Latest News
Court supports Wave Break Island clean-up
With the busy summer season approaching, the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is reminding visitors to Wave Break Island that the popular Broadwater destination is for day use only. The reminder comes after GCWA recently succeeded in obtaining a court order to...
Annual Report Now Available Online
Did you know that our Sand Bypass System pumped 664,847 cubic metres of sand north of Seaway to keep waterways safe and navigable and that we maintained more than 2000 buoys, beacons and signs last year? This is all part of the work we do to Sustain, Enhance and...
Iconic Gold Coast Sand Bypass System making the most of solar power
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority has taken further steps to improve the operation of the iconic Sand Bypass System at The Spit, using a pilot solar array to help meet the operation’s day-time energy needs. The Sand Bypass System is a critical component of the Gold...
Waterways users study key to future planning
Building a better understanding of movements on the city’s waterways network will help the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) improve planning to accommodate a growing population and rising boat ownership. CEO Hal Morris said an initial study undertaken by GCWA was...
New speed limits enhance Coomera River access
Access to the Coomera River and the broader waterways network will be enhanced by new speed limits being set by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) using data gathered during a 12-month speed limits trial, stakeholder engagement and strong community feedback....
Dredging workshop aims to maximise benefits for Gold Coast
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is working with potential users of its Coomera Dredge Sediment Management Facility to maximise economic and community benefits for the Gold Coast. The GCWA convened a workshop today with representatives from the Gold Coast...
Dredging campaign channels support for major industries
Our dredging campaign in the Coomera River, which is supporting safe and navigable waterways access for the Gold Coast’s multi-billion-dollar tourism and marine industries, has passed the half-way mark. The dredging of an 8 kilometre stretch of the river from Shipper...
Big Bird’s take-off escalates Gold Coast climate change research
Research into the impacts of wild weather and climate change on the Gold Coast is being stepped up with the launch of a bright yellow monitoring buoy nicknamed ‘Big Bird’. ‘Big Bird’s’ launch formally marks the establishment of the Coastal Engineering Research Field...
Sand Bank Study In Southern Broadwater Supports Better Waterways Management
We’re conducting a long-term study into the birds and animals living on and within the sand banks of the Southern Broadwater to help with the management of threatened species and support the protection of the Gold Coast’s waterways environmental values. With the...Managing abandoned boats
We’re working in partnership with other agencies, including Maritime Safety Queensland and the Department of Environment and Science, to identify and remove problem vessels from our waterways. In the last 12 months alone, we’ve removed 15 abandoned vessels from...Paradise Point Channel 6 knot zone expands to better balance the needs of different waterways users
We’ve extended a 6 knot speed zone in parts of the Paradise Point Channel near the Sovereign Islands, increasing the area suitable for more passive recreational pursuits such as kayaking, small boat sailing, stand-up paddle boarding and temporarily anchoring...