Construction is in full swing at Muriel Henchman Park and The Spit boat ramps.

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As part of The Spit Master Plan implementation, we are upgrading the boat ramps, existing pontoon and adding a floating walkway. Parking, pathways, landscaping and public amenities will also be improved. The project, once completed, will enhance access to the Broadwater and the Seaway for recreational and commercial vessels, and community organisations.

The following works are underway in February 2024:

  • Work on the southern access road and services installation
  • Steel sheet piles have been installed for construction of the sewer pump station
  • Installation of gravity feed sewer
  • Earthworks between car park and southern boat ramp
  • Revetment wall construction progressing
  • Preparation of pedestrian pathway at northern end of car park
  • Dune fencing installation at northern end of car park.

For up-to-date project information, fact sheet, progress videos and photos please visit https://gcwa.qld.gov.au/2023/09/10/muriel-henchman-park-improvements/

Navigational Aids project completed

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority has completed another major project to ensure safe access on the Gold Coast waterways.

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What We Heard: Engagement on Top of The Spit Precinct Plan

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Community and key stakeholder engagement was undertaken in 2023 to gather feedback on the Top of The Spit Precinct Plan.

The aim of the engagement was to inform and consult with a broad range of people about The Spit Master Plan outcomes. It also sought to obtain feedback on the proposal for greater connectivity, improved amenity, and enriched vibrancy of the public domain.

These engagement activities generated considerable interest with 941 pieces of feedback. The feedback centred around the following topics:

  • Retention of car parking along the ring road, immediately west of the round-a-bout
  • Access to the (middle) Emergency Access Stairs
  • Support for bus stop and for EV charging (located closer to Kiosk/SBS for security)
  • Limited support for future children’s play area
  • More shade / leave as natural as possible.

The full report can be viewed HERE.

We thank the community and key stakeholders for taking the time to provide such valuable feedback. It is fundamental in shaping the future experiences for this parkland of regional significance.

Unlocking the Potential: The Top of The Spit’s Precinct Plan

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The full potential of one of Queensland’s most stunning coastal parklands is set to be unlocked with the reveal of a detailed precinct plan for The Top of The Spit, Main Beach.

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Navigational Aids Major Maintenance and Renewal

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority is delivering a major maintenance project on 27 large beacons in the Gold Coast Seaway and the Broadwater, to extend the operational lifespan of these assets.

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Oxenford Pacific Highway pontoon and boat ramp upgrade project

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is upgrading the boating facility at Oxenford. This project involves installing a new pontoon to the west of the existing boat ramp and expanding the existing boat ramp’s footprint by four metres to accommodate an extra lane.

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Muriel Henchman Park Improvements – Construction Contract Awarded

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Major improvement works have commenced this week at a popular boat ramp at The Spit, with local based company Ertech (Queensland) Pty Ltd awarded the contract for construction.

The works are expected to take 11 months to complete and will improve the operational use of the site by reducing congestion during peak periods and enhancing access and safety for launching and retrieving vessels. Once finished, the park will offer a total of six boat ramp lanes, an upgraded pontoon, a new floating walkway on the northern boat ramp, 160 trailer parks, 144 car parks, 6 car parks for people with disabilities, line marking, pathways, landscaping, public toilets and shade.

This $19M project is funded by the City of Gold Coast, Queensland Government as part of the implementation of The Spit Master Plan and Gold Coast Waterways Authority, and will enhance access to the Broadwater and the Seaway for recreational and commercial vessels as well as community organisations.

To enable works to be completed safely and as quickly as possible, the Muriel Henchman Park boat ramp and main carpark will experience temporary disruptions from August 2023 to mid-2024. Delays may be experienced as well as reduced number of boat lanes and car parking available.

Alternative launch points include Proud Park, Broadwater Parklands, Harley Park and Loders Creek. For updates and more information on the Muriel Henchman Park Improvements visit HERE.

GCWA Climate Change Response

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The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is supporting a sustainable future for our waterways by undertaking work that acknowledges our responsibility to mitigate, plan, and respond to climate change impacts.

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Jabiru Island recreational boat ramp upgrades

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A popular Paradise Point boat ramp near the Broadwater is undergoing major upgrades.

The $950,000 project commences in mid-June 2023 and will see recreational boat ramp lanes at Jabiru Island expanded and upgraded to the latest specifications.

The Jabiru Island boat ramp is an important access point for recreational boaties. It is located on the southern side of Jabiru Island, near the junction of the southern arm of the Coomera River, Coombabah Creek, and Saltwater Creek.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) Chief Executive Chris Derksema said maintaining boat ramp facilities was an important part of ensuring safe navigable access for waterway users.

“Especially as demand for these facilities continues to climb on the Gold Coast,” Chris Derksema said.

“These upgrades are part of the $50.4 million investment in construction and upgrade projects to improve access to the Gold Coast waterways recommended in the Gold Coast Waterways Management Program 2022‐26.

Boaties and other recreational users will be able to access three other mixed‐use lanes on weekends while the work is carried out.

The Jabiru Island boat ramp upgrades project is expected to be completed in July 2023. More details are available in the project factsheet.

Trial to test recreation waters for Marine Stadium

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A popular bay at the Top of The Spit in Main Beach has been opened to a broader range of recreational uses under a new 12-month trial that separates powered watercraft from passive recreation activity.

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority’s Recreation Uses Trial in Marine Stadium will support the transition from a predominantly long-term anchoring site to an area that supports a range of recreation activities.

At the centre of the trial activated on Friday 31 March is a Recreation Opportunities Area in the northern 300 metres of Marine Stadium which will be reserved for non-powered watercraft, freeing up the space for passive leisure opportunities such as fishing, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking.

Powered watercraft can access the new jetty and pontoon through a 45-metre-wide channel and dedicated use area for dropping off passengers and vessel manoeuvring.

GCWA Chief Executive Chris Derksema said the Recreation Uses Trial was a significant step towards realising the full potential of Marine Stadium as a waterways destination that everyone can enjoy.

“This trial is a significant step towards fulfilling the vision of Marine Stadium outlined in line with The Spit Master Plan’s (2019),” Mr Derksema said.

“The community feedback we’ve received for Marine Stadium has been overwhelmingly in support of a shift to improved access to the water by limiting the number of vessels anchored in this area.

“We have also listened to concerns about the impacts of long-term anchoring on water quality which have been verified by the Marine Stadium Tidal Exchange Study.”

The study recommended GCWA adopt a management option that separates vessels from other recreational uses is the most effective way of supporting a range of recreational activities within Marine Stadium. The establishment of a recreational opportunities area responds directly to this recommendation.

Mr Derksema said the trial was underpinned by a Waterways Notice which outlines the regulations for vessels using each of the areas established in the Recreation Opportunities Area.

“We think this management option strikes the right balance between continuing to allow access by boat users, but also opens up the area to others,” he said.

“The Waterways Notice clearly sets out the perimeters of the new recreation opportunities area, the jetty and pontoon use area, and the approach channel into Marine Stadium.

“We will monitor and evaluate how the trial is performing throughout the year.”

The Recreation Uses Trial zone includes:

  • Recreation Opportunities Area (no powered watercraft permitted)
  • Jetty and pontoon use area (powered watercraft accepted, no anchoring or mooring)
  • Approach channel (powered watercraft accepted, no anchoring or mooring).

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.