Wave Break Island Channel, dredging will occur to improve safety for small and medium sized vessels traversing between the Seaway and western Broadwater

More than 20,000 cubic meters of sand will be dredged and used to nourish Moondarewa Spit, as well as the eastern side of Marine Stadium.

The dredging campaigns will take approximately four to six weeks and boaties are advised to stay clear of dredging operations in the channel that may temporarily restrict vessel access.

‘Mariners should navigate with caution, maintain a safe distance off and operate at reduced speed with minimum wash in the vicinity of these important works’ said Mr Derksema.

All of the dredging work is subject to environmental controls and monitoring.

Waterways Notice

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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. 

The trial aims to support a broader range of recreational uses within Marine Stadium by limiting the number of vessels anchored in the area, ensuring maximum benefit to the community.  

The trial is being extended to ensure adequate assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of the recreational opportunities area and allow time to determine a suitable management option for the future of Marine Stadium.   The trial commenced on 31 March 2023 and has now been extended through to 31 March 2026.   

GCWA has been monitoring the recreational opportunities area throughout the trial to assess its effectiveness by undertaking regular water quality testing, monitoring recreational uses in the area and monitoring vessel compliance. 

Monitoring results to date show an overall improvement in water quality and a high volume of people using the recreational opportunities area (averaging 70 people per day). There has also been excellent compliance with vessels staying out of the recreational opportunities area.  

The trial includes: 

  • Recreation opportunities area (no powered watercraft permitted in northern 300 metres of Marine Stadium)  
  • Jetty and pontoon use area (powered watercraft accepted, no anchoring or mooring) 
  • Approach channel (powered watercraft accepted, no anchoring or mooring). 

 The trial was established following extensive community consultation and feedback through the Marine Stadium Destination Planning process in 2022 and the subsequent Marine Stadium Tidal Exchange Investigation study.

For more information, please refer to the updated Waterways Notice and the Project Web Page.

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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Lower Speed limit on Gold Coast waterways for the Australia Day long weekend

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Historically for one of the busiest days of the year on the water, Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) will again introduce a 6 knots speed limit on the Broadwater near Wave Break Island to enhance marine safety.

The speed limit will come into effect at 12:01am on Saturday 25 January 2025 and will end at midnight on Monday 27 January 2025.

GCWA will establish a series of yellow buoys with speed signs to mark the area of the 6 knots speed zone on The Broadwater near Wave Break Island.

A map of this area, along with other speed limit maps for Gold Coast waterways can be found here.

The Advice to Mariners, published by Maritime Safety Queensland can be found here.

Additionally, GCWA has placed information signs at all nearby public boat ramps that show a map of the speed zone to remind people of the lower speed limit.

In previous years the 6 knots speed limit has been an effective measure for ensuring greater marine safety during the period of very high levels of water traffic.

Maritime Safety Queensland, Gold Coast Water Police, and Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol will be actively patrolling the Broadwater to ensure the waterways remain safe and accessible.

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.

 

New Place Strategy to enhance the future of Gold Coast waterways

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is developing the Waterways Place Strategy to facilitate future planning, investment decision-making and management activity for our Gold Coast waterways.  

The Gold Coast has grown from a holiday destination to Australia’s sixth largest City and our beautiful waterways are what sets us apart.  As the city continues to rapidly grow and evolve, balanced and considered planning of the waterways is critical to ensure existing values are maintained and enhanced, and future opportunities realised.  

The Waterways Place Strategy will propose what we want the waterways to look like in the future, and how we can maximise its benefits and manage sustainable growth. Ultimately the strategy will guide and inform good decisions when it comes to the future of our Gold Coast waterways. 

We have commenced a series of studies on important themes related to Gold Coast waterways that quantify their economic, social, culture and environmental importance, and the unique land use planning and policy that guides activities and growth on or near our waterways.  This will be supported through comprehensive engagement with the community, key stakeholders, partners and First Nations groups throughout development of the strategy.  

To have your say, please complete the Waterways Place Strategy Survey before 28 April. The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete and you can go into the prize draw to win 1 of 2 $500 Visa Gift Cards!

The information gathered from our survey will help to inform the development of our Waterways Place Strategy.  We’ll be coming back to the community in July 2024 with a collation of early themes and ideas, before seeking feedback on the draft Waterways Place Strategy in September 2024.  

We will also be holding a series of pop-up engagement events around our waterways to support the project and answer your questions. Please check our Facebook page for details. 

Make sure you sign up to our Project Mailing List to receive updates on the project – join here. 

To find out more, please see the Project Webpage and check out the video below:

 

Construction is in full swing at Muriel Henchman Park and The Spit boat ramps.

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As part of The Spit Master Plan implementation, we are upgrading the boat ramps, existing pontoon and adding a floating walkway. Parking, pathways, landscaping and public amenities will also be improved. The project, once completed, will enhance access to the Broadwater and the Seaway for recreational and commercial vessels, and community organisations.

The following works are underway in February 2024:

  • Work on the southern access road and services installation
  • Steel sheet piles have been installed for construction of the sewer pump station
  • Installation of gravity feed sewer
  • Earthworks between car park and southern boat ramp
  • Revetment wall construction progressing
  • Preparation of pedestrian pathway at northern end of car park
  • Dune fencing installation at northern end of car park.

For up-to-date project information, fact sheet, progress videos and photos please visit https://gcwa.qld.gov.au/2023/09/10/muriel-henchman-park-improvements/

Navigational Aids project completed

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority has completed another major project to ensure safe access on the Gold Coast waterways.

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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.

Read more

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.