Public Notice: Beach Access Restrictions at Sand Bypass System Jetty

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is conducting essential maintenance painting works on the Sand Bypass System Jetty. Due to the nature of the work, temporary diversions at beach access points will be required.

For safety reasons, we kindly ask the public to avoid the work zone and, where possible, use alternative beach access points until the project is completed.

GCWA will be monitoring the site daily, ensuring the safety of everyone in and around the work zone. The diversions will be in place, where required, between June and July 2025 from Monday to Saturday 7:00am – 6:00pm.

We appreciate your cooperation and patience while we carry out these necessary works.

Waterways Users App

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Gold Coast waterway users can enhance their on-water experience with marine navigation Mobile App DECKEE.

DECKEE allows you to find weather forecasts, local boat ramps, waterway zones and safety equipment requirements.

You can view a map of the Gold Coast waterways and access key Gold Coast Waterways Authority information through the App too.

Whether navigating the waterways, paddling with friends, heading out fishing or cruising with friends, the free DECKEE mobile app can enhance your waterways experience.

The app is free and available on both iOS and Android.

For more information and to download the App visit: Download the DECKEE Mobile App — DECKEE

 

 

This project utilises Software-as-a-Service and is part of delivering the Waterways Management program 2024-2028.

What is Software-as-a-Service?

GCWA uses third-party Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) providers to support the delivery and performance of its digital services.

The Authority does not collect, store, or process any personal or sensitive information through these services.

However, depending on the configuration and privacy practices of the SaaS provider, they may independently collect limited data, which could include personal or sensitive information. This collection is not initiated, managed, or controlled by GCWA.

Users are encouraged to review the privacy policies of any third-party services linked to or embedded within our digital platforms—or theirs—to understand how their data may be handled by those providers.

Santa Barbara Boat Ramp Replacement

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Replacement of the Santa Barbara Boat ramp is set to commence July 2025 and be completed in early October 2025. GCWA will be constructing a new dual-lane boat ramp to improve access to the waterways for recreational users

This replacement ensures safe access for waterway users to the popular destination.

During the construction works, the boat ramp will be closed for approximately sixteen (16) weeks to provide sufficient time for the demolition and construction of the new dual lane boat ramp.

Charles Holms Park will remain open for the duration of the works however there will be access restrictions to the carpark and the boat ramp will be closed.

The project is part of our $50.4 million investment in construction and upgrade projects to improve access to the Gold Coast waterways through the Waterways Management Program 2024-2028.

The Santa Barbara facility is a popular destination for the community on the Gold Coast when launching vessels and supporting recreational activities such as water skiing, fishing and waterway access.

To find out more about this project, please view our project fact sheet.

Major Dredging Campaign of Gold Coast Waterways Starts Today

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  • GCWA will support the recovery of eroded beaches by Easter after ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred damage
  • Dredging of the Gold Coast Seaway entrance, Coomera River and the South Wave Break Island Channel will restore navigation channel depths and provide safer, navigable waterways.
  • More than $2 million will be invested in our waterways to support the long-term viability for both commercial and recreational boaters with safer access.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority have been working with the City of Gold Coast and other agencies to speed up the recovery process of restoring our waterways and beaches following ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Planned dredging activity by GCWA has been adjusted to respond to the impacts of ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, with dredging at the Gold Coast Seaway entrance brought forward.

This will provide approximately 30,000 cubic metres of sand that will be taken from the Seaway and placed behind the surf zone at Narrowneck. This will assist in beach recovery and ensure that navigation through the Seaway is maintained.

‘Unfortunately, ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred and recent heavy rainfalls have moved sand off the Seaway entrance, and dredging is now required’ said Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chief Executive Officer Chris Derksema.

‘We will also dredge the Coomera River and South Wave Break Island Channels at the same time to ensure our waterways remain accessible for boaties’.

‘All navigational aids have now been fully restored after the cyclone, which is critical for the safety of all users of the waterways’ he added.

GCWA will commence dredging at three key channels across the Gold Coast waterways from today.

At the South Wave Break Island Channel, dredging will occur to improve safety for small and medium sized vessels traversing between the Seaway and western Broadwater

More than 20,000 cubic meters of sand will be dredged and used to nourish Moondarewa Spit, as well as the eastern side of Marine Stadium.

The dredging campaigns will take approximately four to six weeks and boaties are advised to stay clear of dredging operations in the channel that may temporarily restrict vessel access.

‘Mariners should navigate with caution, maintain a safe distance off and operate at reduced speed with minimum wash in the vicinity of these important works’ said Mr Derksema.

All of the dredging work is subject to environmental controls and monitoring.

Waterways Notice

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is extending the Marine Stadium Recreational Uses Trial (the trial) at the Top of the Spit for another 12 months. 

The trial aims to support a broader range of recreational uses within Marine Stadium by limiting the number of vessels anchored in the area, ensuring maximum benefit to the community.  

The trial is being extended to ensure adequate assessment of the effectiveness and efficiency of the recreational opportunities area and allow time to determine a suitable management option for the future of Marine Stadium.   The trial commenced on 31 March 2023 and has now been extended through to 31 March 2026.   

GCWA has been monitoring the recreational opportunities area throughout the trial to assess its effectiveness by undertaking regular water quality testing, monitoring recreational uses in the area and monitoring vessel compliance. 

Monitoring results to date show an overall improvement in water quality and a high volume of people using the recreational opportunities area (averaging 70 people per day). There has also been excellent compliance with vessels staying out of the recreational opportunities area.  

The trial includes: 

  • Recreation opportunities area (no powered watercraft permitted in northern 300 metres of Marine Stadium)  
  • Jetty and pontoon use area (powered watercraft accepted, no anchoring or mooring) 
  • Approach channel (powered watercraft accepted, no anchoring or mooring). 

 The trial was established following extensive community consultation and feedback through the Marine Stadium Destination Planning process in 2022 and the subsequent Marine Stadium Tidal Exchange Investigation study.

For more information, please refer to the updated Waterways Notice and the Project Web Page.

South Wave Break Island Channel Dredging Project

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is working to improve navigational access around our waterways by dredging the South Wave Break Island Channel. The dredged material will be reused to nourish foreshores of the Broadwater.

Read more

Cavill Avenue Pontoon Repair

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority is repairing the pontoon structure at the western end of Cavill Avenue, Surfers Paradise.

Read more

Tallebudgera (Murlong Crescent) boat ramp and floating walkway upgrade

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Murlong Crescent boat ramp and floating walkway are popular marine facilities that provide access to Tallebudgera Creek. Due to structural damage, the existing boat ramp will be replaced, while the floating walkway and abutment will be upgraded.

Read more

Isle of Capri Boat Ramp Upgrade

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority is upgrading the boating facility at Isle of Capri. This project involves the removal of the existing boat ramp and the construction of a new single-lane boat ramp to improve access to the waterways for recreational users.

Read more

New Place Strategy to enhance the future of Gold Coast waterways

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is developing the Waterways Place Strategy to facilitate future planning, investment decision-making and management activity for our Gold Coast waterways.  

The Gold Coast has grown from a holiday destination to Australia’s sixth largest City and our beautiful waterways are what sets us apart.  As the city continues to rapidly grow and evolve, balanced and considered planning of the waterways is critical to ensure existing values are maintained and enhanced, and future opportunities realised.  

The Waterways Place Strategy will propose what we want the waterways to look like in the future, and how we can maximise its benefits and manage sustainable growth. Ultimately the strategy will guide and inform good decisions when it comes to the future of our Gold Coast waterways. 

We have commenced a series of studies on important themes related to Gold Coast waterways that quantify their economic, social, culture and environmental importance, and the unique land use planning and policy that guides activities and growth on or near our waterways.  This will be supported through comprehensive engagement with the community, key stakeholders, partners and First Nations groups throughout development of the strategy.  

To have your say, please complete the Waterways Place Strategy Survey before 28 April. The survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete and you can go into the prize draw to win 1 of 2 $500 Visa Gift Cards!

The information gathered from our survey will help to inform the development of our Waterways Place Strategy.  We’ll be coming back to the community in July 2024 with a collation of early themes and ideas, before seeking feedback on the draft Waterways Place Strategy in September 2024.  

We will also be holding a series of pop-up engagement events around our waterways to support the project and answer your questions. Please check our Facebook page for details. 

Make sure you sign up to our Project Mailing List to receive updates on the project – join here. 

To find out more, please see the Project Webpage and check out the video below:

 

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.