Next Round of Broadwater Dredging Set for May

Gold Coast boaties will soon benefit from the next round of dredging in the Broadwater, with the Palaszczuk Government progressing works in the area.

According to the Queensland Government, Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) has awarded the contract for the Labrador Channel and North Channel dredging project to local Gold Coast company Neumann Contractors Pty Ltd for just under $500,000.

Transport and Main Roads Minister, Mark Bailey said that the project focused on maintaining the depth of the channel network and providing access to the Gold Coast Seaway, the Broadwater and the rest of the city’s waterways.

“Dredging of these areas will tackle shoaling, with the dredged sand to be used for beach nourishment along the Anglers Esplanade foreshore and the northern beach of Wavebreak Island,” Mr Bailey said. “These works are vital to ensure we are sustainably managing Gold Coast waterways for everyone who uses them.”

“We have already invested $8.5 million in dredging projects in recent years and this project is the next step in continuing to improve access to make sure our waterways remain world class, safe and accessible for residents and visitors,” Mr Bailey added.

GCWA CEO Hal Morris said that the project was the latest in works that would further improve access for the region’s boaties.

“Another $14.9 million is being invested over the next four years including projects in the Coomera River, Main Channel and Canaipa Passage to keep the waterways open and available to everyone,” Mr Morris said.

Following the tender process, the contract was awarded to Neumann Contractors with works due to start in early May 2018.

“We are anticipating that the project will be completed by July, which is of course dependant on favorable weather and works conditions,” Mr Morris said. “The North Channel dredging and nourishment of Wavebreak Island will begin first with dredging of Labrador Channel and nourishment of Anglers Esplanade foreshore to follow.”