Operation Clearwater delivering results across the Broadwater

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The Broadwater is one of the Gold Coast’s most loved places.

Through Operation Clearwater, GCWA and Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) are working together to address long-standing issues affecting access, amenity and the overall condition of the Broadwater.

Just weeks into the operation, strong results are already being delivered across the waterway.

Since Operation Clearwater commenced on 11 May:

  • 916 vessel intercepts have been undertaken across the Broadwater
  • 184 vessels have been brought into compliance
  • 110 vessels remain under active monitoring
  • 3 abandoned and derelict vessels have been removed, with further removals planned.

Most recently, crews removed an abandoned vessel near Wave Break Island, helping improve access and amenity for all waterway users.

Improving access and amenity

Operation Clearwater is focused on tackling issues that affect the fair use and enjoyment of the Broadwater, including abandoned and derelict vessels, unlawful anchoring and other ongoing compliance matters.

By addressing these issues, the operation is helping improve access, protect amenity and ensure the Broadwater remains a place the community can enjoy and be proud of.

GCWA Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema said the operation was delivering practical improvements for the community.

“Operation Clearwater is delivering a much-needed reset in some areas of the Broadwater, addressing issues that have affected access and amenity for too long.

“The community wants to see action and that’s exactly what this partnership is delivering.

“This work is helping ensure the Broadwater remains a place residents, visitors and the marine community can enjoy and be proud of.”

Continuing the work

Operation Clearwater will continue across the coming weeks, with targeted patrols, inspections and compliance activities focused on priority locations throughout the Broadwater and surrounding waterways.

Gold Coast Seaway marks 40 years of coastal engineering and connectivity

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority has marked 40 years since the opening of the Gold Coast Seaway, recognising four decades of supporting navigation, recreation and connectivity across the Gold Coast waterways network.

Since opening in 1986, the Seaway has become one of the city’s most significant pieces of coastal infrastructure, helping shape the Gold Coast’s identity as one of Australia’s premier waterfront destinations.

Officially opened by then Queensland Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen, the project represented one of Queensland’s largest infrastructure investments of its time and reflected the confidence and ambition that helped shape the modern Gold Coast.

Central to the success of the Seaway is the Gold Coast Sand Bypass System — the first permanent system of its kind anywhere in the world and a pioneering engineering solution designed to maintain the natural movement of sand along the coastline while protecting the stability of the Seaway entrance.

The engineering developed on the Gold Coast would go on to influence coastal management internationally and remains recognised as a world-leading example of long-term coastal planning and innovation.

Together, the Seaway and Sand Bypass System continue to support navigation, recreation, coastal access and the ongoing resilience of the Gold Coast coastline.

Queensland Minister for Education and the Arts and Member for Surfers Paradise, John-Paul Langbroek said the anniversary recognised both the historic significance and ongoing importance of the Seaway.

“For 40 years, the Gold Coast Seaway has played an important role in supporting boating, tourism, recreation and coastal access across the city,” Minister Langbroek said.

“The Seaway and Sand Bypass System are internationally recognised and remain a defining part of the Gold Coast coastline.”

“This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the foresight, innovation and long-term vision that helped shape the Gold Coast we know today.”

Chair of the Gold Coast Waterways Authority, Deanna Nott, said the anniversary highlighted the long-term management of the waterways and coastline.

“The Seaway remains one of the Gold Coast’s great engineering success stories,” Ms Nott said.

“What makes the Seaway so significant is the foresight and innovation behind it.”

“Projects like the Seaway, Wave Break Island and the Sand Bypass System only exist because previous generations planned ahead and invested in the future of the Gold Coast.”

“Our responsibility now is to continue that planning and long-term thinking for future generations.”

“The Seaway remains critical to the resilience, accessibility and connectivity of the Gold Coast waterways.”

CEO of the Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chris Derksema said the Seaway continued to play a vital operational role along the coastline.

“Before the Seaway, the entrance to the Broadwater was constantly shifting and difficult to navigate,” Mr Derksema said.

“The Seaway created a stable and reliable connection between the Broadwater and the ocean.”

“Wave Break Island was created alongside the Seaway as part of the broader solution to stabilise the entrance and help protect the coastline.”

“Today, the Sand Bypass System continues to move around 500,000 cubic metres of sand each year to help maintain the stability of the coastline and ocean entrance.”

“Most people probably never think about the system, but it’s working every day to help keep the coastline stable and accessible.”

“Coastal systems are constantly changing, which is why ongoing monitoring and management remain so important.”

The anniversary event brought together government representatives, engineers, industry stakeholders and community leaders to recognise 40 years of the Gold Coast Seaway and its ongoing role in shaping the future of the city.

GCWA Planning Framework Receives National Recognition

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GCWA is proud to announce that its Planning team, together with project partner Meridian Urban, has received a National Commendation at the 2026 Planning Institute of Australia Awards for Planning Excellence.

The commendation was awarded for the project “Improving Planning Processes – A New Statutory Planning Framework for Sustainable Access and Management of Gold Coast Waterways.”

The project represents a significant step forward in the way planning supports the sustainable use, access and long-term management of the Gold Coast’s waterways. Bringing together planners, industry representatives, government agencies and key stakeholders, the initiative focused on developing a contemporary statutory planning framework that balances growth, access and environmental management while supporting the ongoing enjoyment of the region’s waterways.

The national recognition highlights the strength of collaboration across all project partners and contributors. Through extensive engagement and shared expertise, the project has delivered a framework designed to provide greater clarity, consistency and long-term outcomes for waterway users, industry and the broader community.

GCWA Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema said the award reflects the dedication and professionalism of everyone involved in delivering the project.

“This commendation is a testament to the commitment, collaboration and expertise of the entire team. Developing a planning framework of this scale required input from a wide range of stakeholders, and this recognition acknowledges the collective effort that went into shaping a better future for the Gold Coast waterways.”

The award also comes during a milestone year for the planning profession, with the Planning Institute of Australia celebrating its 75th anniversary. The 2026 awards showcased some of the country’s most innovative and impactful planning projects, recognising excellence across a diverse range of planning disciplines.

GCWA extends its congratulations and thanks to everyone who contributed to the project and is honoured to see this important work recognised on the national stage.

About the project

The statutory planning framework was developed to improve planning processes relating to the sustainable access, use and management of Gold Coast waterways. By bringing together government, industry and community perspectives, the framework provides a stronger foundation for future decision-making and helps ensure the waterways continue to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits for generations to come.

Joint agency operation steps up action across the Broadwater

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A major joint-agency operation is underway across the Gold Coast Broadwater, bringing together the Gold Coast Waterways Authority and Maritime Safety Queensland to improve safety, access and amenity across one of Queensland’s busiest waterways.

Part of Operation Clearwater, the initiative is delivering increased on-water patrols, inspections and compliance activity focused on unlawful anchoring, abandoned and unsafe vessels, pollution risks and other ongoing issues affecting the waterways.

The operation reflects a coordinated effort to improve navigation, protect the marine environment and ensure fair access to the Broadwater for all waterway users.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority Board Chair Deanna Nott said the Broadwater was one of the city’s most important natural assets and the community expected visible action on issues impacting the waterways.

“The Gold Coast Broadwater is one of our city’s greatest natural assets, and we know the community expects visible action on issues impacting access, amenity and fair use of the waterways,” Ms Nott said.

“This operation demonstrates a coordinated commitment to ensuring the Broadwater remains welcoming, accessible and well managed for residents, visitors and the marine community into the future.”

Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema said the operation would strengthen the on-water presence across key areas of the Broadwater.

“This operation is focused on addressing long-standing issues across the Broadwater, including unlawful anchoring, abandoned vessels and activities affecting access, navigation and amenity,” Mr Derksema said.

“People want to see visible action on the water, and this joint operation increases patrols, inspections and direct engagement with vessel owners across priority areas.”

Alongside compliance activities, agencies are also working to educate waterway users about their responsibilities and expectations around anchoring and use of the waterways.Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the coordinated approach would help improve outcomes across the Broadwater.

“This coordinated approach allows agencies to respond more effectively to ongoing compliance issues and improve outcomes across the Broadwater,” Mr Dillon said.

“The goal is to make the Broadwater safer and more accessible for all waterway users while ensuring compliance issues are addressed fairly and consistently.”

The operation includes targeted patrols and direct engagement with vessel owners across the Broadwater and surrounding waterways.

Community members are encouraged to report unsafe or abandoned vessels and other waterway concerns to help agencies respond quickly and effectively.

Paradise Point Boat Ramp upgrade works now underway to improve safety and access

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has commenced construction on the Paradise Point Boat Ramp upgrade, with works now underway following the award of the construction contract to Australian Marine and Civil.

The project will renew the existing 23-year-old facility and deliver a safer, more reliable boat ramp for the local boating community and visitors.

What’s being delivered

The upgraded facility will include:

  • A new three-lane boat ramp
  • A centrally located floating walkway
  • Improved access for a wide range of vessels
  • Renewed infrastructure designed to improve safety and usability

The floating walkway alignment has been adjusted slightly to avoid encroachment into an existing seabed lease. Final positioning will be confirmed during construction following detailed survey and site works.

Why this work is needed

The current ramp has experienced wear over time, including movement between deck planks that has created uneven surfaces and localised drop-offs in the sub tidal zone.

Renewing the facility will improve safety, reliability and access for all users, particularly during busy boating periods and changing tidal conditions.

Construction impacts

Construction will be staged to keep part of the ramp open where possible.

Users should expect some temporary closures during the works, including at times on weekends. Signage will be in place on site and updates will be provided as works progress.

Boaters are encouraged to plan ahead and consider nearby alternative ramps during periods of closure, including:

  • Jabiru Island
  • Boykambil Esplanade
  • Turana Street
  • Centenary Drive

Project details

Investment: $1.65 million
Construction start: April 2026
Status: Works underway

Southern Moreton Bay Incident Response

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) responded over the weekend to a sunken vessel in Southern Moreton Bay near Jacobs Well, undertaking first-strike response to contain and monitor the situation.

Initial information indicated the vessel was fully submerged in approximately five metres of water and leaking diesel fuel.

GCWA deployed and anchored sorbent booms around the stricken vessel to assist with containing the spill and installed a special buoy to clearly mark the vessel’s location for navigation safety.

A diesel slick was observed extending approximately one nautical mile north of the vessel’s location on the incoming tide.

Contractors have since confirmed the vessel’s fuel breathers have now been covered, which has contained and significantly reduced the amount of diesel being discharged from the vessel.

GCWA continues to monitor the situation.

Paradise Point Boat Ramp upgrade to improve safety and access

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has awarded the construction contract for the Paradise Point Boat Ramp upgrade to Australian Marine and Civil, with works scheduled to begin from April 2026.

The project will replace the existing 23-year-old ramp, which requires renewal due to separation of deck planks that has resulted in uneven surfaces and localised drop-offs in the sub tidal zone.

What’s being delivered

 The upgraded facility will include:

  • A three-lane boat ramp
  • A centrally located floating walkway
  • Safer and more reliable access for a wide range of vessels

The floating walkway alignment has been adjusted slightly to avoid encroachment into an existing seabed lease. Final positioning will be confirmed once detailed design and survey works are complete.

Why this work is needed

Over time, the existing ramp has experienced wear and movement between deck planks. These conditions can create safety risks for users, particularly during busy periods and changing tides.

This upgrade ensures Paradise Point continues to provide safe, reliable boating access for the local community and visitors.

 Construction impacts

  • Construction will be staged to keep part of the ramp open where possible
  • Some closures will be required, including at times on weekends
  • Boaters are encouraged to plan ahead and consider nearby alternative ramps during the works

Nearby alternative facilities include Jabiru Island, Boykambil Esplanade, Turana Street and Centenary Drive.

Project details

  •  Investment: $1.65 million
  • Construction start: April 2026
  • Status: Contract awarded

Australia Day long weekend 6-knot speed limit in the Broadwater

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Boaters are reminded that a 6-knot speed limit will be in place in the signed Broadwater speed zone during the Australia Day long weekend, from Saturday 24 January to midnight Monday 26 January.

The Australia Day long weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on the Broadwater, with families, paddlers, swimmers, personal watercraft and vessels all sharing the water. The temporary speed limit is designed to help reduce wash, improve visibility and reaction time, and support safe shared use during peak conditions.

Where the speed limit applies

The 6-knot speed limit applies only within the signed Broadwater zone, as shown on S9-201 Wave Break Island Australia Day speed limit

Clear speed signs will be in place at boat ramps and on the water to help boaters identify where the temporary speed limit applies.

What boaters can expect

During the long weekend, waterway users can expect:

  • Heavy vessel traffic and mixed water use, especially in popular areas
  • On-water speed signage clearly marking the 6-knot zone
  • A visible on-water presence focused on safety, education and compliance

Boaters are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for their trip, and adjust their speed to suit conditions.

Why slowing down matters

Reducing speed during peak periods:

  • Minimises wash near swimmers, paddlecraft and anchored vessels
  • Improves reaction time and visibility in crowded conditions
  • Helps protect shoreline infrastructure and the natural environment
  • Supports a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone on the water

Help keep the Broadwater safe

Everyone has a role to play in keeping the Broadwater safe, welcoming and enjoyable during busy holiday periods. Boaters are reminded to:

  • Observe all speed signage
  • Keep a proper lookout at all times
  • Slow down in busy or congested areas
  • Share the water respectfully with other users

Further reminders and safety information will be shared across the Australia Day long weekend.

Australia Day Long Weekend: 6-knot speed limit on the Broadwater

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Boaties are reminded that a 6-knot speed limit will be in place on the Gold Coast Broadwater from Saturday 24 January to midnight Monday 26 January 2026 as part of Australia Day long-weekend safety arrangements.

The temporary speed limit applies in the Broadwater speed zone only and will be clearly marked with speed signs on the water, complemented by signs at boat ramps.

The Australia Day long weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on the Broadwater, with boats, jet skis, swimmers, paddlers and families all sharing the water.

Slowing down to 6 knots helps reduce wash, improves reaction time and visibility, and makes it safer for everyone to enjoy the waterways during peak conditions.

What boaters need to know

  • Speed limit: 6 knots
  • When: From Saturday 24 January to midnight Monday 26 January 2026
  • Where: Signed Broadwater speed-limit zone (Map S9-201)
  • Why: Increased water traffic and mixed recreational use during the Australia Day long weekend

 What to expect on the water

  • Heavy vessel traffic, particularly around popular locations
  • Swimmers and low-impact activities such as snorkelling and paddling
  • On-water patrols active throughout the long weekend
  • Clear yellow buoys with speed signs on the water, complemented by signs at local boat ramps showing where the speed limit applies

Boaties are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time, and navigate patiently around other water users.

The speed limit applies only within the signed speed zone and only for the Australia Day long-weekend period. Normal speed limits resume after midnight on Monday 26 January.

For updates and reminders throughout the long weekend, follow GCWA on Facebook.

Keeping our waterway clean and safe over the Christmas break

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The Christmas and New Year period is one of the busiest times on the Gold Coast’s waterways — and this year was no exception.

Over the holiday break, Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) officers responded to multiple incidents across the Broadwater, supporting partner agencies and working around the clock to maintain safer waterways access and protect the marine environment.

The incidents included a number of sunken vessels, two vessel fires, and ongoing pollution matters that required deployment of booms and ongoing monitoring.

In each case, GCWA officers assessed navigational and environmental risks, coordinating with Maritime Safety Queensland, Queensland Police Service, and other response agencies, and establishing yellow buoys to mark sunken vessels to alert other waterway users.

Some incidents could not be resolved immediately due to weather, tides or contractor availability. In these cases, GCWA officers remained on call, and continued monitoring conditions until removal or further action could occur.

Where vessels posed no immediate pollution risk, GCWA focused on maintaining navigational safety while supporting owners to arrange appropriate removal with specialist marine contractors.

Working together for safer waterways

GCWA’s role is to help keep the Gold Coast’s waterways safer, cleaner, and accessible. This work continues year-round, including weekends and public holidays.

We thank our partner agencies and the community for their cooperation over the holiday period and remind waterway users to:

  • Report hazards or incidents early
  • Keep clear of marked obstructions
  • Take extra care during busy periods on the water

If you see a hazard or incident on the waterways, call our team on (07) 5539 7350 as soon as possible so we can respond quickly.

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.