Gold Coast Oceanway
Encyclopedia
Oceanway
An oceanway is a form of foreshoreway that provides sustainable public access along an oceanfront area. The terminology was derived to avoid the perception of a pavement favouring either pedestrians or cyclists ....
is a foreshoreway
Foreshoreway
A foreshoreway is a type of greenway that provides a public right of way along the edge of a waterbody.Foreshoreways are usually focused on sustainable behaviours and hence are a common facility for sustainable transport. The terminology was derived to assist to avoid the perception of a pavement...
along beaches in Gold Coast
Gold Coast, Queensland
Gold Coast is a coastal city of Australia located in South East Queensland, 94km south of the state capital Brisbane. With a population approximately 540,000 in 2010, it is the second most populous city in the state, the sixth most populous city in the country, and also the most populous...
, Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
. The Gold Coast Oceanway is a shared use pedestrian
Pedestrian
A pedestrian is a person traveling on foot, whether walking or running. In some communities, those traveling using roller skates or skateboards are also considered to be pedestrians. In modern times, the term mostly refers to someone walking on a road or footpath, but this was not the case...
and cyclist pathway on the Gold Coast, connecting the Point Danger
Point Danger, NSW/Queensland
Point Danger is a headland, located at the southern end of the Gold Coast on the east coast of Australia.Separated by Snapper Rocks and Rainbow Bay to the West, with Duranbah beach and the Tweed River mouth to the south...
lighthouse
Lighthouse
A lighthouse is a tower, building, or other type of structure designed to emit light from a system of lamps and lenses or, in older times, from a fire, and used as an aid to navigation for maritime pilots at sea or on inland waterways....
on the New South Wales
New South Wales
New South Wales is a state of :Australia, located in the east of the country. It is bordered by Queensland, Victoria and South Australia to the north, south and west respectively. To the east, the state is bordered by the Tasman Sea, which forms part of the Pacific Ocean. New South Wales...
and Queensland border to the Gold Coast Seaway
Gold Coast Seaway
The Gold Coast Seaway or Southport Seaway is the main navigation entrance from the Pacific Ocean into the Gold Coast Broadwater and southern Moreton Bay and is one of Australia’s most significant coastal engineering projects...
. The network includes 36 km of poor, medium and high quality pathways.
Seachange growth
Many new people are moving to coastal areas seeking seachange lifestyles. Tourist numbers for major coastal areas are also growing, increasing the need for sustainable coastal tourism. Seachange growth poses challenges for coastal managementCoastal management
In some jurisdictions the terms sea defense and coastal protection are used to mean, respectively, defense against flooding and erosion...
. Oceanway
Oceanway
An oceanway is a form of foreshoreway that provides sustainable public access along an oceanfront area. The terminology was derived to avoid the perception of a pavement favouring either pedestrians or cyclists ....
investment is an example of a sustainable transport
Sustainable transport
Sustainable transport refers to any means of transport with low impact on the environment, and includes walking and cycling, transit oriented development, green vehicles, CarSharing, and building or protecting urban transport systems that are fuel-efficient, space-saving and promote healthy...
program that aims to increase the modal share
Modal share
Modal share, Mode split or Modal split, is a traffic / transport term that describes the number of trips or percentage of travelers using a particular type of transportation....
of non private vehicle movements along an oceanway. A key goal of the Gold Coast Shoreline Management Plan
Gold Coast Shoreline Management Plan
The Gold Coast Shoreline Management Plan is an ICZM plan to manage the coastal resources of Gold Coast City. The EPA encourages the City Council's to produce shoreline management plans for coastlines and tidal waterways within the local authority area....
is to reduce the average coastal footprint
Ecological footprint
The ecological footprint is a measure of human demand on the Earth's ecosystems. It is a standardized measure of demand for natural capital that may be contrasted with the planet's ecological capacity to regenerate. It represents the amount of biologically productive land and sea area necessary to...
for visitors to the coast so that beach experiences remain an active and healthy
Obesity
Obesity is a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems...
part of the average person's lifestyle as coastal communities grow
Growth management
Growth management is a set of techniques used by government to ensure that as the population grows that there are services available to meet their demands. These are not necessarily only government services...
.
Social issues
Social issues associated with oceanway investment include equityJustice
Justice is a concept of moral rightness based on ethics, rationality, law, natural law, religion, or equity, along with the punishment of the breach of said ethics; justice is the act of being just and/or fair.-Concept of justice:...
, disability
Disability
A disability may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental or some combination of these.Many people would rather be referred to as a person with a disability instead of handicapped...
and CPTED. As city's grow
Growth management
Growth management is a set of techniques used by government to ensure that as the population grows that there are services available to meet their demands. These are not necessarily only government services...
, the value of coastal property increases and fewer people can afford to live near the beach
Beach
A beach is a geological landform along the shoreline of an ocean, sea, lake or river. It usually consists of loose particles which are often composed of rock, such as sand, gravel, shingle, pebbles or cobblestones...
. As cities grow even larger the carparks along the beach start to overflow and roads leading to coastal areas become increasingly congested
Traffic congestion
Traffic congestion is a condition on road networks that occurs as use increases, and is characterized by slower speeds, longer trip times, and increased vehicular queueing. The most common example is the physical use of roads by vehicles. When traffic demand is great enough that the interaction...
.
One growth model is just to keep expanding the size of carparks whenever they get full, leading to concern about 'paving paradise' as expressed in the song "Big Yellow Taxi
Big Yellow Taxi
"Big Yellow Taxi" is a song written and originally performed by Joni Mitchell in 1970. It was a big hit in her native Canada as well as Australia and the UK...
".
Another growth model is that beach experiences become increasingly enjoyed by only richer people as the average person cannot afford to overcome the congestion
Traffic congestion
Traffic congestion is a condition on road networks that occurs as use increases, and is characterized by slower speeds, longer trip times, and increased vehicular queueing. The most common example is the physical use of roads by vehicles. When traffic demand is great enough that the interaction...
and property value barriers of visiting the beaches as a regular part of their lifestyle. Often local resident groups oppose investment that attracts additional people to visit 'their' beach (known as fortress coast attitudes). Due to local opposition, its often necessary for a brave politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
to champion
Champion
A champion is the victor in a challenge, contest or competition.There can be a territorial pyramid of championships, e.g. local, regional / provincial, state, national, continental and world championships, and even further divisions at one or more of these levels, as in soccer. Their champions...
the cause before a commitment is made to invest into higher capacity foreshore areas. An example is Jim Soorley
Jim Soorley
James Gerard Soorley is a former Australian politician. He served as Australian Labor Party Lord Mayor of Brisbane from 1991 to 2003. Soorley is a former Roman Catholic Priest and continues to be a strong human rights advocate...
who championed the cause of the Riverwalk for Brisbane.
Foreshoreway standards
The Gold Coast City Council has developed standards for major foreshoreways including the 'Gold Coast Oceanway'. The standards include chapters about the following;- landscapingLandscapingLandscaping refers to any activity that modifies the visible features of an area of land, including:# living elements, such as flora or fauna; or what is commonly referred to as gardening, the art and craft of growing plants with a goal of creating a beautiful environment within the landscape.#...
- connectivity
- visual analysis
- safety risk assessment and CPTED
- width
- geometry
- construction materials
- finishes and colour
- path jointing detailing
- line marking
- intersections and crossing treatments
- lighting
- signage
- furniture
- public art
- vegetation
- equitable accessDisabilityA disability may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental or some combination of these.Many people would rather be referred to as a person with a disability instead of handicapped...
Sections
The 'Gold Coast Oceanway' includes a number of different sections including- Federation WalkFederation WalkFederation Walk is a 3.5 km pedestrian walkway on the Queensland Gold Coast. It is operated as a community project that was launched through efforts of the Main Beach Progress Association and the Friends of Federation Walk to celebrate the Centenary of the Federation of Australia in 2001...
36 km-32 km - The SpitSouthport Spit, QueenslandThe Southport Spit lies opposite Southport to the north of Main Beach, Gold Coast. It is a permanent sand spit that separates the Southport Broadwater from the Pacific Ocean....
Oceanway 32 km-31 km - Main BeachMain Beach, QueenslandMain Beach is a suburb on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 Census, Main Beach had a population of 3,324....
Oceanway 31 km-30 km - Surfers Paradise Oceanway 30 km-26 km
- BroadbeachBroadbeach, QueenslandBroadbeach is a suburb on the Gold Coast, in Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 Census, Broadbeach had a population of 3,791.Development in the area today mostly incorporates low rise structures, consisting of single bedroom houses and apartment blocks...
Oceanway 26 km-24 km - Mermaid BeachMermaid Beach, QueenslandMermaid Beach is a suburb on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 Census, Mermaid Beach had a population of 5,751.The suburb is bounded to the west by the artificial canals of adjacent Mermaid Waters and to the east by the Pacific Ocean. To the north is the suburb of Broadbeach, to...
Oceanway 24 km-20 km - BurleighBurleigh Heads, QueenslandBurleigh Heads is a suburb on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 Census, Burleigh Heads had a population of 7,606.Burleigh Heads is renowned for its surf break, and is an alternative to the more tourist ridden towns of the Gold Coast...
Oceanway 20 km-16 km - Palm BeachPalm Beach, QueenslandPalm Beach is a suburb on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, between Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Creek. At the 2006 Census, Palm Beach had a population of 13,494....
Oceanway 16 km-11 km - Currumbin Oceanway 11 km-8 km
- Bilinga and Tugun Oceanways 8 km-4 km
- Southern Points Oceanway (KirraKirra, QueenslandKirra is a beachside suburb of the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia. The small rocky headland Kirra Point separates Kirra beach to the north and Coolangatta beach to the south, and is noted as one of the world's premier surf breaks....
, CoolangattaCoolangatta, QueenslandCoolangatta is the southernmost suburb of the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It has a population of 4,869 and is named after the schooner Coolangatta which was wrecked there in 1846....
, Rainbow Bay, Point DangerPoint Danger, NSW/QueenslandPoint Danger is a headland, located at the southern end of the Gold Coast on the east coast of Australia.Separated by Snapper Rocks and Rainbow Bay to the West, with Duranbah beach and the Tweed River mouth to the south...
). 4 km-0 km
Travel times and distances for walking
Walking
Walking is one of the main gaits of locomotion among legged animals, and is typically slower than running and other gaits. Walking is defined by an 'inverted pendulum' gait in which the body vaults over the stiff limb or limbs with each step...
journeys along the Gold Coast Oceanway have been calculated.
There are viewing platforms at popular outlooks all along the Oceanway that are accessible for people with a disability
Disability
A disability may be physical, cognitive, mental, sensory, emotional, developmental or some combination of these.Many people would rather be referred to as a person with a disability instead of handicapped...
and the entire route is serviced by Surfside Buses.
Logo
- Blue ocean waves
- Golden sand along the beaches
- Green duneDuneIn physical geography, a dune is a hill of sand built by wind. Dunes occur in different forms and sizes, formed by interaction with the wind. Most kinds of dunes are longer on the windward side where the sand is pushed up the dune and have a shorter "slip face" in the lee of the wind...
s along the coast - Cyclist (viewed from above)
- The Gold Coast Oceanway laid out as a journey alongside the dune area
- Two pedestrians of different ages (viewed from above)
- Family group moving together
- The Oceanway website for more information
Community bike hire scheme
On Saturday 23 January 2009, Gold Coast City Council advertised for the supply of community bike hire services along the Gold Coast Oceanway between the BroadbeachBroadbeach, Queensland
Broadbeach is a suburb on the Gold Coast, in Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 Census, Broadbeach had a population of 3,791.Development in the area today mostly incorporates low rise structures, consisting of single bedroom houses and apartment blocks...
and Rainbow Bay
Coolangatta, Queensland
Coolangatta is the southernmost suburb of the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It has a population of 4,869 and is named after the schooner Coolangatta which was wrecked there in 1846....
SLSCs. Although a few submissions were received, Council did not award a contract. Reasons included significant gaps in the Oceanway network (Surfers South) and a desire to evaluate the success of the citycycle scheme in brisbane.
Investment program
The Gold Coast City Council has a program to invest into the quality and capacity of the Gold Coast Oceanway. It is already possible to enjoy walking and cycling along the full 36 km Gold Coast Oceanway corridor from Point DangerPoint Danger, NSW/Queensland
Point Danger is a headland, located at the southern end of the Gold Coast on the east coast of Australia.Separated by Snapper Rocks and Rainbow Bay to the West, with Duranbah beach and the Tweed River mouth to the south...
to the Gold Coast Seaway
Gold Coast Seaway
The Gold Coast Seaway or Southport Seaway is the main navigation entrance from the Pacific Ocean into the Gold Coast Broadwater and southern Moreton Bay and is one of Australia’s most significant coastal engineering projects...
but many sections are narrow and of low quality.
Palm Beach Parklands Oceanway
In March 2008 works commenced on the Palm BeachPalm Beach, Queensland
Palm Beach is a suburb on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, between Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Creek. At the 2006 Census, Palm Beach had a population of 13,494....
Parklands including a new upgraded section of Oceanway between Lacey's Lane and Tarrabora Reserve.
Mirage to Seaworld Oceanway
In July 2008 a new section of Oceanway pavement was completed between the Sheraton Mirage Hotel and SeaworldSea World
Sea World is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, and theme park located on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It includes rides, animal exhibits and other attractions, and promotes conservation through education and through the rescue and rehabilitation of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. The...
on The Spit
Southport Spit, Queensland
The Southport Spit lies opposite Southport to the north of Main Beach, Gold Coast. It is a permanent sand spit that separates the Southport Broadwater from the Pacific Ocean....
.
Broadbeach North Oceanway
In June 2008 works will commence to improve the section of Oceanway between Queensland Avenue and First Avenue BroadbeachBroadbeach, Queensland
Broadbeach is a suburb on the Gold Coast, in Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 Census, Broadbeach had a population of 3,791.Development in the area today mostly incorporates low rise structures, consisting of single bedroom houses and apartment blocks...
.
Southern Points Oceanway
In September 2008 works will commence on improving the Southern Points Oceanway between Greenmount and BilingaBilinga, Queensland
Bilinga is a southern suburb of the Gold Coast located on the Nerang-Tweed Railway line. At the 2006 Census, Bilinga had a population of 1,436.-Etymology:The word "Bilinga" is derived from the word "Bilinba", or bats...
. In 2009 the Oceanway was completed between Kirra Point and North Kirra and in 2010 the Oceanway was extended up to Bilinga SLSC.
Realignment proposals
There are many places where a realignment of the Oceanway traffic routes from the landward side of beachfront buildings to the beachfront itself would allow a superior pavement to be constructed. Beachfront residents are concerned that opening up the public land between their houses and the beach will detract from enjoyment of their property, citing in particular CPTED and coastal erosionCoastal erosion
Coastal erosion is the wearing away of land and the removal of beach or dune sediments by wave action, tidal currents, wave currents, or drainage...
concerns.
Surfers South Oceanway
The OceanwayOceanway
An oceanway is a form of foreshoreway that provides sustainable public access along an oceanfront area. The terminology was derived to avoid the perception of a pavement favouring either pedestrians or cyclists ....
south of Cavil Mall
Cavill Avenue
Cavill Avenue is a street in Surfers Paradise, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. It is in the heart of the Surfers Paradise shopping and entertainment district. Between the Surfers Paradise Beach and Orchid Avenue it is a pedestrian mall. It was named in honour of the founder of Surfers Paradise,...
, Surfers Paradise currently travels along the narrow footpath of Garfield and Northcliffe Terraces. Gold Coast City Council has proposed to realign the Oceanway in this section to the beachfront public road reserve. Council undertook a formal period of public consultation about the Surfers South Oceanway in 2002. Council has not formally consulted with the community since 2002. In 2002 Douglas 69% of residents submissions opposed the realignment of the Surfers South Oceanway to the beachfront public road reserve
Right-of-way
Right-of-way or right of way may refer to:*Right of way , legally granted access*Right-of-way , a strip of land granted for a transportation facility...
however Council resolved to proceed with construction. Some stakeholders are lobbying for construction be put on hold to allow further reporting and consultation be undertaken. Gold Coast City Council has announced that construction of the Surfers South Oceanway will commence by April 2012. Graham Staerk a former Journalist/Lobbyist with the The Gold Coast Bulletin
The Gold Coast Bulletin
The Gold Coast Bulletin is a daily newspaper serving Australia's Gold Coast region.It is published as The Gold Coast Bulletin on weekdays and the Weekend Bulletin at weekends....
started the Pro Oceanway push and this has prompted community comments both in support and opposition to construction. Beachfront residents have dubbed the Surfers South Oceanway the "crimeway". The State Government has offered up to $2M for construction of the Surfers South Oceanway provided state funding is matched by funding from another source. A developer of the 3 tower beachfront site "Jewel" at Wharf Road has indicated a willingness to contribute funding to bring forward construction of the Surfers South Oceanway. Gold Coast City Council has allocated $650,000 for construction of the Surfers South Oceanway in its 2011-12 public works program and a further $1.2M for construction over the next few years. There is concern that Council funding for the Surfers South Oceanway project may be absorbed into the buyback of Allconnex
Gold Coast Water
Allconnex Water is the water and wastewater business for the Gold Coast, Logan and Redland districts. It was established on 1 July 2010 under the Queensland State Government’s South East Queensland Water Reform...
.
TD23A Palm Beach Oceanway
Gold Coast City Council is considering proposals to invest into the quality and capacity of the Gold Coast Oceanway at northern Palm BeachPalm Beach, Queensland
Palm Beach is a suburb on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, between Tallebudgera Creek and Currumbin Creek. At the 2006 Census, Palm Beach had a population of 13,494....
. A controversial area is the TD23A Oceanway between Tallebudgera Drive and 23rd Avenue. The current route for pedestrians is along the busy Gold Coast highway. A new pavement is proposed for the dune front area. Residents who currently enjoy beach front property are concerned about CPTED. In 2009, Council resolved to put construction of this section of the Oceanway on hold due to the opposition of beachfront property owners.
FERO Flat Rock to Elephant Rock Oceanway
Opening up public access along the beachfront between Flat Rock and Elephant Rock CurrumbinCurrumbin, Queensland
Currumbin is a suburb in the Gold Coast region of Queensland, Australia. At the 2006 Census, Currumbin had a population of 2,647.-History:Many of the houses at Currumbin date from the period of its earliest subdivision and the area contains a substantial grouping of fibro beach houses...
has been debated in the community for over a decade. There has been petitions both in support and opposition to opening the public road reserve along the beach so the public can walk along the dunes. The Friends of Currumbin have been quoted in the Sun Newspaper as in support of the public's right of access to the road reserve. Local beachfront property owners are lobbying politicians to ensure the road reserve remains for their exclusive beachfront enjoyment. Opponents to public access along FERO have submitted a formal legal injunction that questions the right of local government to allow people to walk along a public road reserve. In 2010 the FERO section of Oceanway was completed as a turf walkway. Residents along Pacific Parade lodged an appeal with the Planning Court and a Trial was set for the 14th November 2011 , GCCC adjourned the case until March 2012 (after the elections)rather than contend with issues raised and allowed by the Judge regarding the Safety and Non Alignment of the Seawalls that the turfed path has been constructed over.
T2B Oceanway
In 2011, state governmentGovernment of Queensland
The Government of Queensland is commonly known as the "Queensland Government".The form of the Government of Queensland is prescribed in its Constitution, which dates from 1859, although it has been amended many times since then...
has allocated funding to Gold Coast City Council for construction of an Oceanway along the beachfront dunes between Tugun and Bilinga
Bilinga, Queensland
Bilinga is a southern suburb of the Gold Coast located on the Nerang-Tweed Railway line. At the 2006 Census, Bilinga had a population of 1,436.-Etymology:The word "Bilinga" is derived from the word "Bilinba", or bats...
. There is considerable opposition to the construction of this pavement from beachfront residents. Alternate options include improving the quality of the bikeway along Golden Four Drive (G4D Option) or constructing a turf walkway along the beachfront (Like FERO). Lawyers have suggested that for equity
Equity
Equity is the name given to the set of legal principles, in jurisdictions following the English common law tradition, that supplement strict rules of law where their application would operate harshly...
reasons, construction of a turf walkway is not desirable, as people with a disability may have difficulty moving along turf.
Awards
The Gold Coast Oceanway has received a number of awards including- 1998 Award of excellence in Environmental Planning.
- 2001 Community Safety award
- 2003 Healthy Heart award for active lifestyles
- 2004 Queensland award for the Clean Beach Challenge
- 2005 Queensland award for services to the disabled community
- 2007 Gold Coast Urban Design Awards - Helen Josephson award for innovation in Urban Design
- 2008 Featured on Getaway