Four new members have been appointed to the board of the Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) as it takes on new responsibilities including implementation of the Spit Master Plan.
Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the appointments would fill vacancies left by two members and new board positions created by amendments to the Gold Coast Waterways Authority Act 2012 earlier this year.
"The Palaszczuk Government is investing more than $35 million in the Gold Coast's waterways over the next four years, creating more than 100 jobs," Mr Bailey said.
"In among that investment, $5.5 million to dredge the Gold Coast Seaway, and the north and south navigation channels to unlock better access to Australia's $74 billion maritime industry.
The appointments come as the Authority adds new responsibilities to its traditional activities managing the waterways of the Gold Coast.
"The delivery of community infrastructure and public realm works to implement the Spit Master Plan is an important part of GCWA's responsibilities.
Mr Bailey said Dr Aysin Dedekorkut-Howes, Dr Mark Turner, Mr Andrew Fielding and Mr Gregory Vann were appointed for three-year terms.
"The new members will bring to the boardroom table a strong mix of experience to successfully guide the Authority in its new Spit Master Plan responsibilities while continuing to deliver for users of the Gold Coast's iconic waterways.
"Dr Dedekorkut-Howes is Senior Lecturer, Urban and Environmental Planning at the Griffith School of Environmental Science at Griffith University on the Gold Coast, with particular expertise in urban and environmental planning.
"Dr Gibbs is a specialist in coastal engineering and management and is the Director, Knowledge to Innovation at QUT. He is an accomplished ocean yacht racing sailor and is a part time yatching instructor.
"Mr Fielding was born and raised on the Gold Coast, and is a yacht broker who has been employed in the marine industry for 30 years, with experience in maritime retail, wholesale and boat building.
"He chairs the Boating Industry Association Queensland and has served on the government's War on Wrecks Taskforce, bringing an extensive background in boating on the Gold Coast to boardroom discussions.
"Mr Vann grew up boating on the Broadwater and is a former state president of the Planning Institute of Australia and former chair of Queensland's Transit Oriented Development Taskforce.
"His expertise is in planning and economics, which will prove invaluable to the board in managing its Spit Master Plan responsibilities.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate is also a statutory member of the board by provision under the Gold Coast Waterways legislation.
"Over the last six-plus months, global economies have felt the brunt of COVID-19, but thanks to Queenslanders stepping up, we've been able to manage those health impacts and get on with creating jobs and investing in local waterways."
