Friends of Wave Break Island

14/06/2026

🏝️ Wave Break Island, naturally always 🌿

12/06/2026

‼️What the 💩! There’s a $17 million dollar tax payer funded study planning the development of Wave Break Island under the Direction of Tom Tate ‼️

10/06/2026

Wave Break Island coastal environment is home to incredible marine life as one of our City’s most loved boating destinations

We’re encouraging boaters and pwc riders to enjoy the water responsibly by slowing down near marine life, avoiding sensitive habitats and keeping rubbish onboard

Thank you 🏝️

08/06/2026

🌊💙 WORLD OCEAN DAY 💙🌊 Today is a reminder that our oceans aren’t just beautiful, they’re vital. Protecting them and the marine life living in them means protecting our future and the extraordinary biodiversity that makes Australia unlike anywhere else on Earth.

The ocean produces around half the oxygen we breathe, regulates our climate, stores carbon, supports biodiversity, and sustains life on Earth. 🌏

Healthy oceans and waterways support a rich network of coastal and marine ecosystems, from estuaries, dunes and seagrass meadows to offshore reefs and the wildlife that depends on them. 🐢🐬🐟🦀

World Ocean Day is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing us, including:

🌡️ Climate change and ocean warming
🪸 Habitat degradation and biodiversity loss
💧 Water pollution and declining water quality
🗑️ Plastic pollution and marine debris
🌊 Development pressures on coastal and marine ecosystems

It is also a reminder that positive action matters. Your voice matters.

Whether it's reducing waste, protecting waterways, restoring habitat, participating in citizen science, supporting conservation efforts, or advocating for stronger environmental protections particularly of Wave Break Island, we all have a role to play in caring for our blue planet.

The future of our ocean and waterways depend on the choices we make today. We must choose wisely and protect and conserve as much as possible.

‼️NO development of Wave Break Island‼️

07/06/2026

Bridge to Wave Break Is first work for CST mega-plan

A FOUR-lane bridge connecting Labrador to Wavebreak Island will be among the first things to be built for the proposed $7.5 billion Broadwater development.

A BRIDGE connecting Labrador to Wavebreak Island will be among the first pieces of infrastructure built for the proposed $7.5 billion Broadwater development.

The four-lane bridge is expected to run from Brisbane Rd on to the Island and, if approved, would be part of the first phase of work, which would begin in early 2017.

According to ASF Consortium’s plans, construction could begin between January and March that year, with the first stage expected to focus on dredging and sand reclamation works to increase the size of Wavebreak to make way for development.

Sand dredged directly from the Broadwater will be used to increase the land’s capacity, with “containment measures” to be put in place to allow the work to proceed.

The two-year first stage of the works would include the initial stage of the proposed integrated resort and cruise ship terminal.

WAVEBREAK TO TREBLE IN SIZE

ASF project director Allan Fife said Wavebreak Island development would begin between January and March of 2017 if approved.

Mr Fife said there was a series of phases within the first stage of the development which would be completed by July 2019.

“By July 2019 our conservative modelling will show the first employees in there on site working at the terminal, resort and with management people,” he said.

“We forecast this as a 10-year process from 2016 onward to a July 2026 date for the completion of all stages.

“This will not be a gated community, it will be a living, breathing part of the community and what we want to ensure is that there are no barriers to entry.”

The proposed work schedule is currently before the State Government for assessment in a 700-page masterplan document compiled by ASF.

The second stage of works will be targeted for completion in January 2021 and will include the second part of the integrated resort, the first parcels of residential development and the construction of a “substantial” high-rise on a 5ha parcel of land on The Spit south of Sea World.

Under the plans, stages three to nine will occur between January 2022 and July 2026 and will include further accommodation as well as commercial and leisure attractions including an art museum and an international school.

Mr Fife said the building process would occur over a decade.

“If we follow the process we believe the State Government will require us to follow it is not possible to complete the cruise ship terminal in time for the Games,” he said.

“If we could compress the process, we could still do it by the Games, however we are not going to do something which breaches what we will need to do because what looks to be expedient now could cause a nightmare later.

Gold Coast Bulletin November 9, 2014. End

Google: Tom Tate and Allan Fife were closely associated through the proposed Wavebreak Island cruise terminal and resort project, with Tate as a political supporter and Fife as the project’s lead representative.

04/06/2026

🌏💚 Happy World Environment Day! 💚🌏 Let’s celebrate the incredible beauty and biodiversity of Wave Break Island 🏝️

World Environment Day is an opportunity to strengthen our commitment to conservation and preservation

Every action counts—whether it’s reducing plastic waste, sharing knowledge, participating in clean-up events, or advocating for protection, we are grateful for everyone who gives their time, energy and support to help protect this unique environment and enjoys it responsibly. Your contribution makes a difference 🙏🏼

Together, we can ensure that Wave Break Island remains a thriving natural treasure for future generations to enjoy

🌊 Protect our waterways
🐠 Preserve marine life
🌱 Conserve nature

Wave Break Island is a special place that brings people together—families, boaters, fishers, divers, paddlers and nature lovers who all share a connection to this island and these beautiful waterways

It is also home to diverse marine life, wildlife, a sanctuary for seagrass meadows, shore birds and fragile ecosystems that depend on our care and respect

As friends of Wave Break Island, we are proud to support the protection of this unique environment - a special place for our community to escape the concrete jungle and connect with nature

‼️NO development of Wave Break Island ‼️

04/06/2026

💧⚓️ Do you want to have your say about Gold Coast Waterways Management? Dear stakeholders of the waterways, it has come to our attention that GCWA have released a survey but only the people that they emailed the survey to can actually complete it, it can’t be shared despite it being open for community consultation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please have a read of the survey below and send your responses in an email to Chris Derksema, CEO GCWA via [email protected] and [email protected] before close of business tomorrow when ‘community consultation' closes.

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Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) is inviting you to take part in a short survey to help inform the future management and planning of the city’s waterways.

As part of its responsibilities under the Gold Coast Waterways Authority Act 2012, GCWA undertakes annual stakeholder engagement to help inform the ongoing implementation and review of the Waterways Management Program.

With the Gold Coast continuing to grow and evolve, understanding community experiences, priorities and expectations is increasingly important. Your feedback will help identify what is working well, where improvements may be needed, and how GCWA can continue to support access, connection, amenity and enjoyment across the waterways.

GCWA has partnered with independent research specialists Market & Communications Research (MCR), in collaboration with the Online Research Unit, to conduct this survey.

The survey takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, and all responses are anonymous and confidential. Results will be reported in summary form only.

If you are unable to complete the survey in one sitting, you can return at any time using your personalised link and continue where you left off.

If you have any questions about the survey, please contact GCWA via [email protected] or Market & Communications Research at [email protected] or on (07) 3367 8557.

Thank you for taking the time to share your views and help shape the future of Gold Coast waterways.

Kind regards

Chris Derksema
CEO, Gold Coast Waterways Authority.

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Hello and welcome to the survey. This survey is being conducted by the Online Research Unit and Market and Communications Research on behalf of the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA).

This survey is designed to gather feedback from stakeholders on GCWA's management of and planning for the Gold Coast waterways.

The survey should take around 10-15 minutes to complete.

As this is market research, it is carried out in compliance with the Privacy Act and the information you provide will be used for research purposes. Your responses to these survey questions, including any personal information you provide, will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shared with other parties. Your information will not be disclosed unless required by law. At the end of the research your information will be de-identified. Participation is voluntary and you are free to stop the survey at any time.

Gold Coast Waterways Authority is a Queensland State Government Statutory Authority who strategically plan for, facilitate and manage the development and use of the Gold Coast waterways.

They aspire to enhance the waterways experience through delivering on three focus areas: access, connections and destinations, to ensure the Gold Coast is a waterways city, now and in the future.

1.How satisfied are you overall with Gold Coast Waterways Authority?

2.Read this Statement;

Each year, Gold Coast Waterways Authority sets out the priority actions and investment planned for delivery in the next 12 months and planned for the following 3 years (4-year program). Listed below are the projects scheduled for the next 12 months. Please read through before answering the questions that follow.

GCWA Waterways Management Program 2026 – 2030 and the Spit Master Plan

Critical infrastructure and asset renewal
* All Sand Bypass System works - For example: routine maintenance, jetty recoating, jetty renewal, replacement and upgrade of system as needed
Operations and compliance
* Strengthening waterways management - For example: improve governance, advocacy, legislative settings and regulatory frameworks
* Waterways operations - For example: operation and maintenance of navigation aids, marine signage and vessels
* Compliance - For example: monitoring waterways and managing issues such as abandoned vessels, pontoons, etc.
Waterway access and amenity
* The Spit Master Plan implementation - Delivery of projects that support environmental enhancement, public access and visitor amenity across The Spit, including initiatives such as Federation Walk Coastal Reserve improvements, gateway signage, walking tracks and picnic facilities
* Broadwater local waterway plan - Development of a long term plan to guide future use, protection and investment in the Broadwater
* Wave Break Island day use - Investigations and early design work to explore opportunities to enhance the way people currently use the island
* Waterway trails and community hubs - Planning for connected waterway trails and community facilities that improve access, recreation and integration with open space and tourism
Safe and navigable waterways
* Seaway dredging - Maintenance dredging at the Seaway entrance to keep it safe and navigable for vessels
* Priority channel dredging - Targeted dredging of priority waterways (such as the Coomera River, North Channel and South Channel) based on identified needs
* Hydrographic surveys - To determine dredging needs
Planning and future investment
* Waterways strategy and planning program - Ongoing strategic planning to guide the future development and management of the Gold Coast’s waterway network
* Forward planning and investigations - For example: technical investigations, concept design, feasibility studies, approvals planning and cost estimates for future projects
* Asset management program - Ongoing assessment of waterway infrastructure condition to support maintenance planning, renewals and long term asset decision making

3.Having reviewed the proposed projects, to what extent do they reflect the most important priorities for Gold Coast waterways over the next 12 months?

4.Which of these projects are most important to your organisation? Select up to 3

5.Which of these projects would deliver the greatest community benefit if completed successfully? Select up to 3

6.How confident are you that all projects on this list can be delivered in the next 12 months?

7.Are there any projects you think are missing, under represented or should be given greater attention?

8.Do you have any concerns about these projects or how they will be delivered? Are there any risks to consider?

9.Overall how supportive are you of GCWA program for the next 12 months?

10.In your view, what would success look like after 12 months if this program was delivered well?

11.Which of the following matters most to you when assessing Gold Coast Waterways Authority’s performance? Select 3
Long-term planning
Safe waterways
Visible delivery of projects
Environmental outcomes
Value for money
Community access
Better communication
Fair compliance
Faster response to issues
None of the above

12.How would you describe your organisation’s level of engagement with Gold Coast Waterways Authority?

13.What are your organisation’s areas of operation or interest in the Gold Coast waterways?
Commercial or business operations (excluding tourism)
Tourism or recreational service delivery
Environmental protection, conservation, or advocacy
Infrastructure planning, delivery, or asset management
Community representation or advocacy
Research or education

14.Which of the following best describes your organisation?
Industry body or peak organisation
Marina, boating, or marine industry business
Tourism or events organisation
Community group or not-for-profit organisation
Environmental or conservation organisation
Traditional Owner / Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation
Academic or research organisation
School or education provider
Prefer not to say

Thank you for your time today. To remind you, the research today is being conducted by the Online Research Unit and Market and Communications Research, and this survey has been commissioned by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.

We appreciate your time and the thoughtfulness of your answers. Your response will help improve the Gold Coast waterways for everyone.

01/06/2026

29/05/2026

🌏 Today is World Dugong Day, and at we have a long history of conducting vital research and rescue operations to assist the majestic marine mammals.

In one of our longest running research projects, we proudly assist The University of Queensland on an annual health assessment of the species in Moreton Bay. These assessments, led by Dr. Janet Lanyon are conducted by a highly-skilled team of biologists and veterinarians who assess clinical health, body condition and reproductive status of the species to establish baseline clinical health parameters while also identifying the importance of protecting seagrass beds in the area.

Locally, dugong habitats stretch from the Gold Coast Broadwater right up to Moreton Bay, and we encourage all water users to do so respectfully and to go slow for those below!