Independent review on Labrador Channel Extension released

Dredging is not required to extend the Labrador Channel, according to the findings of an independent review released today by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA).

Visiting the Gold Coast today, Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports Mark Bailey said the independent review also showed the Gold Coast community supported plans to extend the channel.

“These further investigations have found that dredging is not required, instead the channel extension can be achieved solely through the installation of navigational aids,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Broadwater is used by so many people, locals and visitors alike, for a wide range of water based activities. This review has delivered a positive outcome for the majority of those waterways users.”

Mr Bailey said the review undertook both research and public consultation to ensure all aspects of the extension were considered.

“The review considered issues around safety, environment, accessibility, waterways planning and also community views on the Labrador Channel extension. It also involved interviews with interest groups and an online public survey, which attracted 469 responses,” Mr Bailey said.

The independent review was requested by Mr Bailey in June 2015, in light of community concerns about the proposed plans, and following discussions with the Gold Coast Waterways Authority and the Australian Live-aboard Association.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) CEO Hal Morris said that the Broadwater is a complex shared space enjoyed by a wide variety of users each wanting to enjoy the waterway at different times for a wide range of activities which often results in competing requirements and interests.

Mr Morris said the Board had recently approved a comprehensive consultation and stakeholder engagement strategy that encouraged greater community involvement.

“The review identified that the community desired greater consultation, engagement and additional information on waterways plans, such as how the channel would be implemented, how moorings would be transitioned and safety requirements for the area.

“We believe effective and meaningful consultation is critical to managing our waterways and to understanding the needs and wants of the community.”

Mr Morris said with the completion of the independent review, the GCWA would now seek to extend the Labrador Channel following the existing deep water.

“We will be gradually reducing the moorings in the area west of the Main Channel as tenants permanently leave their moorings and by relocating vessels to other mooring fields wherever possible,” Mr Morris said.

The Labrador Channel Extension is part of the Gold Coast Waterways Authority’s strategicplanning for the Broadwater. Planning includes delivery of the TwoChannel Strategywhich forms part of GCWA’s 10 Year Waterways Management Strategy and GCWA Speed Limit Review (August 2014).

The report of the Independent Review into the Labrador Channel Extension, was undertaken by global consultancy, Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd and is available on the GCWA website at http://www.gcwa.qld.gov.au/

ENDS

Media Contacts:     Mr Bailey:                 Tim Shipstone        0419 246 157

                                                             Amy Hunter            0423 651 484

Gold Coast Waterways Authority:         Hal Morris, CEO       0419 374 134