Bum’s Bay kicks off ‘recreational use’ lock-out trial

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority announced last week that the northernmost 300-metre section of Marine Stadium, as the anchorage is more formally known, will transform from an anchorage to a place where non-powered watercraft such as sailing dinghies kayaks and stand-up paddleboards can ply the waters, and people can fish.

A new jetty extending south from The Spit will connect with the Broadwater via a 45-metre-wide channel and an area dedicated to powered boats to drop off or pick up passengers.

Authority chief executive Chris Derksema said the 12-month trial was aimed at realising the full potential of Marine Stadium as a waterways destination.

“The community feedback we’ve received for Marine Stadium has been overwhelmingly in support of a shift to improved access to the water by limiting the number of vessels anchored in this area,” Derksema said.

“We have also listened to concerns about the impacts of long-term anchoring on water quality which have been verified by the Marine Stadium Tidal Exchange Study.”

The study was in response to the release in 2019 of the State Government’s Spit Master Plan, which will cost $60 million to implement. 

“The study recommended GCWA adopt a management option that separates vessels from other recreational uses is the most effective way of supporting a range of recreational activities within Marine Stadium,” the authority said. 

“The establishment of a recreational opportunities area responds directly to this recommendation.”

Boaters were forced out of Bum’s Bay last year while the authority assessed water quality at the site. 

Residents around The Spit have raised concerns that the boats anchored long-term at Bum’s Bay have discharged effluent directly into the water, affecting its quality, with tidal flows struggling to flush the bay out. Some have called for a cap on the number of boats that can anchor at the site.

One of the plans for Marine Stadium is to run a pipeline under the sand dunes to the ocean to help improve the site’s water quality.

The area is also under pressure from nearby developments that will transform the area to become a hub for luxury water-view apartments, and motor yacht and superyacht berths.

Queensland-based property and investment group Gordon Corp announced recently it would build a 67-berth marina at The Spit capable of accommodating superyachts of up to 60 metres in length in return for a 120-year lease on the site.

“We think this management option strikes the right balance between continuing to allow access by boat users, but also opens up the area to others,” Derksema said.

“The Waterways Notice clearly sets out the perimeters of the new recreation opportunities area, the jetty and pontoon use area, and the approach channel into Marine Stadium.

“We will monitor and evaluate how the trial is performing throughout the year.”