The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has delivered the first full precinct signage rollout at Muriel Henchman Park (The Spit Boat Ramps), marking an important milestone in the implementation of The Spit Signage Guidelines.
A new digital storytelling platform, The Spit Stories, has officially launched, offering visitors and locals a fresh way to explore the history, community and environment of The Spit.
The revitalisation of Doug Jennings Park is now complete, transforming one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic parklands into a vibrant, accessible destination for the community to enjoy.
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 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.
Officially identified as Yungunn Place, meaning “Dugong,” Muriel Henchman Park and The Spit boat ramps are now open following a $19 million upgrade under the Queensland Government’s Spit Works Program.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.