Review to help manage bustling waterways

The State Government has released a report on proposals for managing vessel speed and associated issues on the increasingly busy waterways of the Gold Coast.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Paul Lucas said traffic on the water had grown dramatically in recent years due to the rapid population growth, increasing tourist numbers and the subsequent rise in boat ownership and recreational activities.

Mr Lucas said the report recommends reductions in speed limits, changes to the length at which speed limit reductions replies and other measures.

“Queenslanders love the water and nowhere is this more evident than on the Gold Coast,” Mr Lucas said.

“Maritime Safety Queensland has reviewed existing speed limits and proposes changes to ensure there are appropriate controls in place to manage activities on the water.

“Maritime Safety Queensland, the Water Police, the Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol reviewed safety and other issues, and they've also taken on board advice from the boating public and the wider community.

“A number of key topics to be addressed include the interaction between larger vessels and other waterway users, general safety concerns associated with speed and wash, and the integration of recreational activities such as jet skiing and swimming.”

Member for Broadwater Peta-Kaye Croft encouraged Gold Coast residents to have their say about the changes.

“Enjoying our waterways is an important part of the Gold Coast lifestyle,” Ms Croft said.

“There are now more than 28,300 vessels registered on the Gold Coast – a 28% jump since 2002.

“The big increase has been in the number of vessels over 10 metres – 47% over the same period.”

Ms Croft said the report also addressed feedback from the public about the impact of increases in vessel traffic on waterfront infrastructure, rivers and creek banks and residential communities.

“The report is now available for public comment and I urge everyone with an interest in the future of the region's waterways to have their say.”

A copy of the report is available on Maritime Safety Queensland's website at www.msq.qld.gov.au

Written submissions close August 17.

Media inquiries
Minister Lucas’ office: Robert Hoge 3237 1942
Member for Broadwater: 5529 6000

Review of Speed Limits on Gold Coast Waterways

The study applies to inland waterways of the Gold Coast from the Logan River southwards. These waterways include major creeks, rivers and man-made waterways, The Broadwater, and parts of Southern Moreton Bay.

Major recommendations include:

• A reduction in the speed limit that applies in the waters of all canals, creeks, lakes, boat harbours and marinas from 6 knots to 4 knots.
• A reduction from 8 metres to 6 metres, in the length at which a speed limit of 6 knots becomes applicable to vessels in some rivers and other narrow waterways.
• The introduction of a 10 knot speed limit for vessels 15 metres and over in length between Wavebreak Island and the Logan River.
• New or extended speed zones at Cabbage Tree Point and Jacobs Well, and in Tipplers Passage, the Coomera River and The Broadwater south of Wavebreak Island.
• More specific restrictions on the creation of dangerous and damaging wash.