SORTING SEAWAY
Dredging, jetty works on authority’s list of things to do
THE Gold Coast Seaway is to become more accessible for bigger boats in the first major dredging of the channel for more than 10 years.
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority plans to shell out $6.5 million on deepening the Broadwater entry point and adjacent channels.
The dredging will improve access for boaties and support safer passage by removing a submerged natural ridge, which can pose a danger to vessels.
GOLD Coast Waterways Authority’s plans for the year ahead include a $6.5m dredging project to further open up the Seaway and adjacent channels.
It will be the first time the Seaway has been dredged since 2011.
It involves removing a shoal near the Seaway entrance and dredging the North and South channels.
It will improve access for boaties and support safer passage by removing a submerged natural ridge, which can pose a danger to vessels.
The dredging to an undisclosed depth will be undertaken alongside a range of other multi-million-dollar projects.
Waterways CEO Hal Morris said in a statement: “Whilst COVID-19 has certainly thrown us some curve balls, we’ve been inspired by the willingness of people to work together and help each other out. We hope that continues in 2021 so that the Gold Coast, and the wider community bounces back to be more resilient than ever.
“We’re looking forward to seeing delivery of improved destinations on the waterways, more facilities at The Spit and an updated strategy that will reflect the community’s views on how the waterways should be managed and care for over the next 10 years.
“Our waterways have a natural capital value of $26 billion, they support 6000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute $770 million directly and indirectly to the local economy every year.”
The authority says over the coming year it will:
● Invest $6.5m in a campaign to remove a shoal near the Seaway entrance and dredge adjacent North and South channels to improve waterways access.
● Complete a $2.5m Main Channel dredging project at Jacobs Well.
● Invest $2.3m to upgrade Jacobs Well boat ramp, jetty and pontoon to improve peak traffic management.
● Maintain an $11m safe navigation network of more than 2000 aids to navigation.
● Undertake a $1.5m upgrade to the Sand Bypass System high-voltage switch gear to keep sand pumping to South Stradbroke Island.
● Continue to engage the community on key projects including strategy updates and The Spit Master Plan implementation.
● Host Meet the Board sessions and community events.
● Complete phase 2 of the Smart Camera trial to help planning for future waterways use.
● Deploy a remotely operated underwater vehicle to support project planning and maintenance works.
● Spend $4.04m on a new pontoon and jetty at Marine Stadium.
● Commence a $5.8m upgrade of Muriel Henchman Park boat ramp, carparking and community facilities.