Our Story

Supporting Bribie Gardens Residents Since 1984

The Bribie Gardens Waterways Association has been the voice of canal residents since 1984, working tirelessly to support and enhance life along our beautiful waterways.

We engage with Moreton Bay City Council on infrastructure, maintenance and policy matters that affect our canal — ensuring residents have a strong, unified voice at the table.

Regular meetings are held including the AGM. All members are welcome to attend, vote, and contribute to the future of Bribie Gardens Waterways.

What We Do

The lock gate connects the Bribie Gardens canal system to Pumicestone Passage, allowing vessels to pass between the tidal passage and the calmer canal waters.

Water levels inside the canal and in Pumicestone Passage are rarely the same — the lock equalises them before opening so vessels can pass safely. The process takes approximately 90 seconds.

Approach & Activate

Approach the lock and swipe your card or use your remote fob to activate the system.

Signal & Wait

Amber light confirms card read. Wait for the green light before entering the lock chamber.

Inside the Lock

Gate closes behind you. Water rises or falls to match the tide level on the other side.

Exit Safely

Forward gate opens when levels equalise. Proceed slowly into the Pumicestone Passage or canal.

Lock swipe cards and remote fobs allow you to activate the canal lock gate. They are managed by Moreton Bay City Council and are available to canal residents and boat owners.

To obtain or replace a card or fob, visit the Council customer service centre in person with proof of address or vessel registration.

"No matter how long or short your voyage, please log on with MRB to help ensure YOUR safety on the water."

When logging on, have ready:

• Your call sign, member number or vessel name/rego
• Your departure point and destination
• Number of people on board
• Your estimated time of return
• Contact phone number (non-members)

How to contact MRB:

• 📻 VHF Channel 73
• 📻 27MHz Channel 90
• 📞 Radio Room: (07) 3408 7596
• 🆘 Emergency: 131 677 (131 MRQ)

In an emergency at sea

Call 000 immediately — or 131 677 for Marine Rescue Queensland. Always keep your radio on and monitor VHF channels 16, 21, 63, 67 and 81.

Snap Send Solve

The easiest way to report local issues directly to Moreton Bay City Council — potholes, damaged infrastructure, graffiti, illegal dumping, overgrown vegetation, canal wall damage and more.

Simply take a photo, add a description, and the app automatically sends it to the right council department with your GPS location. You get a reference number and can track the status of your report.

Moreton Bay City Council manages all public waterway infrastructure in Bribie Gardens — including the lock gate, revetment walls, dredging, and canal maintenance.

For non-urgent waterway matters, lock issues, pontoon lease enquiries or to report infrastructure concerns, contact Council directly. For urgent safety issues always call 000.

Council manages:

• Lock gate operation & maintenance
• Canal revetment walls & drainage
• Dredging & waterway depth
• Bridge maintenance & height clearances
• Lock swipe cards & remote fobs
• Pontoon lease agreements
• Lock gate closure notifications

Canal Rule

6 Knots Maximum

All vessels must travel at a speed that produces reduced wash — typically 6 knots or less.

Excessive wash erodes canal banks, damages pontoons and harms our canal ecosystem.

Reduced Wash Zone

Respect Our Canal

Different vessel types create different wash — always check behind you.

Please inform guests before they enter the canal.

Our Canal is Tidal

The Bribie Gardens canal is tidal — water levels and flow direction change with the tidal cycles, impacting the canal environment and navigation.

Importance of Markers: Always observe canal markers for safe boating and travel, as they indicate hazards and directions.

Check Tides: Always verify tidal information before boating, since tides can quickly alter currents and water depth.

Artists Impression

We are on the market!

Official Opening 3rd April 1985 Cr Alex Barr

Channel 7 covers the opening

Ariel photo from the Channel 7 Chopper

Channel 7 Broadcast — The first vessel through the lock

Land sales office and Display home open

The first Pontoon at the Display Home

Lock gate under construction

The original lock operational control box

Community Voice

Your views represented at Council. Have a say in decisions that affect your canal and property.

Stay Informed

Receive updates on canal conditions, lock maintenance, Council decisions and community news.

Voting Rights

Vote at the AGM and general meetings. Help shape the direction of our association.

Safety Resources

Access guides, lock operation info and safety resources to help you navigate our waterways.

Community Events

Be part of community events, meetings and activities that bring our canal residents together.

Just $10 / Year

Less than a coffee. One of the best-value memberships on Bribie Island.