Funding announced to protect the future of the Gold Coast Seaway

A $3.35m upgrade to the jetty of the Gold Coast Seaway’s Sand Bypass System has been given the green light.

The investment, delivered in the Palaszczuk Government’s 2018 State Budget, will allow the jetty to safely accommodate the next generation of mobile cranes that carry out maintenance for the sand bypass operations.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the Palaszczuk Government is committed to preserving access through the Seaway to the Gold Coast waterways.

“The upgrade work to the jetty will see the replacement of the concrete deck with additional support beams to provide a strong, stable and safe platform for the cranes,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Gold Coast Seaway was the world’s first permanent sand bypassing system and this investment future-proofs operations and ensures a safe, navigable entrance through the Seaway is protected.”

“Gold Coast waterways deliver significant economic and social benefits and the Seaway plays a critical role by providing access to this unique and valued resource.”

Work is scheduled to start in early-2019, with an anticipated completion date of December 2019. During this time public access to the jetty and the beach below it will be restricted.

Sand pumping operations will continue as normal with work to the jetty being delivered in a phased and coordinated way.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority Chief Executive Officer, Hal Morris, said “This important upgrade allows us to successfully continue sand bypass operations and protects the future of the Seaway.

“I would like to thank jetty and beach users for their patience while we carry out this work. This is a much-loved area and I want to assure users we will be doing all we can to keep disruption to a minimum.

“We will be undertaking comprehensive engagement work prior to work starting and progress updates, including any local impacts, will be available on Gold Coast Waterways Authority’s website and Facebook page.”

The sand bypass system operates through ten jet pumps which help keep the Seaway clear by moving over 500,000m³ of sand every year. The jet pumps require regular maintenance which can only be undertaken by lifting them by a crane from the sea bed.

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Media Contact: Dominic Geiger:  0447 355 565

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