After much anticipation, dredging of the main boating hub of the Gold Coast, the Broadwater begins

Recreational and commercial boating on the Gold Coast has been given a major boost after the Gold Coast Council commenced the $5 million Broadwater Reclamation Project in late March 2009.

More than 80,000 cubic metres of built-up sand will be dredged from existing Broadwater navigation channels.

Mayor Ron Clarke said the project would significantly improve boating in one of the south east's most popular waterways.

"The Broadwater is one of our city's major drawcards and dredging in the Southport Seaway and south of Wave Break Island will deepen water levels by up to eight metres," said Cr Clarke.

"This will provide a real boost to both commercial and recreational boat operators, making navigation of our most important boating channels much easier.

"The dredged sand will be used to create two new areas of the Southport Broadwater Parklands - 3.2 hectares of new open recreational park near the southern children's playground and a 1.2 hectare new mangrove area north of the existing boat ramp.

"Council has worked closely with state government agencies, environmental groups, local commercial and recreational boating bodies, environmental groups and Griffith University's Centre for Coastal Management to achieve the best possible outcome.

"This project is yet another example of this Council's capacity to deliver major infrastructure projects of city-wide benefit."

Divisional Councillor Dawn Crichlow said the larger of the two new reclaimed parklands areas would be planted with lawn, dune vegetation and Casuarina trees.

"This new park area will provide a fantastic open space, offering access to restored open beaches and calm water recreational activities," said Cr Crichlow.

"The new mangroves area, which will include visitor boardwalks, will provide new fish and yabby habitat as well as improve water quality - by treating stormwater that runs into the Broadwater from Southport CBD."

Dredging is expected to continue for three months until around July 2009 and for safety reasons boaties should keep clear of the dredging vessel.

Just north of the Broadwater is the inside channel that links the Broadwater with Moreton Bay and Brisbane. Meridien Marinas Horizon Shores is located midway between the two waterways, navigated to via the labyrinth of waterways that are unique to this region.

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