Gold Coast waterways shakeup
Have your say on boating speed limits on the Gold CoastThe biggest overhaul of speed and behaviour on Queensland waterways in more than a decade is underway and everyone is invited to comment.
Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chairman Gary Baildon said that the community has spoken and made it clear that this is an issue that needs attention.
"We consulted with residents, businesses and visitors of the Gold Coast while preparing the 10-year Strategy for the management of our waterways," said Baildon.
"One of the key outcomes of that consultation was the identification of speed and behaviour as an extremely important issue. It not only affects waterway users and those who live beside the water, but also people who work on the water and just enjoy being near it," said Mr Baildon.
Member for Broadwater, Verity Barton said that safe and responsible use of the waterways is essential for the community.
"Speed and behaviour on the water certainly play a large part in ensuring that the waterways are used and managed in a safe and responsible way," said Ms Barton.
The Speed Limit Review includes a discussion paper and an online survey and an interactive map has been launched on the Authority’s website which allows respondents to provide suggestions and comments about changes to specific areas of the waterways.
Authority CEO Hal Morris said the interactive map is a valuable tool in gathering feedback and an excellent way for those completing the survey to see what others think as well.
"Respondents may want to make suggestions about specific locations including; increase or decrease in speed limits, modified speed limits, restricting types of craft or times of operation, or increasing enforcement effort.
"They can do all that on the interactive map as well as be able to view an anonymous summary of other suggestions for that area," said Mr Morris.
The 10-year Waterways Management Strategy was released in March by Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Scott Emerson and sets out the Authority’s objectives to sustain, enhance and promote the waterways. Implementation of the Strategy will predominantly be through the Waterways Management Program which details the projects and activities undertaken by the authority, with one of the biggest projects being the Speed Limit Review.
"This is a significant opportunity for us to work with the community and ensure we ‘get it right’ when it comes to managing the use of our waterways so we encourage all Gold Coasters to have their say," said Mr Morris.
The discussion paper, online survey and interactive map can be accessed on the Authority’s website at www.gcwa.qld.gov.au
Consultation will run until mid-July.
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