Latest News
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...
Australia Day weekend operations aim to keep waterways safe
With the Australia Day weekend fast approaching, we’re reminding people to be aware of speed limits, anchoring restrictions and potential hazards on the water so that everyone enjoys a safe break. ‘This is traditionally one of the busiest periods on our...
Next phase of Doug Jennings Park improvements complete
Stage Four of the revitalisation works for one of the Gold Coast’s most-loved parks, Doug Jennings Park at The Spit, has been completed just in time for Christmas. The latest upgrade means in the last four years, over $5.7 million has been invested in the popular day...
Buoy Mooring Strategy
GCWA is working to improve the management of buoy moorings in Gold Coast waters. These improvements flow from the Buoy Mooring Review in 2014 and our recent Buoy Mooring Management Strategy developed to accommodate the Gold Coast’s rapidly increasing population,...
WATERWAYS SPEED LIMITS
The final speed limit changes as part of the Speed Limits and Behaviour Management Strategy 2018-2020 have come into effect. The Coomera River (South Branch) now has a new trial speed limit of 6 knots for boats 8 metres in length and over, with the general smooth...