“With the Gold Coast being one of the fastest growing cities in the country, we need to keep pace with demand for access to the waterways network in the area.”
The new Gold Coast Waterways Management Program 2023-2027, outlining an ongoing pipeline of marine infrastructure projects to be delivered by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) worth $37.87 million.
With a decade of success managing Gold Coast waterways, GCWA will deliver a program centred around boating and marine infrastructure, installation of aids to navigation, a new vessel for operational works, dredging of navigation channels, as well as operations and maintenance of the Sand Bypass System.
Gold Coast Waterways Management Program projects to be delivered in the 2023-2024 financial year include upgrades of busy and popular boating facilities, such as replacement of the Tallebudgera and Isle of Capri boat ramps, as well as a $1.4M contribution to the upgrade of the Muriel Henchman Park pontoon and boat ramps as part of The Spit Master Plan implementation at Main Beach.
In late 2023, the GCWA undertook a major maintenance and renewal program of 27 aids to navigation and to improve access for recreational and commercial vessels to the Gold Coast waterways.
Operational capability of the GCWA will be boosted by the design and construction of a new, 12-metrelong vessel. This vessel will replace an existing outdated vessel and will be used for waterways monitoring, pollution response and maintenance of navigational aids.
The announced program of works also includes plans for dredging North Channel and South Channel to be undertaken by the GCWA this financial year, while Coomera River and Canaipa Passage dredging have been budgeted for in the coming financial years.
Recognising the importance of sustainable development and building resilience to climate change, GCWA will develop a Place Strategy to enhance community connection, diversity of use and public accessibility to the Gold Coast waterways.
The new data and research-backed strategy will be developed in consultation with the community and in cooperation with the City of Gold Coast.
Visit the GCWA website to find out more about its 10-year Strategy and Gold Coast Waterways Management Program 2023-2027.
www. gcwa.qld.gov.au
Published in print January-March 2024
