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.

GCWA is responsible for monitoring and enforcing anchoring and mooring rules across the Broadwater, rivers, creeks and canals. These rules ensure fair access to popular anchorage areas, particularly during busy weekends and public holiday periods.

We regularly hear community concerns about vessels that appear to “never move”. In practice, Queensland’s anchoring rules mean that some vessels only need to move a short distance (or leave the area for 24 hours) before their anchoring cycle restarts. This can make it seem like nothing is changing, even while compliance actions are occurring.

GCWA’s Compliance Team is out on the water every day conducting patrols, issuing warnings and infringements, and taking action where vessels exceed time limits.

Recent Compliance Activity in Marine Stadium

GCWA recently undertook a targeted operation in Marine Stadium focusing on vessels overstaying the 7-day anchoring limit.

Outcomes of the operation:

• There were 9 vessels found non-compliant
• The team has already removed 5 of those vessels
• The remaining 4 are scheduled for removal later this week

 Anchoring Rules at a Glance

• Some areas permit up to 7 days in a 60-day period. After this, the vessel must move at least one nautical mile from its original location or leave the area for 24 consecutive hours. If a vessel stays for up to 7 consecutive days, moves into another anchoring area for 24 consecutive hours, and then returns, the 7-day cycle restarts.
• Other areas allow only 24 hours in a 30-day period.
• Requirements vary depending on location, so it’s important to check the map before anchoring or visit: Mooring | Anchoring.

These rules help maintain safe navigation, reduce overcrowding, and ensure fair access for all waterway users.

Who Handles What? GCWA vs MSQ

 GCWA often receives questions about abandoned, sunken, or unseaworthy vessels. To help clarify roles:

• GCWA manages anchoring rules, access, and compliance with time limits.
• Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) is responsible for unsafe, derelict, unseaworthy or sunken vessels, including marine pollution risks.

GCWA works closely with MSQ when issues overlap, but each agency has distinct responsibilities.

We appreciate the community’s continued interest in how our waterways are managed. GCWA remains committed to fair access, responsible boating, and maintaining safe and enjoyable waterways for everyone.

 

 

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority wishes to advise that the southern section of the Seaway Promenade/Training Wall will be temporarily closed to the public on:

• Date: Thursday 13 November 2025
• Time: 6:00am to 8:00pm
• Reason: Authorised works and safety requirements

During this time, access to the southern section of the promenade will not be permitted to ensure public safety while works are undertaken. Signage and traffic management measures will be in place to guide pedestrians and other users.

The northern promenade area and surrounding parklands will remain open as normal.

We thank community members and visitors for their cooperation and understanding while this short-term closure is in place.

Your safety is our priority, and we appreciate your patience as we facilitate these authorised activities.

 

 

Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has removed a 12.8-metre abandoned timber Millcraft cruiser from Browns Inlet on South Stradbroke Island, improving safety and protecting the surrounding natural environment.

The vessel had been abandoned and was deteriorating in the waterway. It posed potential risks to navigation, marine safety and the surrounding ecosystem.

Safe and compliant removal

GCWA engaged a specialist marine contractor to carry out the removal works. The operation involved:

• Transporting barges, excavators and support vessels to the inlet
• Carefully dismantling the timber cruiser on-site
• Transporting vessel debris via barge and truck
• Disposing of all materials at licensed waste facilities

All works were completed in line with environmental and safety requirements.

Protecting our waterways

Removing derelict and abandoned vessels is a critical part of maintaining safe and healthy waterways. These vessels can leak fuel, spread debris, damage sensitive shorelines and create hazards for other waterway users.

GCWA encourages the community to continue reporting abandoned vessels through our website or by contacting our team.

 

 

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is extending the Sand Bypass System (SBS) facility at The Spit, Main Beach.

The SBS, completed in 1986, was the first of its kind in the world and continues to play a critical role in keeping the Gold Coast Seaway safe and navigable. Each year, the system pumps around 500,000 cubic metres of sand northwards to maintain safe access.

The facility extension will ensure the SBS meets modern safety and compliance standards while also improving amenities for staff and supporting GCWA’s broader operations.

What’s included

•  New lunchroom, kitchen, change rooms, toilets and meeting room
• Outdoor areas for training, meetings and events
• Safer and more efficient working conditions for staff

Benefits for the community

The project will deliver long-term safety and operational benefits for waterways users and industry. It will help ensure the SBS can continue to support safer access to the Seaway — essential for the Gold Coast’s tourism, recreation and marine industries.

Timing

Construction will begin in September 2025 and is scheduled for completion by June 2026. Works will be contained within the SBS compound and minimal public impacts are expected.