FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are included in full conference and Thursday day registration. Please select with your registration which field trip option you would like to attend on Thursday 5th June. Afternoon tea is included and please note that numbers are limited per tour
FT 1: Boat Tour of the Gold Coast’s Broadwater
The Broadwater is an international gateway of the Gold Coast. Extending from the Southport Broadwater Parklands, marinas, tourist and resort establishments in the south; to the Seaway and Wave Break Island in the centre; and the lifestyle and island communities to the north,. Much of the northern Broadwater is located within the Moreton Bay Marine Park and is framed by South Stradbroke Island and its conservation areas.
This Gold Coast has seen major investment over decades to understand and stabilise this coastal estuary system, create community spaces and waterway access points, as well as clear management focus through the creation of the Gold Coast Waterways Authority. The Gold Coast Waterways Authority is responsible for Gold Coast waterways, its navigation channel network, the Seaway, Wave Break Island, Doug Jennings Park and the Marine Stadium.
This boat tour will show delegates the changing face of the Gold Coast’s Broadwater, including the significant new investments underway under The Spit Master Plan, and discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead to balance the growing needs of our community and visitors with the environmental and amenity values that make this place so well loved today.
Soft-Soled shoes, hat and sunglasses are recommended.
FT 2: Gold Coast Coastal Protection Structures and Management
Get ready for an exclusive behind-the-scenes adventure into the Gold Coast’s world-class coastal management! Led by a senior coastal engineer, this tour takes you to some of the region’s most innovative protection structures, including the impressive Palm Beach Artificial Reef and the high-tech Sand Bypass System. Ever wondered what it takes to keep these beaches pristine and world-famous? Now’s your chance to dive into the cutting-edge solutions that protect and preserve this stunning coastline. Don’t miss this opportunity to see coastal engineering in action!
FT 3: Gold Coast Spit Masterplan Delivery and Sand Management System
The Spit, at the northern end of the Gold Coast, is vital for coastal management and marine infrastructure. Originally a natural sand spit, it has been modified to stabilize the Gold Coast Seaway, ensure navigational access, and manage sediment.
The Seaway, opened in 1986, to stablise the Nerang River mouth, which frequently shifted due to wave action and tidal flows. The Spit and Gold Coast Seaway demonstrate the balance between natural processes and engineering in managing coastal environments, addressing ecological, recreational, and commercial needs. Sand Bypass System was completed in 1986 and is the first of its kind, pumping 500,000 cubic meters of sand northward annually to keep the Seaway entrance clear.
The management of the Spit has been laid out in the Spit Masterplan which is being implemented by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority. The tour will showcase the implementation of the Masterplan and works undertaken to date.