The Newman Government is removing red tape and sand as part of its election commitment to reinvigorate the Gold Coast’s waterways.
Premier Campbell Newman outlined the final boundaries for the Gold Coast Waterway Authority while announcing a new $1.8 million dredging program for the mouth of the Coomera River to help the Gold Coast City Marina precinct as it grows.
“We are working to deliver better Gold Coast waterways and provide some certainty for businesses, recreational users and the environment,” Mr Newman said.
“That means improving access to Gold Coast waterways whether it’s planning for the council’s proposed cruise ship terminal, making it a hub for tourists or for the 40,700 registered boats that use the waterway.
“The $30 million Authority will have the power to cut red tape by delivering improvements in navigational access, boating infrastructure and waterways management at a reasonable cost to the community and government.
“Those powers will stretch from the Logan River in the north, to Southport and out to the entrance to the Gold Coast Seaway.”
The dredge Port Frederick, which recently pumped sand from the Mooloolah River at Maroochydore, has been moved to the Coomera River to shift about 43,000 cubic metres of sand to Gold Coast beaches.
Transport and Main Road Minister Scott Emerson said the Gold Coast Seaway was constructed in 1986 and was hugely popular for yachting, boating and other recreational water activities.
“ The Expression of Interest for board positions closes on Friday and I would urge anyone with marine, coastal or waterways planning or development backgrounds as well as infrastructure engineering, commercial and marketing development experience to apply, ” Mr Emerson said.
“The establishment and work of the GCWA Board is part of our six month action plan and I want to see the Authority starting to deliver for the people of the Gold Coast by early 2013.
“The GCWA Board will comprise seven members including an independent chairperson, a Gold Coast City Council delegate and five others to be appointed by the Minister.”
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Press Release, August 29, 2012