Hi all,
I have been investigating issues surrounding the dredging/reclamation and construction of the new boat ramp in the Broadwater around the popular windsurfing/kitesurfing spots in “The Train” area.
What I have found is so disturbing, that I feel compelled to complain to Council and have arranged a meeting with the Council Project Officer in charge of the development next week!
As a keen sailboarder, I don’t want to give up this area without a fight!
I have MY ideas of the problems, issues and possible solutions but would like to represent a “Consensus” from the sailing community so appreciate YOUR feedback on the problems so I can raise at the meeting.
Could you please review the info below, my suggestions and give me your feedback on anything that should be added, removed or changed ASAP. I really need your help.
PS> If you have any images of boat/sailing near misses or general conjestion in this area, I would appreciate if you could email me a copy to: phillip.nott@philips.com
I HOPE TO SEE YOU SAILING AT THIS SPOT IN THE FUTURE!
New Boat Ramp in Stage 3 – Broadwater Parklands Development.
This new boat ramp consists of 4 lanes with parking for 35 large boats with an overflow area accommodating another 55 boats. That’s a total of 90 boats.To bring into perspective, the large boat ramp at “The Grand” has 2 lanes and parking for 25 boats.This boat ramp will inject a LARGE amount of boat traffic directly into the sailing area.
Dredging/ Reclamation of Sand.
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority plan to dredge the WHOLE channel along Marine Parade approximately 40 m wide. They will also be dredging Loders creek to improve access for larger boats.The plan is to turn this whole route into an alternative Passage for boats heading North/South instead of using the main channel. Stage 2 on the right side of the map (dotted line) will make this access even easier.
This boat channel will pass straight through the middle of the sailboarding/kitesurfing area.The Broadwater Parklands development will be used as the “dumping grounds” for all the sand.
WHY DOES EVERYONE SAIL HERE?
SAFETY!This is the ONLY area on the Broadwater where you can sail without having to venture out into the main boating channels risking serious injury.
This is the ONLY area that while busy with boats at times, is relatively free of boat traffic compared to the rest of the Broadwater.
It is the ONLY area open enough to allow sailing in the prevailing strong winds from both the SE and NE.
This area accommodates a variety of skill levels from beginners to advanced. With the shallow water, very little current, and offshore sand banks this is the ONLY area safe area with numerous kitesurfing schools teaching here.
ISSUES.
No Community Consultation.
The only info available to the public for the Broadwater 3 development is a “concept” drawing below. The drawing recently received (1st image) is completely different. The foreshore has a different outline with the Fishing Club in a different position. Which is correct??
No consultation or analysis of the effects of increase boat traffic from the new boat ramp on key users including increased risk.
No information on dredging or advising key users on the implications of such dredging including increased boat traffic resulting in increased risk to water users.
Unbelievably, the current speed limit in the area south of Central Ave, is 40 knots! Will this remain despite the increase in boating traffic and congestion in the area?
Increased boating means increased noise for high rise residents along the whole of Marine Parade.
No provision for Parking in Mitchell Park allowing easy access to Water. (unless you own a boat)
Many people access this area apart from sailboarders. Stand up paddleboards, canoes etc currently access the water from the existing carpark. The proposed carpark is located adjacent to the Gold Coast Hwy. Even without the reclaiming of land, this is an incredibly long way to carry equipment to and from the water.
What plans have been made to remedy this?
Is there a time limit on parking in this area?
Increased Traffic Problems.
Currently accessing the Carpark from either Gold Coast Hwy or Smith Street, is difficult due to this busy intersection. Smith St is the main motorway entry to the area with traffic backing up for a kilometre quite often. Adding a large boat ramp with a subsequent increase in traffic in and out of the car park will cause further delays to this important traffic route.
Conclusion.
There are over 70 other boat ramps located on the Gold Coast that boat owners can use and I am sure there are numerous other locations suitable for new ramp installations. There are also hundreds of other boat channels available for boat owners to use.The current water users of this area DO NOT have that luxury.
This current location is unique as it provides the combination of wind, shallow water, low current and reduced traffic offering a safe environment for these activities. There is nowhere else to go!
Councils’ proposal for a new boat ramp in combination with opening up the channel is jeopardising the safety of the current long time users of this area.
I would therefore like to request a postponement of works in this area to allow proper consultation and in depth investigation to prevent a safety risk to the current users of this area.
The gold coast is turning to ****. Im applying for jobs on the sunny coast. Getting the hell out of here while i still know it as somewhere i love.
That news just shocked me, can't believe it. ..I'm heading to the council on Monday....Love to get the contact on this. ..
Cr Dawn Chrichlow won't be happy about this with a new carpark being built for burnouts and car club meets 
Select to expand quotePhilnott said..
Hi all,
I have been investigating issues surrounding the dredging/reclamation and construction of the new boat ramp in the Broadwater around the popular windsurfing/kitesurfing spots in “The Train” area.
What I have found is so disturbing, that I feel compelled to complain to Council and have arranged a meeting with the Council Project Officer in charge of the development next week!
As a keen sailboarder, I don’t want to give up this area without a fight!
I have MY ideas of the problems, issues and possible solutions but would like to represent a “Consensus” from the sailing community so appreciate YOUR feedback on the problems so I can raise at the meeting.
Could you please review the info below, my suggestions and give me your feedback on anything that should be added, removed or changed ASAP. I really need your help.
PS> If you have any images of boat/sailing near misses or general conjestion in this area, I would appreciate if you could email me a copy to: phillip.nott@philips.com
I HOPE TO SEE YOU SAILING AT THIS SPOT IN THE FUTURE!
New Boat Ramp in Stage 3 – Broadwater Parklands Development.
This new boat ramp consists of 4 lanes with parking for 35 large boats with an overflow area accommodating another 55 boats. That’s a total of 90 boats.To bring into perspective, the large boat ramp at “The Grand” has 2 lanes and parking for 25 boats.This boat ramp will inject a LARGE amount of boat traffic directly into the sailing area.
Dredging/ Reclamation of Sand.
The Gold Coast Waterways Authority plan to dredge the WHOLE channel along Marine Parade approximately 40 m wide. They will also be dredging Loders creek to improve access for larger boats.The plan is to turn this whole route into an alternative Passage for boats heading North/South instead of using the main channel. Stage 2 on the right side of the map (dotted line) will make this access even easier.
This boat channel will pass straight through the middle of the sailboarding/kitesurfing area.The Broadwater Parklands development will be used as the “dumping grounds” for all the sand.
WHY DOES EVERYONE SAIL HERE?
SAFETY!This is the ONLY area on the Broadwater where you can sail without having to venture out into the main boating channels risking serious injury.
This is the ONLY area that while busy with boats at times, is relatively free of boat traffic compared to the rest of the Broadwater.
It is the ONLY area open enough to allow sailing in the prevailing strong winds from both the SE and NE.
This area accommodates a variety of skill levels from beginners to advanced. With the shallow water, very little current, and offshore sand banks this is the ONLY area safe area with numerous kitesurfing schools teaching here.
ISSUES.
No Community Consultation.
The only info available to the public for the Broadwater 3 development is a “concept” drawing below. The drawing recently received (1st image) is completely different. The foreshore has a different outline with the Fishing Club in a different position. Which is correct??
No consultation or analysis of the effects of increase boat traffic from the new boat ramp on key users including increased risk.
No information on dredging or advising key users on the implications of such dredging including increased boat traffic resulting in increased risk to water users.
Unbelievably, the current speed limit in the area south of Central Ave, is 40 knots! Will this remain despite the increase in boating traffic and congestion in the area?
Increased boating means increased noise for high rise residents along the whole of Marine Parade.
No provision for Parking in Mitchell Park allowing easy access to Water. (unless you own a boat)
Many people access this area apart from sailboarders. Stand up paddleboards, canoes etc currently access the water from the existing carpark. The proposed carpark is located adjacent to the Gold Coast Hwy. Even without the reclaiming of land, this is an incredibly long way to carry equipment to and from the water.
What plans have been made to remedy this?
Is there a time limit on parking in this area?
Increased Traffic Problems.
Currently accessing the Carpark from either Gold Coast Hwy or Smith Street, is difficult due to this busy intersection. Smith St is the main motorway entry to the area with traffic backing up for a kilometre quite often. Adding a large boat ramp with a subsequent increase in traffic in and out of the car park will cause further delays to this important traffic route.
Conclusion.
There are over 70 other boat ramps located on the Gold Coast that boat owners can use and I am sure there are numerous other locations suitable for new ramp installations. There are also hundreds of other boat channels available for boat owners to use.The current water users of this area DO NOT have that luxury.
This current location is unique as it provides the combination of wind, shallow water, low current and reduced traffic offering a safe environment for these activities. There is nowhere else to go!
Councils’ proposal for a new boat ramp in combination with opening up the channel is jeopardising the safety of the current long time users of this area.
I would therefore like to request a postponement of works in this area to allow proper consultation and in depth investigation to prevent a safety risk to the current users of this area.
Phil
PM me your mobile and lets have a chat. Get as much info from the project officer as you can on the facts. Don't send a letter just yet until all is known. Happy to give you a hand. Any idea on a proposed project start date ? The names of any civil engineers or surveyors on the drawings you have found would be helpful also. Didn't think council had any money in the latest budget for this type "non-essential" stuff...
Hi Guys,
Today Tony and myself met with Jeremy Hall -Principal Project Officer of Broadwater Parklands and John Bendel Waterways Officer in charge of dredging.
A BIG thank you Tony for attending and backing me up!
A brief summary of the meeting below;
As per the presentation, our prime concern was safety and how they were going to manage this. They pointed out the need to accommodate the variety and breadth of community users. It was also noted that sailing conditions were generally unpleasant for boating and reduced numbers boats should be out during these times.
Boat Ramp.
Boat ramp is in locked in with plans drawn etc. Could not be relocated as the 3 closest ramps were unsuitable for upgrade. The Spit was also unacceptable due to the severe traffic conditions at various times. The suggestion to move the ramp south so the SE sailing path did not line up with the end of the ramp area was also unfeasible at this stage of planning. Lack of access was discussed and shared boat ramp parking after 1200pm similar to Wellington Point would be feasible. Images of these signs have been supplied. This means a certain percentage of the boat parking will be available to the general public to use after this time and makes a lot of sense. A request was made to have loading zones for boats available for a limited time (10min?) to load/unload gear etc. Response was positive to both suggestions so this will hopefully happen. Other parking near the street will be metered but the time limit is unknown.
Alternate Channel Dredging.
This was advised to be a “safety” issue for smaller boats sharing the main channel with larger vessels. Difficult to argue with this since we are also concerned over safety. The diagram below only shows half the channel! Stage 2 practically goes all the way to Sundal Bridge! Asked if the 6 knot zone near moored boat area in the northern channel area would remain in place but this is yet to be decided. They plan to clean up a lot of the moorings in this area and around the boat ramp for a better looking solution but did not elaborate where or what this will be. Queried speed limit in the rest of the channel and 25 knots was indicated. 
We advised this is just not acceptable with the current, new boat ramp traffic and new channel traffic. We suggested making the whole sailing area a 6 knot zone (black outline). This appears to be the only option otherwise would face speeding boats blasting straight through the sailing/kiting area. The added advantage of this would be that those annoying jet boats and hire jets skis would not loop through this area. They can make inquiries on our behalf but recommended we put in a proposal.
The next comment put me in a spin.
“Does this mean the sailboarders/kiters will stick to the 6 knot limit as well.”
I can see boaties complaining “if we have to slow down why don’t they”
I would like to open comment and get agreement from both kiters and sailboarders if the 6 knot speed limit is the way to go.
Also in the proposal do we include a statement sailboarders/kitesurfers excluded and face possible rejection of proposal OR do we leave this out and hope our excessive speed is not going to result in fines?
Timing of Works.As with any public works times can vary but below is an indication.
Mitchel Park and boat ramp- Start Jan-Feb possibly finished by Spring?
Dredging Stage 1 – Start Jan- Feb and will take 3-4 months.
Dredging Stage 2 – TBD but approximately in 1 year. Note: the sand from this stage will be deposited on main beach for sand replenishment.
It’s not all bad news- with the dredging there will be more room to sail between the sandbanks and maybe some improvements in water quality.
We obviously would like a better outcome today but have clearly raised our concerns to the appropriate groups and laid down the foundation for future discussions. If you need further info, not happy with the outcome or just want to complain feel free to contact the relevant officers.
With the imminent increase in boat traffic in the future, I would like to offer an important reminder.
Never assume that power gives way to sail, don’t take risks and do your best to keep out of the path of power boats!
While the work is being undertaken, might be worth trying somewhere else.
Hope to catch up at my new sailing spot!
Good Work! Philnott and Tony for having the decency and Kahoonas to try and represent us all (Tea Baggers and Brother Poleys) 
From what it looks like our gooses are cooked 
Is it all over yet or can we unite and create some influence? 
What will happen to the caravan park and all the folks there who swim and fish in the proposed channel?
All this work for a few boat's on a extended marina?
I don't think so this is all prep for ASF's Terminal.
Thanks for working on this, and spreading the news.
Would be great to have this spot preserved for those who use it most.
Us.
Cheers
Heh Cr Dawn Chrichlow, looking at the development pics, it looks like a good hoon and drifting circuit for all us hoons and particularly next to the van park, coastguard and new highrise development site for sale there, where we can annoy the Sh#t out of them. Please send a big thank you to Gold Coast Waterways Authorities, Gold Coast City Council and The Gold Coast Fishing Club for us
Select to expand quote
All this work for a few boat's on a extended marina?
makes you wonder. if you tallied up all the broadwater vessel users over a monthly period, kiteboarders and windsurfers combined would probably out number anything else
Found some info on just how much they are reclaiming. Up to 84m - 240 ft is some areas.
There wont be any water left!!!!
Select to expand quotePhilnott said..
Found some info on just how much they are reclaiming. Up to 84m - 240 ft is some areas.
There wont be any water left!!!!
This is LUNACY and ENVIRONMENTAL VANDALISM on a GRAND SCALE! 
What a scam and total waste of rate and tax payers $$$
Haha, brand new grassy parklands/ rigging area! Buy a cheap secondhand boat trailer and register it............free parking all day and a brand new beach = Winning!!!
Have sent application to Gold Coast Waterways to make the whole kitesurfing/sailboarding area a 6 knot zone.
For more info see the link to the application below;
Start crossing your fingers!!!!
drive.google.com/file/d/0B2kiIzPoQEmvc0tjM19WZy1ZMHc/view?usp=sharing
Select to expand quoteLostinSpace said..Philnott said..
Found some info on just how much they are reclaiming. Up to 84m - 240 ft is some areas.
There wont be any water left!!!!
This is LUNACY and ENVIRONMENTAL VANDALISM on a GRAND SCALE! What a scam and total waste of rate and tax payers $$$
Just to cheer you up, I believe the land reclamation was only to get the developed (boat ramp) to undeveloped (parkland) percentage down to enable approval of the project.
In other words, to get approval for the massive 7,290 square meters of bitumen, they had to come up with a lot of "parkland" hence the dredging/reclamation.
If this is the case, they wont be able to add pathways etc without going over the limit.
Unfortunately I haven't got the percentage or the total land area to confirm but I would not be surprised if the whole reclamation was just to fit the boat ramp in!
Select to expand quotePhilnott said..
Have sent application to Gold Coast Waterways to make the whole kitesurfing/sailboarding area a 6 knot zone.
For more info see the link to the application below;
Start crossing your fingers!!!!
drive.google.com/file/d/0B2kiIzPoQEmvc0tjM19WZy1ZMHc/view?usp=sharing
Sorry to go off topic Phil, but I just read the newspaper article included in your proposal regarding Linda's accident, of which I had no prior knowledge.
That's got to be one of the greatest injustices I have ever heard of.......a $500.00 fine???? WTF!!!
Please tell me that Linda was, at the very least, compensated for hospital fees, Doctor's bills, loss of income etc. not to mention the pain she must go through from day to day. Surely that tour operator must have had PL insurance for her to claim against???
Great job by the way, not sure whether the 6knt zone is gonna work though as I got pulled over by Water Police myself one day for kiting too fast near the sand bank in front of the Grand boat ramp 
It has just come to mind that this plan is worse than any Kfcs/Loader's Creek Kiter's thinks or are taking serious enough. You only have to examine the plan and see the Gold Coast Waterways Authority and Gold Coast City Council intend to build the peninsula on the South side of Loader's Creek out in front of the Caravan Park and do mass tree planting. This will further block winds particularly from the SSE and SE coming into the Launch and Land Area at Kfc's and it will cause an effect similar to that of direct South winds where they are wind shadowed there and very fluky. The other huge fact of the matter is they are intending to dredge the channel out in front of Kfc's and turn it into another Main Channel connecting through to past the Grand Hotel and have a full allowable maximum speed limit through there which is 45kts. With the 4 lane super ramp and boating launch facility directly next to the Caravan Park this is going to create a huge amount of boating traffic through the whole area. I hear guys whinge all the time of the amount of boating traffic and the speed a lot of boaters travel past at Shearwater, Runaway Bay well get ready as you have not seen nothing yet if this project goes ahead. In addition to this there will be mass construction going on there inclusive of mass dredging and the most of the area off limits for over a year while construction takes place. I do not know what can be done but I feel we all need to start talking fast, plus band together with our fellow wind buddies, the Windsurfers and see if there is any way this project can be abandoned before Kfc's becomes a terrible and hazardous place to kite and you ability to kite there severely restricted if construction goes ahead. If we are apathetic then only the end result will speak for itself and I am sure you will be annoyed in the future that you were not proactive enough
I am open to any of us to get something or anything if it can be done to try and stop this idiotic, gross waste of rate and tax payers dollars and mass environmental vandalism project stopped. Let's talk at Kfc's or PM me and see what we can come up with.
Unfortunately the jekski company suddenly went bankrupt after the accident. I believe after trying many avenues, Linda did not get any compensation but cannot be sure
The closest analogy would be like having a freeway on your doorstep for those Kiters at KFC.
If you want to put a stop to this you need to call Dawn Crichlow ( local area Councillor) and state your objection in the strongest possible way. Tell her this is the first you've heard of it and ask why there wasn't proper consultation.
Forget petitions. The more individuals calls she gets the better. If you have time ask for a meeting with her to discuss your safety concerns.
We have a small window to act before work starts. For the flatwater guys amongst us remember we have just lost Currumbin so KFC is about to fall as well.
It's gunna be awfully crowded at shearwater!!!
Select to expand quoteMain said..
The closest analogy would be like having a freeway on your doorstep for those Kiters at KFC.
If you want to put a stop to this you need to call Dawn Crichlow ( local area Councillor) and state your objection in the strongest possible way. Tell her this is the first you've heard of it and ask why there wasn't proper consultation.
Forget petitions. The more individuals calls she gets the better. If you have time ask for a meeting with her to discuss your safety concerns.
We have a small window to act before work starts. For the flatwater guys amongst us remember we have just lost Currumbin so KFC is about to fall as well.
It's gunna be awfully crowded at shearwater!!!
Thanks for your input main and your help over this! I have previously sent Dawn the presentation so she is well aware of the issues and tried yesterday to arrange a meeting with the following response;
Good afternoon Phillip I have received your phone message with respect to this issue – at this point Council is about to go into recess and I am afraid I have no time available. Nevertheless I believe Council is endeavouring to do what they can – the water is Queensland Transport. As I said I have spoken with Jeremy and I believe he has the matter in hand Kind regards Dawn.
As you said Main we have a small window and now it has become even smaller with possibly a 6 week break?
What do you suggest now?
I have some ideas but have already spent a LOT of time on this and not able to initiate the following but willing to help.
If anyone else has ideas it would be great to put them foward NOW.
Its all about numbers. While 50-100 users know it is a bad idea the 40,000 registered boat owners may think otherwise.
We will need to do what council has failed to do and that is consult the general public on what they want.
How?
Produce an alternate concept drawing of maybe a Lagoon Pool similar to Brisbane's Southbank area. (I may be able to get this done)
Raise public awareness of our issues (bulletin, radio interview etc) highlighting safety, lack of consultation and better park solution (who will do this?)
Organise an online voting website with an unbiased display of both the council and our concept drawing and collect votes (some of these sites are free but who will do the setup, investigation into suitability? who will pay for this if required to get full features?)
Get this vote to go VIRAL to the right people to counteract the boat owners vote. (every single water user will have to get involved in this, facebook etc)
Pound the pavement! Walk the area every day with both options graphically displayed in a unbiased format in the area where people will be most affected - along the broadwater foreshore area right in the heart of Dawns electorate. Maybe a hard copy voting option (who will pay or make displays and be willing to go on a roster???)
Send updates of the voting on a regular basis to press, councillors etc.
Hope that the vote is in our favour by a long way and still no guarantee of success!
This is my last idea and a difficult one. A lot of people are complaining but who are willing to actually DO something- all the above boxes need to done by someone????
ok guys
Councillor Dawn Crichlow's contact details:
w) 5581 6280
m) 0414 180 677
FORGET about the Cruise Ship Terminal this is REAL, FUNDED and going to happen unless we hassle Dawn into stopping the channel.
If you kite at KFC take 2 minutes to make a call and protect your spot.
If you don't kite at KFC take two minutes to protect it otherwise ALL those guys will soon be rocking up at YOUR spot!!! 
With the Alley now gone the remaining flat water spots are gunna be crowded.
Article in Bulletin today on issues facing kitesurfers and sailboarders around the KFC area. Some points lost in translation but will raise awareness of the issues of safety in the area.
See link below;
www.goldcoastbulletin.com.au/nocookies?a=A.flavipes
Really need to document close calls with boats/jetskis and get some photos otherwise we have no hope in getting some resolution to planned increase in boat traffic!
Over the school holidays during this peak period will be an increased risk so take care!
