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

/in , , /by

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

/in /by

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

/in /by

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

/in , /by

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.

Read more

Oxenford Pacific Highway pontoon and boat ramp upgrade project

/in , /by

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.

Read more

Muriel Henchman Park Improvements – Construction Contract Awarded

/in , , /by

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

/in /by

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.

Jabiru Island recreational boat ramp upgrades

/in , /by

A popular Paradise Point boat ramp near the Broadwater is undergoing major upgrades.

The $950,000 project commences in mid-June 2023 and will see recreational boat ramp lanes at Jabiru Island expanded and upgraded to the latest specifications.

The Jabiru Island boat ramp is an important access point for recreational boaties. It is located on the southern side of Jabiru Island, near the junction of the southern arm of the Coomera River, Coombabah Creek, and Saltwater Creek.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) Chief Executive Chris Derksema said maintaining boat ramp facilities was an important part of ensuring safe navigable access for waterway users.

“Especially as demand for these facilities continues to climb on the Gold Coast,” Chris Derksema said.

“These upgrades are part of the $50.4 million investment in construction and upgrade projects to improve access to the Gold Coast waterways recommended in the Gold Coast Waterways Management Program 2022‐26.

Boaties and other recreational users will be able to access three other mixed‐use lanes on weekends while the work is carried out.

The Jabiru Island boat ramp upgrades project is expected to be completed in July 2023. More details are available in the project factsheet.

GCWA zeros in on climate change targets

/in , /by

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is acting on climate change and investing in projects that support a sustainable future for the Gold Coast’s iconic waterways.

GCWA Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema said work was already well underway in response to the severity of climate change and its potential impacts to our waterways and community.

“We acknowledge that climate change is the most significant environmental challenge that humans have faced, and we recognise the impacts of increasing global temperatures on climate patterns, extreme weather events, and ecosystems around the world,” Chris Derksema said.

“In response, we are actively mitigating our own climate change impacts and preparing for the future, allowing us to maximise sustainable and resilient waterways services and infrastructure at the same time.

“While we are making a concerted effort to build sustainability into our own operations, we’re also working closely with our suppliers and stakeholders to make improvements where possible.”

Chris Derksema added that the foundations for action had been set by a robust Climate Change Policy which sets clear and achievable targets for GCWA, including the reduction of its greenhouse gas emissions.

“We recently adopted a Climate Change Policy that supports GCWA in better managing the effects of climate change and provides a framework for improved climate-related oversight and governance,” Mr Derksema said.

“The Policy confidently outlines our commitments, including the adoption of carbon emissions reductions targets, and how we’ll integrate climate change into our business operations.”

Key targets and collaborative actions under the GCWA Climate Change Policy include:

  • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to achieve net zero scope emissions as soon as possible and preferably by 2025
  • Working with key supply chain areas such as dredge operators and marinas, to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 or sooner
  • Working with staff, contractors, consultants, and the community to raise awareness of our Climate Change Policy
  • Ensuring all GCWA staff undertake climate change awareness training
  • Collaborating with local research organisations and other relevant organisations to raise awareness on climate change impacts relevant to Gold Coast waterways.

Trial to test recreation waters for Marine Stadium

/in , , , /by

A popular bay at the Top of The Spit in Main Beach has been opened to a broader range of recreational uses under a new 12-month trial that separates powered watercraft from passive recreation activity.

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority’s Recreation Uses Trial in Marine Stadium will support the transition from a predominantly long-term anchoring site to an area that supports a range of recreation activities.

At the centre of the trial activated on Friday 31 March is a Recreation Opportunities Area in the northern 300 metres of Marine Stadium which will be reserved for non-powered watercraft, freeing up the space for passive leisure opportunities such as fishing, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

Powered watercraft can access the new jetty and pontoon through a 45-metre-wide channel and dedicated use area for dropping off passengers and vessel manoeuvring.

GCWA Chief Executive Chris Derksema said the Recreation Uses Trial was a significant step towards realising the full potential of Marine Stadium as a waterways destination that everyone can enjoy.

“This trial is a significant step towards fulfilling the vision of Marine Stadium outlined in line with The Spit Master Plan’s (2019),” Mr Derksema said.

“The community feedback we’ve received for Marine Stadium has been overwhelmingly in support of a shift to improved access to the water by limiting the number of vessels anchored in this area.

“We have also listened to concerns about the impacts of long-term anchoring on water quality which have been verified by the Marine Stadium Tidal Exchange Study.”

The study recommended GCWA adopt a management option that separates vessels from other recreational uses is the most effective way of supporting a range of recreational activities within Marine Stadium. The establishment of a recreational opportunities area responds directly to this recommendation.

Mr Derksema said the trial was underpinned by a Waterways Notice which outlines the regulations for vessels using each of the areas established in the Recreation Opportunities Area.

“We think this management option strikes the right balance between continuing to allow access by boat users, but also opens up the area to others,” he said.

“The Waterways Notice clearly sets out the perimeters of the new recreation opportunities area, the jetty and pontoon use area, and the approach channel into Marine Stadium.

“We will monitor and evaluate how the trial is performing throughout the year.”

The Recreation Uses Trial zone includes:

  • Recreation Opportunities Area (no powered watercraft permitted)
  • Jetty and pontoon use area (powered watercraft accepted, no anchoring or mooring)
  • Approach channel (powered watercraft accepted, no anchoring or mooring).

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.