Tidal Works

Tidal Works

Are you building a boat ramp, pontoon, or jetty?

  • I want to build a boat ramp, pontoon or jetty, how do I get approval?

    Please seek advice from Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) before making a tidal works application to the assessment manager (usually local council).

    As the local council, the City of Gold Coast will assess your application after receiving GCWA’s response to ensure best possible waterways management.

    Most manufacturers or suppliers of boat ramps, pontoons, jetties, rock armouring, and revetment walls, etc. will make the application for tidal works on your behalf.

    To streamline GCWA’s assessment process, all applications for tidal works must include supporting information to show how the proposed tidal works meet GCWA’s waterways management requirements. GCWA will consider several factors, including:

    • aids to navigation
    • buoy moorings and other infrastructure
    • equity, fairness, and navigational access for other vessels
    • existing channels
    • public marine facilities
    • waterway character
    • environmental values.

  • Where do I start?

    You can check to see if your proposal includes and satisfies the points in our Tidal Works Factsheet.

    Download PDF

My neighbour’s boat is blocking access to my property. Can GCWA do something about this?

All waterfront properties have the right to access the waterway. Vessels and structures must not impede or restrict access to a neighbouring property or structure. In the first instance, we suggest you speak with your neighbour in an effort to resolve the situation. If you need further advice or assistance, please contact the City of Gold Coast and ask for the development compliance unit. Where a vessel berthed at a structure is found to exceed the maximum approved length, or is berthed contrary to the development approval, the development compliance unit may be able to assist.

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

We know that governance of our waterways can sometimes be complex and confusing.

That’s why we’ve developed this tool to identify who can assist you…

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.

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