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.

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What We Heard: Engagement on Top of The Spit Precinct Plan

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Community and key stakeholder engagement was undertaken in 2023 to gather feedback on the Top of The Spit Precinct Plan.

The aim of the engagement was to inform and consult with a broad range of people about The Spit Master Plan outcomes. It also sought to obtain feedback on the proposal for greater connectivity, improved amenity, and enriched vibrancy of the public domain.

These engagement activities generated considerable interest with 941 pieces of feedback. The feedback centred around the following topics:

  • Retention of car parking along the ring road, immediately west of the round-a-bout
  • Access to the (middle) Emergency Access Stairs
  • Support for bus stop and for EV charging (located closer to Kiosk/SBS for security)
  • Limited support for future children’s play area
  • More shade / leave as natural as possible.

The full report can be viewed HERE.

We thank the community and key stakeholders for taking the time to provide such valuable feedback. It is fundamental in shaping the future experiences for this parkland of regional significance.

The Spit Redevelopment Project secures Gold Coast Urban Design Award of Excellence 2023

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The Seaway Promenade and Moondarewa Spit redevelopment project has been honoured with the City of Gold Coast Urban Design Award for Public Projects at their annual awards evening on 9 November 2023.

The Revitalisation project was a key outcome of The Spit Master Plan Implementation undertaken by the Queensland Government and delivered by Gold Coast Waterways Authority.

The award recognises projects which exhibit a high standard of excellence in design and execution of a public or institutional nature, and achieves all six key design principles in Responsiveness, Connected, Engaged, Sub Tropical, Attractive and Adaptable.

The collaborative project which included design firm, Place Design Group and Engineering firm Michael Bale and Associates is a strong example of positive open space design within the context of foreshore infrastructure.

The design focused on brining the community’s vision for The Spit to life, using material that complimented the stunning landscape, while still providing clear accessibility and a variety of public viewing spaces.

Works will continue over the coming years to further transform The Spit into one of the Gold Coast’s premium destinations for locals and visitors.

Celebrating a decade of Gold Coast waterways management

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is approaching the end of our tenth year of guiding the responsible and sustainable management of Gold Coast Waterways.

The GCWA was established in December 2012 by the Queensland Government through the Gold Coast Waterways Authority Act 2012.

With the responsibility for a waterways network that stretches from Jumpinpin in the north, to Tallebudgera and Currumbin Creeks in the South, GCWA has worked in partnership with the community, industry, and partner agencies.

Over the past decade GCWA has delivered:

  • An extensive capital works program to upgrade and deliver new boating facilities like boat ramps and pontoons.
  • The development and implementation of The Spit Master Plan in partnership with the Queensland Government.
  • Effective management of our waterways maintaining navigable aids, dredging to maintain navigable channels, and operating the Gold Coast Sand Bypass System at Main Beach.
  • Supporting safe and equitable use of our waterways through managing anchoring and mooring, permitting of aquatic events, setting and reviewing speed limits, management of abandon vessels and first response for vessel-related oil spills.

Looking forward, GCWA is guided by the Gold Coast Waterways Management Strategy 2021-2030. This strategy is intended to provide direction for all stakeholders involved in waterway management or activities that may affect waterway conditions.

For the next decade the vision of GCWA is to be a Waterways City. To achieve this there are three focus areas to ensure the Gold Coast continues to embrace our waterways as it embraces the opportunity to be a waterways city – access, connections and destinations.

To further understand the uniqueness of the waterways, GCWA will develop a Place Strategy to inform effective place-based planning outcomes. The Place Strategy will be developed in consultation the with community, and draw together important information about the economic, social, and environmental values of our waterways. This strategy will ensure effective and sustainable management of Gold Coast waterways.

 

Unlocking the Potential: The Top of The Spit’s Precinct Plan

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The full potential of one of Queensland’s most stunning coastal parklands is set to be unlocked with the reveal of a detailed precinct plan for The Top of The Spit, Main Beach.

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Oxenford Pacific Highway pontoon and boat ramp upgrade project

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is upgrading the boating facility at Oxenford. This project involves installing a new pontoon to the west of the existing boat ramp and expanding the existing boat ramp’s footprint by four metres to accommodate an extra lane.

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Muriel Henchman Park Improvements – Construction Contract Awarded

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Major improvement works have commenced this week at a popular boat ramp at The Spit, with local based company Ertech (Queensland) Pty Ltd awarded the contract for construction.

The works are expected to take 11 months to complete and will improve the operational use of the site by reducing congestion during peak periods and enhancing access and safety for launching and retrieving vessels. Once finished, the park will offer a total of six boat ramp lanes, an upgraded pontoon, a new floating walkway on the northern boat ramp, 160 trailer parks, 144 car parks, 6 car parks for people with disabilities, line marking, pathways, landscaping, public toilets and shade.

This $19M project is funded by the City of Gold Coast, Queensland Government as part of the implementation of The Spit Master Plan and Gold Coast Waterways Authority, and will enhance access to the Broadwater and the Seaway for recreational and commercial vessels as well as community organisations.

To enable works to be completed safely and as quickly as possible, the Muriel Henchman Park boat ramp and main carpark will experience temporary disruptions from August 2023 to mid-2024. Delays may be experienced as well as reduced number of boat lanes and car parking available.

Alternative launch points include Proud Park, Broadwater Parklands, Harley Park and Loders Creek. For updates and more information on the Muriel Henchman Park Improvements visit HERE.

Broadwater Parklands pontoon repairs complete

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The repairs of the Southport Broadwater Parklands pontoon have been completed, and the facility is now open again for use.

Upgraded materials have been used to improve the performance and life of the structure, with the repairs costing $470,000.

Thanks to the community for their cooperation during the closure of the pontoon over the last two months.

The pontoon is a popular structure that supports recreational activities such as sporting events, fishing and waterway access. It’s also used by vessel owners that use the adjacent boat ramp to access the waterways.

To find out more about this project, please view our project fact sheet.

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