World sailing stage on the Gold Coast for America's Cup

A diverse group of business, sporting and community leaders have come together with the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) to explore the possibility of bringing national and international sailing events to the Gold Coast.

GCWA CEO Hal Morris said preliminary investigations into the possibility of creating a sailing basin in the Broadwater have commenced.

The Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series (LVACWS), which is a series of events leading up to the America’s Cup, is the type of sailing race that could come to the Gold Coast in 2019 if there was an appropriate sailing basin.

The America's Cup World Series has galvanised proponents to initiate a discussion about a dedicated sailing basin for the Gold Coast Broadwater.

Under the Gold Coast Waterways Authority Act 2012, GCWA is responsible for giving consent for the holding of aquatic events on The Broadwater.

The GCWA says it embraces the opportunity to explore how a sailing basin in the Broadwater aligns with the sustainable use, management and development of the Gold Coast waterways into the future, having regard to the benefits for and impacts on the community, environment and economy of the city.

Mr Morris says as much as $20 million in revenue from major sailing tournaments may have been turned down because "we do not have the right facilities and capability to host these major sailing events."

GCWA’s preliminary investigation will involve exploring stakeholder support, financial and legislative viability, and environmental impacts of dredging for a sailing basin in the Broadwater.

To ensure that the investigation is balanced and all sides are considered, a steering committee comprising a representative group of stakeholders will be established to help assess the costs and benefits of such a proposal.

Mr Morris said: "we aim to establish a consensus approach to achieving multiple benefits for local businesses, sporting communities and our valued ecosystems."

As a lead agency responsible for managing activities on the Broadwater, the GCWA says it wants to make sure it plays our part in attracting exciting sporting events and promoting the idyllic lifestyle of the Gold Coast.

"We will take a balanced approach that considers the important environmental values of our waterways and preserves the important recreational asset it provides to the community," the Authorty said. More on Gold Coast waterways issues at www.gcwa.qld.gov.au.