Gold Coast Waterways Authority

If there was ever a day to celebrate the Gold Coast, Sunday was it.

The sun was shining, the waterways were sparkling, and there was a real sense of occasion as we gathered to celebrate 40 years of the Gold Coast Seaway and Sand Bypass System. ☀️

The room was full of people who have been part of the story over the years, some from the very beginning. There were plenty of laughs, old photos, shared memories and more than a few “I can’t believe it’s been 40 years” moments.

As the team responsible for managing and maintaining the Sand Bypass System today, we know how important it is to our coastline and waterways. But Sunday wasn’t really about pumps, pipes and machinery.

It was about the people. 🫶

The people who had the vision. The people who built it. The people who have operated it, improved it and cared for it over the years.

For four decades, the Sand Bypass System has quietly helped shape the Gold Coast we know and love.

Sunday was a chance to celebrate the people who helped make that happen.

☀️ Planning on soaking up some sunshine at Doug Jennings Park this Sunday?

Just a quick heads up that part of the car park near the Sand Bypass System will be closed for a few hours on Sunday morning while an event takes place. The area will reopen after 10:30am.

The good news is that the rest of Doug Jennings Park will remain open and unaffected, so there's still plenty of space to enjoy the day.

Thanks for your patience and enjoy the beautiful weather! 😎

Joint waterways compliance operation delivering positive outcomes across the Broadwater.

A coordinated compliance operation led by Gold Coast Waterways Authority and Maritime Safety Queensland is already improving access, amenity and environmental outcomes across the Gold Coast Broadwater. In the first two weeks:

✔ 485 vessel compliance inspections undertaken across the Broadwater
✔ 42 vessels relocated from the Labrador Channel and North Wavebreak areas to meet compliance requirements
✔ 2 abandoned and derelict vessels removed from Gold Coast waterways, with additional removals planned
✔ 1 marine pollution risk eliminated

The operation is focused on addressing abandoned, derelict and non-compliant vessels, improving navigational access, protecting waterway amenity and reducing environmental impacts.

By working together, GCWA and Maritime Safety Queensland are helping ensure the Broadwater remains accessible, attractive and enjoyable for all waterway users.

Back in 1986, the people helping run the Sand Bypass System looked pretty cool doing it and mostly thanks to the sunglasses, if we’re honest.

Forty years later, the sunglasses might’ve changed… but the dedication, ingenuity and expertise behind the system haven’t.

Because while the Sand Bypass System quietly works behind the scenes, it takes a lot of people to keep it operating year after year.

Engineers, operators, technicians, electricians, project managers, coastal specialists and maintenance crews have all played a part in keeping this iconic piece of Gold Coast infrastructure running for four decades.

Their work helps keep sand moving along the coastline, supports navigation through the Seaway and helps protect the beaches and waterways people enjoy every day.

Some have been part of the journey for decades. Others are helping carry it into the future and all are contributing the knowledge, problem-solving and care it takes to keep a world-class system running.

As we celebrate 40 years of the Sand Bypass System, we’re also celebrating the people behind it (past and present), whose dedication and expertise have helped shape the Gold Coast coastline for generations.

JOINT OPERATION CLEARWATER UNDERWAY ACROSS THE BROADWATER.

GCWA and Maritime Safety Queensland have commenced a major joint-agency compliance operation across the Gold Coast Broadwater.

The operation is targeting:
• Unlawful anchoring
• Unsafe and abandoned vessels
• Pollution risks
• Compliance issues impacting access, navigation and amenity

Operation Clearwater delivers increased patrols, inspections and direct engagement with vessel owners across priority areas throughout the Broadwater.

The operation reflects a coordinated commitment to protecting the future of the Broadwater and improving the experience for everyone who uses the waterways.

We can’t help ourselves… we’re still in our 80s era because some things from 1986 are still absolute icons.

Back when home phones had cords, Top Gun was in cinemas, and before Queensland went on to win three straight State of Origin series in ’87, ’88 and ’89… the Gold Coast Sand Bypass System was just getting started.

Fast forward 40 years and it’s still quietly doing its thing, moving around 500,000 cubic metres of sand across the Seaway every year. That’s about 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth!!

Not because anyone loves moving sand around for fun (although we do appreciate a good engineering project). It’s because sand naturally drifts north along the coastline. When the Seaway was built, it created a safer and more stable entrance, but it also interrupted that natural sand movement.

So the Sand Bypass System helps keep things balanced by moving sand across the Seaway so northern beaches continue getting the sand they need.

Forty years later, this 80s icon is still helping protect the beaches, surf breaks and waterways lifestyle locals and visitors enjoy every day.

Go Queensland 💪

GCWA has the nostalgic feels this week...

40 years ago, the Gold Coast coastline changed forever.

Back in 1986, Australia was rocking out to INXS, Jimmy Barnes and Midnight Oil, while perms, neon and shoulder pads were absolutely everywhere.

It was also the year the Gold Coast Seaway and Sand Bypass System officially opened, and 40 years later, it’s still quietly working away behind the scenes helping shape the coastline we know and love today.

Since then, the Seaway and Sand Bypass System have helped:

🏖 keep sand moving along our beaches
⚓ support safer ocean access for boaties and fishers
🌊 maintain access between the Broadwater and open ocean
The Sand Bypass System was also a world-first engineering solution. Pretty impressive for something that started in the era of cassette tapes and leg warmers.

Day 1 of SCIBS is underway! 👋

It’s already been a busy start to the day, with plenty happening across the marina and lots of great conversations at the stand.

Come down and say g’day! You’ll find us at Stand 216 in the Pavilion. ⚓

The Women Only Adventure Race will take place at Doug Jennings Park on Sunday, 24 May 2026. 💪🛶🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️

You may spot participants running, riding and kayaking between checkpoints around the park as part of the endurance event.

The good news? The Doug Jennings Park ring road and Moondarewa Spit road will remain open to vehicle traffic, and park visitors can still enjoy all areas outside the event base area.

If you’re heading down, please take extra care around participants and enjoy the atmosphere.

Good luck to everyone taking part!

Heading to the Boat Show this weekend? Come say hello!👋

GCWA has partnered with Queensland Fisheries this year and you’ll find us in the Main Pavilion, where we’ll be available all weekend to chat about Gold Coast waterways.

We look forward to seeing you there! 🚤