October 4th, 2026Plenty happening across the Broadwater this spring

Spring has arrived on the Gold Coast, and there has been plenty happening across the Broadwater.

Over recent months, the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has continued its work to make the waterways safer, maintain navigational access and care for some of the community’s favourite places.

From improved anchoring compliance and dredging in the Seaway entrance, to a new speed limit trial and a spring clean at Wave Break Island, it has been a busy start to the season.

Broadwater compliance continues to improve

GCWA has continued monitoring anchored vessels following Operation Clearwater.

The latest results show encouraging signs of improvement. Anchoring compliance across the Broadwater increased from 51 per cent to 64 per cent, while the total number of anchored vessels fell by 17 per cent.

During July and August, GCWA officers monitored 214 anchored vessels, issued 63 marine infringement notices and served 22 removal notices. Twenty-one abandoned vessels were also destroyed.

Importantly, the need for enforcement action reduced significantly during August. This suggests more vessel owners are understanding and following the rules.

Abandoned and unlawfully anchored vessels can create navigational and environmental risks, restrict fair access to the waterways and affect nearby communities.

GCWA will continue monitoring priority locations and working with other agencies to encourage responsible behaviour and address vessels that may present a risk to the community or the environment.

Dredging improves access through the Seaway

Dredging has also continued in the Gold Coast Seaway entrance, helping to provide safer and more reliable access to the ocean.

As at the end of September, the Trud R had removed approximately 45,000 cubic metres of sand from the Seaway entrance. That’s equivalent to around 18 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Recent hydrographic surveys have shown a substantial improvement across the southern lead, an important navigation route used by recreational and commercial vessels.

Most of the dredged sand has been transported offshore to Main Beach. This keeps the sand within the Gold Coast’s coastal sand system, where it can continue moving naturally along the coastline.

Conditions within the Seaway can change as sand moves through the coastal system, so regular surveys and targeted dredging are important for maintaining navigational access.

Boaties should continue to plan their journeys carefully, check current conditions and consult the latest official navigational information before travelling through the Seaway.

Six-knot speed limit trial underway

A new 12-month speed limit trial began on September 14, introducing a consistent six-knot limit for all vessels and jet skis travelling through Paradise Point Channel, north of the Sovereign Islands Bridge.

The trial aims to simplify the speed rules and support safer use of this busy section of the waterway.

The area is used by a wide range of recreational vessels and personal watercraft. Applying one consistent speed limit should make the requirements easier for waterway users to understand and follow.

During the trial, GCWA will monitor compliance, incidents and feedback from the community. Maritime Safety Queensland and the Queensland Water Police will undertake enforcement activities.

The trial will be reviewed after six months and fully evaluated before any decision is made about introducing a permanent speed limit.

Waterway users are encouraged to look out for the new signage, follow the six-knot limit and be considerate of other people on the water and those living nearby.

Wave Break Island gets a spring clean

Wave Break Island received some extra care during September, with GCWA crews completing a spring clean across the northern end of the island.

Crews cut back overgrown vegetation, removed weeds and collected rubbish and marine debris. Waste management and compliance activities were also increased throughout the week.

The clean-up is part of GCWA’s ongoing work to manage and maintain this popular Broadwater destination.

It focused on practical improvements ahead of the warmer months, when more boaties and day visitors are expected.

Visitors can help by taking their rubbish with them, using the island responsibly and leaving it tidy for others.

With more people heading onto the water this spring, GCWA is encouraging everyone to plan ahead, follow the rules and play their part in making the Broadwater safer and more enjoyable.

For the latest information about Gold Coast waterways, projects and boating notices, visit gcwa.qld.gov.au