Gold Coast Waterways Authority to make City waterways world famous

by Jeni Bone on 13 Aug 2013 Long recognised for its beaches, nightlife and theme parks, the Gold Coast could become renowned for its canals and waterways under a State Government plan to raise their profile.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority boss, Hal Morris has been charged with devising a 10-year strategy and four-year works program to turn the city's Broadwater, canals and rivers into vibrant social hubs buzzing with recreational users.

'Of course, beaches are important but there's more to the Gold Coast than the beaches. We can do a lot more and do a lot better,' Mr Morris said, referring to Brisbane’s revival of its River, now a focus of festivals and entertainment precincts. 'This is one of the best waterways around the world.'

The authority has been given $32 million from the State Government for work over the next four years and continue dredging.

Most of the Gold Coast Waterways budget was taken up by dredging which was always happening in different places throughout the Broadwater and the sand dumped at The Spit for Gold Coast City Council to pick up and transport to beaches where it was needed.

Morris said places like Couran Cove and Sanctuary Cove wanted to take advantage of being on the water and bringing in more visitors.

His draft strategy is with Transport Minister Scott Emerson and outlines how the waterways can be sustained, enhanced and promoted. The works program includes plans to turn the rundown Appel Park in Surfers Paradise into a jetty for recreational users and ferry services to places like Couran Cove.

The strategy, once stamped by the Transport Department, will go out for community consultation.

More at http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Community-and-environment/Environmental-management/Water/Gold-Coast-Waterways-Authority.aspx