With five rivers, 260km of navigable waterways and more than 750 hectares of lakes and dams to manage, the Gold Coast Waterways Authority plays a vital role in planning, managing and protecting the Gold Coast’s iconic waterways.
And with boating registrations in the region growing at more than twice the State-wide growth rate, the responsibility for ensuring the Gold Coast’s waterways remain something that residents can use, understand, protect, respect, enhance and enjoy is crucial.
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) was established by the Queensland Government in 2012 to take responsibility for planning, managing and protecting this precious asset for present and future generations of Queenslanders.
According to the GCWA Chairman, Mara Bún, the role of the community in planning for the waterways now and into the future is vital.
The seven-member Board of the GCWA has backed this commitment by meeting with more than 1000 residents over the past 12 months to seek their views.
Meet The Board sessions have been held at the Southport Yacht Club, The Boardwalk Tavern, Currumbin RSL, Hollywell Yacht Club, Burleigh Golf Club and Burleigh SLSC Mowbray Park.
“One of the hallmarks of GCWA is that we set priorities locally. Members of the board are all Gold Coast residents with strong breadth and depth of knowledge on waterways issues,” Ms Bún said. “We’ve talked with everyone from boaties to divers, waterskiers to jetskiers, residents and visitors to shape our priorities.”
Issues raised by community members have covered a range of topics including:
- concerns about speed and behaviour
- access to channels throughout the Gold Coast
- increase in buoy mooring areas
- upgrades to boating facilities
- management of trust land including Doug Jennings Park.
Ms Bún encouraged all Gold Coast community members to “get on board” and attend one of the upcoming Meet The Board sessions.
“We move these sessions around the Gold Coast to so we can meet with a wide cross-section of people and interests,” she said. “At the same time, we actively engage through social media and our website so there are plenty of ways for Gold Coasters to have their say.”
Information on upcoming community consultations can be found by subscribing to GCWA’s e-newsletter, visiting www.gcwa.qld.gov.au, or emailing mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au.
