Community
Meet the Board
The Board is committed to setting priorities locally. Meet The Board sessions are held regularly throughout the Gold Coast to provide community members with the opportunity to provide their input on planning for the waterways now and into the future.According to the...
Marinas19 Set To Anchor On The Gold Coast
In less than two weeks, marina operators and users will descend on the Gold Coast for the Marinas19 International Conference and Trade Exhibition. We’re excited to partner with Marinas19 to promote best practice in managing our beautiful waterways. “On the Gold Coast,...
Coomera River (South Arm) Speed Limit Trial – Frequently Asked Questions
The Coomera River (South Arm) is a community asset which forms part of our waterways network, supporting vital activities like marine industry, recreation and tourism. Boating is encouraged and there are many different types of boats and vessels using the river....
Have Your Say on the Coomera River Speed Trial (South Arm) – Survey
In July 2018, GCWA commenced a 12-month speed limit trial on the Coomera River (south branch). Provision for the trial is set out in the Speed Limits and Behaviour Management Strategy 2018-2020 approved by the GCWA Board. The Strategy is a result of community...
Year in Review – 2018 – Shaping our waterways
2018 has been a busy year - read all about what we've done to continue to improve access to and management of our waterways here
Application for Permit to Occupy Doug Jennings Park
GCWA_DJPApplicationForm_20171115
Who’s Who in the Blue?
At the Gold Coast Waterways Authority, we're determined to not get tied up with red tape or give members of the public the run around on waterways management questions. We know that governance of Gold Coast waterways can often be complex and confusing and that it is...
High Tech Movable Cameras to Bust Boatie Hoons
High Tech Movable Cameras to Bust Boatie Hoons Dodgy boaties are getting busted on the Gold Coast, with authorities employing a range of surveillance techniques to keep law abiding seafarers safe. Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said a...
Latest News
Dredging workshop aims to maximise benefits for Gold Coast
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is working with potential users of its Coomera Dredge Sediment Management Facility to maximise economic and community benefits for the Gold Coast. The GCWA convened a workshop today with representatives from the Gold Coast...
Dredging campaign channels support for major industries
Our dredging campaign in the Coomera River, which is supporting safe and navigable waterways access for the Gold Coast’s multi-billion-dollar tourism and marine industries, has passed the half-way mark. The dredging of an 8 kilometre stretch of the river from Shipper...
Coomera River Project backs major marine industry
Our multi-million dollar dredging program and sediment management facility will support tourism, jobs and businesses in the Gold Coast Marine Industry Precinct by improving navigational access to the Coomera River. Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Mark Bailey,...
Big Bird’s take-off escalates Gold Coast climate change research
Research into the impacts of wild weather and climate change on the Gold Coast is being stepped up with the launch of a bright yellow monitoring buoy nicknamed ‘Big Bird’. ‘Big Bird’s’ launch formally marks the establishment of the Coastal Engineering Research Field...
Sand Bank Study In Southern Broadwater Supports Better Waterways Management
We’re conducting a long-term study into the birds and animals living on and within the sand banks of the Southern Broadwater to help with the management of threatened species and support the protection of the Gold Coast’s waterways environmental values. With the...
Managing abandoned boats
We're working in partnership with other agencies, including Maritime Safety Queensland and the Department of Environment and Science, to identify and remove problem vessels from our waterways. In the last 12 months alone, we’ve removed 15 abandoned vessels from our...
Paradise Point Channel 6 knot zone expands to better balance the needs of different waterways users
We've extended a 6 knot speed zone in parts of the Paradise Point Channel near the Sovereign Islands, increasing the area suitable for more passive recreational pursuits such as kayaking, small boat sailing, stand-up paddle boarding and...
Australia Day weekend operations aim to keep waterways safe
With the Australia Day weekend fast approaching, we're reminding people to be aware of speed limits, anchoring restrictions and potential hazards on the water so that everyone enjoys a safe break. ‘This is traditionally one of the busiest periods on our waterways and...
Project News
Dredging to keep lower Coomera River open and safe for boaties
Dredging is underway in the Coomera River between Sovereign Islands and Sanctuary Cove to keep the navigation channel open and safe for boaties. The lower Coomera River project is part of our $15 million, 4-year investment in waterways dredging. The Coomera River is...
Osprey Nesting Platform installed at Palm Beach
As part of our plan for managing the waterways environment, a new Osprey nesting platform has been installed on the foreshore at Palm Beach. The platform replaces a nest which had been naturally built by Osprey on a navigation beacon at the entrance to Currumbin...
Canaipa Passage dredging complete
Great news for our northern waterways with the completion of the Canaipa Passage dredging project in time for the busy summer season. The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has invested $500,000 in maintaining safe navigational access to the important link between...
Completing the missing links in the Broadwater
As part of the big picture solution to improve channel options, new navigation aid buoys have been established on the western side of the Broadwater. This is in line with a key action of the 10 year Waterways Management Strategy - enhancing the waterways by...
Coomera Dredged Sediment Management Facility one step closer
For many years, the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA), City of Gold Coast Council (CoGC), developers and managers of estates situated along Coomera River and nearby waterways and canals have been searching for a cost effective and environmentally sound solution...
Multi-million dollar Christmas gift to the Gold Coast
Christmas has arrived early for Gold Coast residents, with the official opening of the Doug Jennings Park following the Palaszczuk Government’s multi-million dollar makeover. Minister Mark Bailey officially opened the park today with newly elected Member for Gaven...
Surfers Riverside Edge Treatment gets special mention at Gold Coast Urban Design Awards
The Surfers Riverside Masterplan established a shared vision for a high quality public space that connects Surfers Paradise and the Nerang River and encourages enjoyment of the uniquely Gold Coast waterways. The Masterplan identified a need for an upgraded river edge...
Dredging the Gold Coast waterways
Since our establishment we've invested $8.5 million in channel dredging to ensure safe navigational access is maintained throughout our waterways. And there's more to come! Over $7.5 million worth of investment is currently planned across the city over the next four...