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 complete

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The Paradise Point Boat Ramp is open following the completion of upgrade works in July 2026.

The $1.65 million Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) project replaced the ageing facility to improve safety and make launching and retrieving vessels easier.

What’s been delivered

The upgraded facility includes:

  • A new three-lane boat ramp
  • A centrally located floating walkway
  • Renewed infrastructure to support safer, easier launching and retrieval.

Why the upgrade was needed

The previous ramp had served the community for more than 23 years. Wear and movement between deck planks had created uneven surfaces in sections of the ramp.

Paradise Point is one of the Gold Coast’s busiest boat ramps, with more than 350 vessel launch and retrieval movements recorded over a single weekend. The upgrade provides a safer, more reliable facility for local boaters and visitors.

Thank you to the community for your patience during construction.

Project details

Investment: $1.65 million
Construction commenced: April 2026
Completed: July 2026
Status: Complete and open for use

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.

Christmas and New Year Office Closure

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GCWA office will close at 12.00pm on Wednesday 24 December 2025 and reopen at 9.00am on Friday 2 January 2026.

While our office counter and administrative services will be closed during this period, on-water operations and emergency response will continue throughout the Christmas and New Year period, including during peak boating times.

GCWA works closely with Maritime Safety Queensland, Queensland Police, Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) and other agencies to maintain safety on the waterways. Our after-hours emergency line remains active to respond to urgent matters such as navigation hazards, aid failures or pollution incidents.

If you require urgent assistance relating to:

  • navigation aid faults
  • navigation hazards
  • pollution incidents

please call (07) 5539 7350 so the matter can be responded to promptly.

The office closure applies to non-urgent administrative services only and does not reduce safety coverage on the waterways during this busy time.

From all of us at the Gold Coast Waterways Authority, we wish you a happy, safe and relaxing festive season.

Thank you for your support throughout the year. We look forward to working with you in 2026.

New appointments strengthen GCWA Board

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GCWA has welcomed new appointments to its Board, while acknowledging the contribution of outgoing members who have helped guide the organisation through a period of significant growth and reform.

The new appointments will strengthen GCWA’s governance and capability as it continues to manage and protect the Gold Coast’s waterways.

The newly appointed Board members are:

  • Ms Deanna Nott (Chairperson)
  • Ms Kerry Noyes
  • Mr Luke Bradnam
  • Mrs Sarah Colgate

Together they bring a broad range of expertise across strategic communication and governance, marine and boating operations, tourism and visitor economy, business development and industry and stakeholder engagement.

Mr Andrew Fielding remains on the GCWA Board, with Ms Shelley Curtis continuing to serve as the City of Gold Coast Mayor’s representative.

GCWA Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema thanked outgoing Board members for their leadership and guidance.

“Our Board plays a vital role in providing strategic oversight as GCWA delivers an expanding program of waterways management, infrastructure renewal and community engagement,” Mr Derksema said.

“I thank our outgoing Directors for their contribution and welcome our new Board members as we continue to deliver safe, accessible and well-managed waterways for the Gold Coast community.”

The outgoing Board members Mr Greg Vann, Ms Judy Spence, Ms Aysin Dedekorkut and Mr Mark Gibbs are thanked for their service.

The new appointments take effect from Friday 19 December 2025.

Doug Jennings Park: Temporary traffic changes on Sunday 11 January 2026

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Doug Jennings Park will be the venue for the Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping event on Sunday, 11 January 2026.

To support the safe delivery of the event, the Doug Jennings Park ring road will be closed to vehicle traffic from 6am to 8pm on Sunday, 11 January 2026.

Pedestrian access will remain available to all other areas of the park outside the event area during this time.

Visitors are encouraged to plan their visit in advance and follow any on-site signage and directions from event staff.

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

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