Gold Coast channel maintenance

A range of works aimed at keeping navigation channels safe and accessible in Gold Coast waterways are well underway and also planned for delivery by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) over the next three months.

All boaters should maintain a lookout, as always, and slow down and not make wash in the vicinity of working boats and barges flying the appropriate red-and-white flags and also identifiable by a portaloo on the deck.

GCWA CEO, Hal Morris, said maintaining safe access for all waterways users was a vital part of the Authority's role.

"Navigational channels are constantly subject to changing tides and weather conditions that result in a build-up of sand which can cause these channels to become narrow or too shallow to use safely," Mr Morris said.

"With reliance on Gold Coast waterways for recreation, it's important that we take a disciplined approach to keeping the channels clear and open."

Residents and other community stakeholders from throughout the region have been consulted on the planned navigation improvements from the Broadwater to the main navigation channel north and to southern Stradbroke Island.

Channel Maintenance projects are currently in the planning, consultation or delivery phase in the following areas:
>> South Arm Coomera River
>> Cabbage Tree Point main channel
>> Jacobs Well main channel
>> Tipplers Passage
>> North Channel, South Channel and South Wavebreak Island Channel
>> Biggera Creek

"While clearing navigation channels is business-as-usual in an area such as the Gold Coast which is gifted with inland waterways, canals and beaches, it is important to point out that all works are only carried out following receipt of strict environmental approvals from the relevant State Government agencies," he said.

Mr Morris said that while the Authority was inviting tenders for works throughout the Gold Coast, these works would only go ahead once the required approvals were in place.

"We are going to the market to get the best value for channel clearing projects and to ensure the specialised equipment is available when we need it."

The GCWA recently invited tenders for channel clearing around Wavebreak Island in the southern Broadwater. This follows close consultation with groups with a strong interest in the area.

"Our aim is to reuse sand wherever possible to nourish foreshores to protect property and improve amenity in the area," Mr Morris said. "Where this isn't possible, we deposit the sediment offshore in designated areas approved by the relevant environmental authorities."

Changing weather conditions may affect scheduled works and interested community members are encouraged to visit the GCWA Facebook page for up-to-date information. See the Gold Coast Waterways Authority Facebook Page.