Bribie Island, Queensland · Since 1984

Bribie Gardens Waterways

A volunteer-run association protecting our canals, connecting our community, and ensuring every resident has a voice.

1984
Established
$10
Annual membership
6 kn
Speed limit · No wash
6
Volunteer committee

Who we are

A community united by water

The Bribie Gardens Waterways Association (BGWA) represents canal-front residents across Bribie Gardens. We meet, advocate, and act — keeping our beautiful waterways safe, clean, and accessible for everyone.

From engaging with Moreton Bay City Council on infrastructure matters, to running our beloved Social Club events and annual Christmas Lolly Drop — BGWA is the heartbeat of life along the canal.

Council Advocacy

We engage directly with Moreton Bay City Council to represent resident concerns on waterway infrastructure, lock operations, and canal maintenance.

Waterway Stewardship

Protecting clean, safe canals for residents, wildlife, and future generations — including revetment walls, dredging, and environmental monitoring.

Community & Social Club

Regular events, the Harmony raft-up, BBQs, and the famous Christmas Lolly Drop keep our community connected and thriving.

Bribie Gardens Canal
Our Canal Network

Bribie Gardens Canal connects to Pumicestone Passage, with tidal water levels and a managed lock gate system.

📢 For daily updates, alerts and community chat — join our Facebook Group →

Join our Facebook Community Group for daily updates & announcements
Volunteer-run since 1984

About BGWA &
Our Committee

A dedicated group of volunteers who give their time to protect our waterways, advocate with Council, and build community connections across Bribie Gardens.

Our Purpose

Mission & Values

Community Connection

Foster strong community connection by caring for the waterways and the surrounding environment. We believe that neighbours who know each other protect each other.

Environmental Stewardship

Promote safety and lead environmental stewardship across Bribie Gardens Waterways — from water quality to marine biodiversity and canal bank protection.

Representation

Ensure community interests and concerns are heard by local authorities and stakeholders — particularly Moreton Bay City Council and Maritime Safety Queensland.

What BGWA covers

✓ Waterway rules: speed limits, wash awareness, tidal safety
✓ Step-by-step lock instructions + remote access guidance
✓ Pontoon lease & insurance requirements
✓ Canal infrastructure responsibilities (revetment walls, LTMP)
✓ Marine Rescue information & emergency contacts
✓ Social Club activities & community events
✓ Guidance for holiday home owners
✓ How to report issues using Snap Send Solve

Volunteer Committee 2024

Your BGWA Committee

Six dedicated volunteers who give their time to make Bribie Gardens a better place to live on the water.

Roy Bower

Roy Bower

President
Bob Skinner

Bob Skinner

Vice President
Beth Lagos

Beth Lagos

Secretary
Peter Schelling

Peter Schelling

Treasurer
Noel Wendt

Noel Wendt

Committee Member
Tom O'Dea

Tom O'Dea

Committee Member

All committee members are volunteers. Three general meetings are held each year including the AGM. All members are welcome to attend, vote, and contribute. Contact us at info@bribiegardenwa.com

Local Government

Our Local Councillor

Brooke Savige
Councillor, Division 1
City of Moreton Bay

Cr Brooke Savige has represented Bribie Island and the surrounding coastal communities in Division 1 since first being elected in 2016. She has built a strong reputation for being accessible, responsive, and deeply committed to the people she serves.

Brooke maintains regular contact with Bribie Gardens Waterways residents, attends our meetings, and consistently follows up on enquiries. Her willingness to listen and work directly with Council officers ensures our concerns are heard and acted on.

With more than a decade of local government experience, Brooke brings practical knowledge to issues affecting our canal system, waterways infrastructure, and local amenity.

Join our Facebook Community Group for daily updates & announcements

Essential information

Waterways Guide

Everything you need to know about living on or visiting the Bribie Gardens canal — from speed limits to lock operation, pontoons to marine safety.

Speed & Wash

6
Knots
No Wash

6 Knots Maximum — No Wash Zone

All vessels operating within the Bribie Gardens canal network must travel at a speed that produces no wash — typically 6 knots or less. Excessive wash erodes canal banks, damages pontoons and revetment walls, and harms our canal ecosystem. Different vessel types may create different wash profiles — always check behind you.

These rules are enforced by Maritime Safety Queensland. Please inform guests and visitors before they enter the canal system. Respect your neighbours. Protect our canal.

Canal Conditions

Our Canal is Tidal

🌊 Tidal Safety

Water levels rise and fall throughout the day. Be aware of:

  • Bridge height markers — clearance 2.6m MHWS
  • Water depth markers — especially at low tide
  • Tidal variations — plan journeys accordingly
  • Canal markers — always observe for safe navigation
Always check Bureau of Meteorology tide charts before departing.

🚤 Bribie Gardens Boat Ramp

Public access: Corner Allamanda Drive / Phoenix Avenue

  • Launch or retrieve vessels without using the lock
  • Ideal for trailerable boats — no lock card required
  • Used by local residents and visiting vessels
No dedicated parking. Please use considerately to ensure smooth access for all.

Lock Operation

How to Use the Lock: Step-by-Step

The Bribie Gardens lock connects the canal to Pumicestone Passage. Follow these steps every time.

Bribie Gardens Lock Gate

Bribie Gardens Lock Gate — Pumicestone Passage

01

Approach

Slowly approach ensuring alignment. At 20–30m, activate swipe card or remote fob.

02

Signal & Wait

Amber = card read. Wait for green light. One vessel at a time. ~2 min timeout.

03

Lock Process

Enter. Swipe centre reader. Gate closes. Lock fills or empties (~90 sec).

04

Exit

Gate opens fully. Proceed safely. Malfunctions: (07) 3205 0555

Family boat entering Bribie Gardens Lock

"Inside the Bribie Gardens Lock — a family vessel entering from Pumicestone Passage"

Pontoon Owners

Pontoon Lease & Insurance

For properties with a private pontoon only.

Renewing Your 30-Year Lease

Lease renewals are managed directly by Moreton Bay City Council (MBCC). The renewal fee is approximately $1,300 (Council-set, subject to change).

Request renewal paperwork through the MBCC website. When you receive documents, check all details carefully.

MBCC Website →

Insurance Requirements

Pontoon owners must hold Public Liability insurance that specifically covers the leased water area, including the Lot and Plan number of the lease.

Council provides a fact sheet: Trustee Leases over Bribie Island Gardens Estate Bongaree Bribie Island.

Download Fact Sheet →

Water Safety

Marine Rescue Bribie Island

Log on before every trip — no matter how short. It could save your life.

Logging on is available to all mariners whether you are a member or not. It provides reassurance knowing MRB is aware of your destination, vessel particulars and estimated time of return. Should you be overdue and they are unable to contact you, rescue services will be activated automatically.

000

Emergencies

131 677

131 MRQ — On-water emergencies

Radio Channels

VHF: 16, 21, 63, 67, 73, 81

27MHz: 86, 88, 90

Primary working: VHF 73

Direct Contact

Radio Room: (07) 3408 7596

Emergency: 131 MRQ (131 677)

Police non-urgent: 13 14 44

📋 When logging on, provide:

Call sign / vessel name & rego

Departure point & destination

Number of people on board

Estimated time of return

For Holiday Home Owners

Renting via Airbnb, Stayz or Booking.com?

If you rent your canal property, please ensure your guests receive the Bribie Waterways Information Booklet. It contains vital lock instructions, boating rules, and community guidelines that all visitors must know.

Please also remind guests: sound travels across water, and spotlights should not shine into neighbouring properties.

Canal Etiquette for Guests

🚤6 knots max, no wash at all times within the canal
🔒Lock access requires a swipe card — available from the property owner
🔊Sound carries across water — be mindful of noise especially after dark
🔦Spotlights must not shine into neighbouring properties
♻️Never dump rubbish, garden waste, or materials into the canal
Join our Facebook Community Group for daily updates & announcements

Become a member

Join BGWA

Your membership directly funds waterway advocacy, community meetings, and Council engagement. At just $10 per year, it's the best investment in your canal community.

Annual Subscription

Bribie Gardens Waterways
Association Membership

$10
.00
Per year · All committee are volunteers
Your annual fee or any donation enables us to represent your interests in dealings with Moreton Bay Regional Council.
Timely updates on key waterways issues
A meaningful voice in community decisions
Invitations to meetings & events including the AGM
Access to BGWA Facebook community group
Connect with neighbours through Social Club events
Support our Council advocacy & waterway protection

Stay Informed & Engaged

Members receive timely updates on key waterways issues, keeping them informed and actively engaged in matters that affect their home and lifestyle.

Influence Community Decisions

Membership provides a meaningful voice, allowing residents to influence community decisions and participate in key initiatives through the AGM and general meetings.

Connect Through Events

Members enjoy the Harmony Raft-Up, BBQs, fishing excursions, and the beloved annual Christmas Lolly Drop — fostering real friendships along the canal.

Council Representation

We rely on your membership fee to represent your interests in dealings with Moreton Bay City Council on infrastructure, lock maintenance, and dredging.

Three meetings per year All members are welcome to attend general meetings and the AGM. Your voice matters — attend, vote, and help shape the future of Bribie Gardens Waterways.

Complete your membership

Membership Registration

🌊 Annual Membership — $10.00 / year
1. Your Details
2. Payment

💳 Payment Options

Option 1 — Bank Transfer (preferred):
BSB: 064 448  |  Account: 1031 7488
Account Name: CBA BRIBIE (Bribie Gardens Waterways Association)
Please use your full name as the payment reference.

Option 2 — Membership Form by Email:
Send your details to info@bribiegardenwa.com and the committee will follow up.

Or pay by card

🔒 SSL encrypted  |  Visa · Mastercard · Amex
✓

Welcome to BGWA!

Your membership is confirmed. You'll receive a welcome email shortly. We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting along the canal.

Join our Facebook Community Group for daily updates & announcements

Our Community Supporters

Sponsors & Partners

BGWA is grateful to the local businesses who support our community waterway initiatives and make this guide possible.

🥇

Gold Sponsor

Key Community Partner
Bribie Pontoons
Gold Sponsor — Key Community Partner

Bribie Pontoons

Delivering Quality Pontoon Systems for Over 30 Years

Bribie Pontoons has been designing, fabricating and installing top-quality pontoon and berthing systems across southeast Queensland since 1993. They generously supported the production of this Residents Guide.

Services include pontoon systems, jetties, over-water decks, rollers, ski docks, maintenance & repairs, and canal wall, drainage and weephole maintenance.

🥈

Silver Sponsor

Community Supporter
Silver Sponsor

Bribie Waterways Motel

A prime waterfront location with breathtaking views of the Pumicestone Passage. An unforgettable experience for guests visiting the Bribie Gardens community.

Surrounded by lush greenery with convenient access to all local attractions — the ideal base for anyone visiting Bribie Island.

Bribie Waterways Motel
🥉

Community Supporters

⚓

Your Business Here

Community supporter placement

🚤

Your Business Here

Community supporter placement

🌊

Your Business Here

Community supporter placement

Become a Sponsor

Support the Bribie Gardens Waterways Association and connect your brand with our canal community. Sponsorship helps fund meetings, the Residents Guide, and waterway advocacy.

Enquire About Sponsorship →
Join our Facebook Community Group for daily updates & announcements

Get in touch

Contact BGWA

Questions, concerns, sponsorship enquiries, or just want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.

Email

info@bribiegardenwa.com

We aim to respond within 2–3 business days.

Facebook Group

BGWA Community Group

Best for real-time updates, notices, and community chat.

Location

Bribie Gardens Canal Network
Bribie Island, Queensland, Australia

Meetings

Three meetings per year, including the AGM. All members welcome. Details announced via email and Facebook.

💳 Membership Payment — Bank Transfer

BankCBA BRIBIE
BSB064 448
Account1031 7488
Amount$10.00 / year
ReferenceYour full name

City of Moreton Bay Council General enquiries (24/7): (07) 3205 0555
Lock gate faults, pontoon leases, infrastructure issues

Send Us a Message

Or email directly: info@bribiegardenwa.com

Useful Tools

Quick Links & Resources

Snap Send Solve

See a problem in our waterways, parks, or neighbourhood? Report it directly to Council with a photo and location. Fast, easy, effective.

Download the app →

Lock Gate Notifications

Subscribe to receive SMS or email alerts about lock gate closures, planned maintenance, and re-openings. Free, Council-run service.

Subscribe at moretonbay.qld.gov.au →

Emergency Contacts

Emergency: 000
Marine Rescue: 131 677
Police non-urgent: 13 14 44
MRB Radio Room: (07) 3408 7596

Call Marine Rescue →
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