Gold Coast Dredging Update

The marine industry has hit back at a recent media release by the Transport Minister Rachel Nolan where she calls on greater financial contributions by industry to marine infrastructure maintenance and development.

The ongoing development of the marine industry in this State needs appropriate investment in safe marine infrastructure.  The call is somewhat akin to asking motor vehicle manufacturers to contribute to the maintenance of the State road network.

Marine Queensland has been working hard with the Gold Coast City Council and other agencies in developing an innovative mechanism for the further development of marine infrastructure.  This model also includes funding models that encourage sustainable development of marine infrastructure. 

Marine Queensland General Manager, Don Jones is calling on the Transport Minister to urgently sit down with the Marine Industry to work constructively towards developing solutions.  "For too long these critical waterways have been neglected. It is time to stop playing petty politics and get down to developing real and sustainable solutions." Said Jones.  "The frameworks are substantially complete.  All we need is commitment from the Transport department to bring these solutions to reality." Said Jones.

Through industry leadership the proposed governance framework for Gold Coast waterways will encompass:

1.       Dredging management including:

• Navigation channel dredging programs and procurement strategy guided by the Access Needs Study funded by Queensland Transport;
•  Seaway dredging, back passing and costal sand management; and
• Coomera River dredging strategy, dredged material management and commercialization opportunities.

 2.       Destinations, Access and Management

• Destination and access demand studies, waterways destinations and reserves;
• Boat ramps, pontoons and jetties (recreational and commercial infrastructure);
• Foreshore nourishment, reclamation and other destination improvement.

 3.       Marine Industry Planning and Major Development Proposals

• Southern Moreton bay to Broadwater Marine Infrastructure Master Plan;
• SEQ Regional Plan, Gold Coast Planning Scheme, Coastal Plan, Moreton Bay Marine Zones;
• Steiglitz Marine Precinct Master Planning;
• Major marine development proposals such as the Gold Coast International Marine precinct, Spit Northern and Southern Development Areas.

For further information, please contact Marine Queensland General Manager, Don Jones by telephone 07 3390 4657.