Wave Break Island Feasibility Study- copy
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is undertaking a feasibility investigation into The Spit Master Plan intent for Wave Break Island to be a natural retreat in the heart of The Broadwater.
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is undertaking a feasibility investigation into The Spit Master Plan intent for Wave Break Island to be a natural retreat in the heart of The Broadwater.
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is undertaking a feasibility investigation into The Spit Master Plan intent for Wave Break Island to be a natural retreat in the heart of The Broadwater.
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:
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/
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:
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.
At the start of 2023, we asked you your thoughts about The Top of The Spit at Main Beach. We did this to craft a detailed precinct plan for The Top of the Spit that reflects the community’s vision in line with The Spit Master Plan.
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is enhancing access to the Broadwater and the Seaway for recreational and commercial vessels, community organisations.
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.
As part of ongoing works to revitalise Doug Jennings Park, we will be delivering crucial landscaping improvements to continue creating beautiful and relaxed spaces for visitors to enjoy.
Travelling by boat to the top of The Spit is now possible with the construction of a new 100-metre-long jetty and pontoon facility completed at Marine Stadium.
For the first time visitors and locals can arrive by water to the northern end of The Spit and enjoy a day out at this much-loved area of the Gold Coast.
The pontoon and jetty will help to alleviate traffic congestion by providing an alternate means of transport to the picturesque locations along the Seaway Promenade, Moondarewa Spit and will allow visitors access by water to the events being held in Doug Jennings Park.
It has been built using high-quality, high-strength materials ensuring it will last for years to come and provides new recreational opportunities for promenading over the water and offers a unique vantage point looking south over the Broadwater to the Main Beach skyline.
Delivered by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority on behalf of the Queensland Government, the project took 10 months to construct and used a Gold Coast based contractor with three local indigenous subcontractors, and over 55 suppliers and subcontractors.
The pontoon will be managed by the City of Gold Coast with the same responsible boating conditions of other public pontoons in the city. It may also serve as an evacuation point in emergency situations.
The Spit Master Plan, released in 2019, conveys how future generations will value The Spit for its memorable places that connect the community and visitors with the landscape and marine environment. Wayfinding signage and interpretative stories will help achieve these connections.
40-44 Seaworld Drive
Main Beach Qld 4217
PO Box 107
Southport Qld 4215
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
GCWA managed multi-use destinations, building infrastructure for commercial and recreation use of Gold Coast waterways.
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.
The Sand Bypass System Jetty will be open to the public on Friday 6, 13 and 20 December.
The Sand Bypass System Jetty will be open to the public on Friday 6, 13 and 20 December.
Find out more about the SBS jetty and 2025 public access
To have your say, please complete the Waterways Place Strategy Survey before 28 April.
You can go into the draw to win 1 of 2 $500 Visa Gift Card vouchers.
(Terms and Conditions apply)
Tidal works mapping information
GCWA’s tidal works mapping information is a public resource for general information purposes only. It is not a cadastral survey or hydrographic survey product. It should not be relied upon as the basis for making any decision, whether a business, conveyance, development, property boundary, property description, property title, property transaction, or any other decision. GCWA makes no warranty, representation, or guarantee, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, content, reliability, suitability, or timeliness with respect to the information or related graphics. GCWA has taken care in preparing the mapping information, but accuracy is not guaranteed, and the information contained in the GCWA Open Data Portal must not be construed or used as a legal description of any property. Any errors or omissions should be reported to GCWA in writing by email to mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au. Under no circumstances will GCWA be liable for any damages whatsoever, including business interruption, loss of business information, loss of data, loss of profits, property valuation or any other or damage arising from use or misuse of this mapping information.
I want to talk to someone about… | Officer | Phone number |
reporting oil pollution, a significant navigational hazard, or a damaged aid to navigation.Waterways Vision and Waterways Management Strategy | Waterways Operations Crew | 07 5539 7350 |
a media issue | Senior Communications Advisor | 07 5539 7350 |
a project | Program Delivery team | 07 5539 7350 |
the Sand Management Plan | Planning and Innovation team | 07 5539 7350 |
Waterways Access
· Dredging · Public pontoons & other marine infrastructure · Sand Bypass |
Program Delivery team | 07 5539 7350 |
Waterways Management | Waterways team | 07 5539 7350 |
· Anchoring and Mooring Compliance
· Aquatic Events · Doug Jennings Park · Abandoned vessels · Aircraft take-off and landing permits |
Waterways team | 07 5539 7350 |
·Navigation Aids
·Signage ·Pollution |
Waterways Operations Crew | 07 5539 7350 |
Marinas | Waterways team | 07 5539 7350 |
Private pontoons, jetties & boat ramps | Waterways team | 07 5539 7350 |
Buoy Moorings | Planning and Innovation team | 07 5539 7350 |
Executive Governance | 07 5539 7350 | |
GCWA Board, CEO matters | 07 5539 7350 | |
Community Engagement, Sponsorships & Partnerships | Community Engagement Officer | 07 5539 7350 |
Business Management | Business Services team | 07 5539 7350 |
Accounts Payable – General Accounts | Business Services team | 07 5539 7350 |
Accounts Payable – Projects | Program Delivery team | 07 5539 7350 |
Accounts Receivable | Business Services team | 07 5539 7350 |