Did you know that a remarkable part of the Gold Coast’s history would have a major foothold within the Gold Coast Seaway? Creating safe access for the boating and fishing industry was a big issue in the seventies as the Nerang River mouth kept moving along the coast making it a treacherous area for boats and sailors alike. Shallow waters and unpredictable sand movements were hard to navigate, so by 1985 training walls, a sand bypassing system and dredging fixed it up!
The creation of the Seaway snowballed into a healthier marine environment as the waters turned clearer and fish diversity soared. Marine turtles, sharks and even dugong are regular visitors to the Broadwater and Seaway. The area is now well known for great snorkelling, fishing and diving!
At the Griffith Centre for Coastal Management a range of free programs have been developed to teach schools and the community about the synergy between coastal engineering and the environment. In many cases on the Gold Coast, the one enhances the other! With the support of the City of Gold Coast, the coastal education program has been running for nearly 15 years, teaching at least 6 000 kids per year.
If you want to find out more about the Griffith Centre for Coastal Management CoastEd program have a look at our website or contact the coordinator at coasted@griffith.edu.au.
By Maggie Muurmans, Griffith Centre for Coastal Management
