Boaties win on channel

Dredging program to open up waterway

BOATIES will receive improved access in the Broadwater as a dredge bases itself in shallow channels near luxury island estates.

The West Crab Island Channel north dredging program is part of more than $50m being invested in the city’s waterways during the next four years.

A dredge has begun work on the busy channel near Paradise Point and Sovereign and Ephraim islands, arguably the most popular waterway in the city for jet skis.

New figures show the Coast has 36,446 registered vessels, more than 13 per cent of the State’s total and an increase of about 9000 since 2012, showing the demand on waterways.

Boaties know the channel is crowded and so low in parts it’s possible to see the sea floor.

The works will focus on bed levelling and dredging of sand shoals with approximately 23,000 cubic metres of sand to be removed and transported for nourishment at Narrowneck.

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the work was part of the government’s expansive new Gold Coast Management Program 2022-2026.

“The Gold Coast is one of the fastest growing cities in the country, so we need to keep pace with demand for access to the waterways,” he said.

“That’s why this program is firmly centred around boating and marine infrastructure, dredging, the operation and maintenance of the sand bypass system and innovation.

“These projects will make our popular marine facilities much easier to use, and allow residents and visitors to experience the incredible Gold Coast waterways.”

GCWA CEO Chris Derksema said the dredging operations would be backed up by a pipeline of projects delivering infrastructure where it was most needed.

Boaties face some minor restrictions in the waterway during the dredging as a trailer hopper dredge and bed leveller operate in the channel. Details can be found on the GCWA website.

“We have a vision for a Waterways City and this program supports that vision by considering the cultural, social, economic and environmental values that make our waterways so unique,” Mr Derksema said.

“Engagement with our community, industry and partner agencies is vital to the program’s successful implementation, and we’ll continue to work with them in the management of our beautiful waterways.”

Other management program projects to start in the 2022-2023 financial year include the Coomera River Dredging and Jabiru Island Boat Ramp Replacement and Floating Walkway.

Further upgrades will be made to the sand bypass system at The Spit along with the Oxenford boat ramp and Broadwater Parklands pontoon.