Newport Waterways Canals - Pontoons, decks, boat ramps and
revetment walls
General
The details in this fact sheet apply to Newport Waterways only and are not applicable to Newport Marina,
Scarborough Boat Harbour or Isles of Newport lake system.
In general, prior to purchasing a canal frontage property or boat for use associated with the property or
marina at Newport Waterways, the purchaser is advised to make enquiries regarding the following:
 Tidal levels applicable to the area;
 The waterway area applicable for a specific property (see “Canalfront Allocation Area“ below);
 Whether the waterway is deep enough for you to navigate or moor your boat at low tide;
 The maximum vessel size allowable for navigation in the canals and mooring at a specific location;
 The clearance, if applicable, under the Griffith Road bridge particularly for vessels with higher
structures.
Throughout the canal system, most properties have a “Canalfront Allocation Area” adjacent to the
rear/canal boundary. This area extends over the canal from the rear property boundary to a line in the
water, generally parallel to the boundary, and known as the “quay line”. This line defines the allowable
outermost extent of permanent structures such as a pontoon. Due to the shape of a limited number of
properties and the adjacent canal, they may not be able to have a pontoon and/or boat ramp.
The entrance channel has a current approved navigational depth of 1.85 metres at Lowest Astronomical
Tide (lowest of low tides) and may therefore restrict the movement of large or deep draft vessels on
certain tides. The entrance channel, located mid way between the lateral markers in Deception Bay, also
has a base width of 15 metres when dredged. The internal canals are of similar depths or deeper,
following dredging.
The Griffith Road bridge may impose a restriction on higher vessels with a clearance between the mid
span underside to the water surface of approximately 5.6 metres at Highest Astronomical Tide (highest
of high tides under normal atmospheric conditions).
Appropriate clearance allowances shall be made by vessel operators at both locations for wave heights
and siltation.
Tide levels for Newport
The following tide levels related to Australian Height Datum are noted in the Maritime Safety Queensland
tide book* for Scarborough Boat Harbour and are considered applicable for Newport.
Highest Recorded Tide (Feb 1974)
Highest Astronomical Tide*
Mean High Water Spring Tide*
Mean Low Water Spring Tide*
Lowest Astronomical Tide*
1.86 metres
1.24 metres
0.76 metres
-0.86 metres
-1.17 metres
The advices provided in this fact sheet are provided as a guideline only and final conditions for
any approval may vary depending on specifics relating to individual properties.
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February 16
Pontoons and jetties in canals
Canalfront property owners who wish to build a pontoon or jetty in a canal bordering their property must
obtain relevant approvals prior to construction.
Useful tips
Before constructing any canalfront structure, it is essential to check tidal levels. Issues to consider
include:
 Whether a pontoon or jetty can be built at the specific property;
 If the pontoon design is appropriate for the depth of water, tidal flows, canal bank profile and quay
line position;
 Whether the pontoon or jetty will reduce neighbours’ access to their pontoons.
When deciding on the style or shape of any canalfront structure, you must consider the location of the
Quay Line and vessel size.
To undertake a Waterfront Allocation Area search for your property, contact Queensland Transport on 13
23 80 or email planning.projects@tmr.qld.gov.au.
Your responsibilities
 The construction and maintenance costs of pontoons and jetties are the responsibility of property
owners;
 You must complete Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) application forms, which
you can obtain from Moreton Bay Regional Council or by logging on to www.dip.qld.gov.au/spa.
Applications to construct pontoons or jetties are governed by the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and
the Prescribed Tidal Works Code, and your application will be assessed in accordance with this
legislation;
 Council requires you to provide certification by a suitably qualified engineer of the design and
construction methods proposed for your jetty or pontoon. You also will be required by council to
provide certification by a suitably qualified engineer that your pontoon or jetty has been constructed
according to the approved plans;
 For details, please refer to Redcliffe Planning Scheme Policy – 8.3 Decks, Boardwalks and Pontoons
over canals.
Canal maintenance
Council dredges the Newport canals and entrance channel so that, as far as possible, original depths
and contours are maintained.
Council’s dredging programs are not intended to allow poorly located or inappropriate pontoons to float
at low tide, particularly if pontoons do not extend to the quay line. The type of pontoon used can, in some
cases, limit council’s ability to maintain the beach area under the pontoon’s footprint. Design features
and their effect on maintenance include:
 Limiting the number of piles means less obstructions for beach maintenance or dredging access;
 Ensuring any piles used to support the gangway or attach outrigger bracing cables are located a
minimum clear distance of 5 metres from the revetment wall or kerb;
 Eliminating bracing cables where possible to allow access by machines up to the pontoon gangway
and head;
 Making the pontoon gangway and any services, such as water or power, readily detachable to
enable temporary relocation for periodic beach maintenance;
 Ensuring pontoon anchorage points are located clear of the beach and independent of the canal
revetment wall or kerb.
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February 16
Unapproved or non conforming structures
The legal status and condition of a pontoon or jetty is the responsibility of the property owner. To check if
an existing deck or boardwalk is legal, please contact council. If council receives a complaint about your
jetty or pontoon, we may investigate if it was built with approval and in accordance with the approved
plans. If it fails either test, you may be required to pay for its removal or to undertake rectification to
ensure it complies with the approved plans.
Design factors
It is crucial to seek expert advice about the pontoon or jetty design that is most suitable for your property,
taking in to consideration the ’as constructed’ or bed profile design of the canal. Pontoon design can vary
depending on several factors including:
 Canal frontage;
 Surrounding property geometry;
 Predominant winds and wave climate;
 Water traffic (boat wash);
 Anchoring to revetment walls;
 Revetment wall stability;
 Navigational access;
 Tidal levels and bed profile;
 Quay line position and length;
 Maximum allowable vessel size.**
** The length dimension of the maximum allowable vessel is determined by the length of the quay line for
the property less 3.0m (i.e. 1.5m inset from each end)
Decks and boardwalks in canals
A deck or boardwalk provides recreational space extending beyond the real property boundary over the
canal of a canal frontage property and may be permitted where all of the following criteria are satisfied. A
canalfront property owner must obtain relevant approvals prior to construction.
Useful tips
 The deck shall be a minimum clear distance of 3 metres from all common side property boundaries;
 Only cantilevered decks will be permitted. A deck is not to be supported by piles or bracing elements
forward of the revetment wall. No vertical enclosure between the deck and the canal bank will be
permitted;
 No load from the proposed structure shall be imposed on the existing revetment wall or kerb unless
permitted by council subject to the provision of certification by a Registered Professional Engineer
Queensland;
 No roofed structures, whether sheeted or open, shall be constructed on the deck. No spas or other
such fixed structures shall be constructed on the deck;
 The surface level of the deck shall be 100 mm (minimum) above the highest recorded tide level
which has a value of 1.86m above Australian Height Datum;
 The surface level of the deck shall be 500mm (maximum) above the top of the revetment wall;
 No equipment or machinery, such as pool filters, shall be permitted on the area of deck extending
beyond the property boundary;
 No water supply outlet shall be installed on the area of the deck extending beyond the property
boundary;
 The deck design shall not cause any stormwater run-off to be concentrated such that scour occurs
on the canal bank under or beside the structure;
 The design and construction of the deck shall consider the ability to undertake remedial work on the
canal bank below the revetment wall.
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Your responsibilities
 The construction and maintenance costs of decks and boardwalks are the responsibility of property
owners;
 You must complete Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) application forms, which
you can obtain from Moreton Bay Regional Council or by logging on to www.dip.qld.gov.au/spa.
Applications to construct deck or boardwalks are governed by the Sustainable Planning Act 2009;
 Council requires you to provide certification by a suitably qualified engineer of the design and
construction methods proposed for your deck or boardwalk. You also will be required by council to
provide certification by a suitably qualified engineer that your pontoon or jetty has been constructed
according to the approved plans;
 In certain situations, property owners may be required to provide the council with a Canal Report
demonstrating that their proposed pontoon or jetty would allow for the ongoing sustainability of the
canal. For details, please refer to Redcliffe Planning Scheme Policy – 8.3 Decks, Boardwalks and
Pontoons over canals. A suitably qualified and experienced consulting engineer must certify the
report.
Canal maintenance
The design and construction of the deck shall be such that it allows remedial work to the bank,
foreshore, revetment wall, retaining wall or other structures as applicable to be undertaken. Alternatively,
the deck shall be of a demountable construction such that it can be dismantled and reassembled at the
property owner's cost to enable the above mentioned remedial works to be undertaken.
Unapproved or non conforming structures
The legal status and condition of a deck or boardwalk is the responsibility of the property owner. To
check if an existing deck or boardwalk is legal, please contact council. If council receives a complaint
about your deck or boardwalk, we may investigate if it was built with approval and in accordance with the
approved plans. If it fails either test, you may be required to pay for its removal or to undertake
rectification to ensure it complies with the approved plans.
Boat ramps or slipways in canals
Boat ramps are most suited to locations where the canal contours are within the design parameters of
this guideline; that is, not too steep, rocky or restricted by other factors, such as quay line configuration .
Useful tips
Boat ramps are most suited to locations where the canal consists of sand or gravel, the gradient of the
canal bank dictates that the boat and trailer can be retrieved by a vehicle or a winch and the Canalfront
Allocation Area (CAA) extends to the low tide level without impacting on an adjoining property’s CAA.
Requirements for a standard boat ramp include:
 The boat ramp shall be 600mm (minimum) from the side boundary;
 If the proposal impacts on an adjoining property (i.e. closer than 600mm clearance to a neighbouring
property), written consent to the proposal by the affected property owner shall be provided;
 The ramp shall be perpendicular to the rear property boundary;
 The ramp shall be reinforced concrete and provided with a non-slip surface;
 Canal bank material such as sand, gravel or rock which is displaced due to the construction of the
ramp shall be evenly distributed over the remaining canal frontage of the property where the same
material exists;
 Any clay or soil material removed from the canal bank or private property shall be disposed of at an
approved location such as a refuse transfer station. No clay or soil material shall be placed over the
adjoining canal profile;
 Any reinforcing steel within the revetment wall or kerb shall be exposed and tied back into the
proposed ramp or retaining wall as applicable.
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

Where the proposed ramp crosses a sand or gravel beach, the surface level across the beach shall
match the original design beach level;
The maximum boat ramp slope external to the property shall generally be 1 in 5 except where rock
revetments exist – See below info “Ramps on rocks”.
Ramps on rocks
Ramps may be constructed where rock revetments exist provided the following guidelines are used:
 No part of the structure apart from handrails (if applicable) shall be constructed above the profile of
the surrounding rock.
The ramp shall follow either of the following profiles:
Option 1 – 1 in 3 gradient
 The ramp external to the property may follow the original design rock profile (i.e. constructed flush
with the rock profile) provided it is no steeper than 1 in 3;
 Where existing rock revetment profiles are steeper than 1 in 3 (e.g. 1 in 1.5 and 1 in 2) the ramp
design shall be as per the alternative Option 2 listed below (i.e. 1 in 5 gradient);
 The ramp internal to the property should desirably follow the design surface level of the property.
This will generally be flatter than the external section of the ramp;
 The ramp shall have cut off walls extending a minimum of 150mm into the clay materials underlaying
the rock facing;
 Due to the ramp slope, it is recommended that a winch be utilised for launching and retrieval;
 Due to the likely change of grade on the ramp at the property boundary, consideration needs to be
given to providing a roller(s) on the ramp surface to allow the winch cable to negotiate this change for
all positions of the trailer/trolley. A vertical curve may need to be constructed to lessen the impact of
the grade change; however, any cutting will require retention of the adjacent rock wall.
Option 2 – 1 in 5 gradient
 The ramp shall be constructed at 1 in 5 (or flatter) with the bottom edge near Mean Low Water Spring
Tide Level (see levels below) to allow usage at a maximum number of tides while considering the
ability to construct;
 Cut off walls shall be constructed to a depth the greater of 150mm below the underside of the ramp
or 150mm minimum into the underlaying clay and around the perimeter of the ramp external to the
property;
 The gradient within the property shall be 1 in 5. Consideration needs to be given to the possibility of
tidal water and floating debris entering the property on extreme tides;
 The resultant depth of the ramp below the design rock and property levels, particularly at the
property boundary, will mean that either reinforced concrete retaining walls, stone pitched batters or
armour rock batters will be needed to transition from the ramp surface to the original surface;
 The top on any of the above batters or retaining walls shall be a minimum of 600mm clear of the
projected side property boundary or defined canal frontage. Should any of these features not meet
this requirement, written consent referring to the relevant drawing will be required from the affected
adjoining property owner(s);
o If batters are used, the slope shall not be greater than that used on the rock wall; and
o If a vertical reinforced concrete retaining wall is used, a handrail of suitable durable material
shall be used where the level difference between the general rock profile and the ramp
surface exceeds 900mm.
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Your responsibilities
 The construction and maintenance costs of boat ramps are the responsibility of property owners;
 You must complete Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) application forms, which
you can obtain from Moreton Bay Regional Council or by logging on to www.dip.qld.gov.au/spa.
Applications to construct boat ramps are governed by the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and the
Prescribed Tidal Works Code, and your application will be assessed in accordance with this
legislation;
 Council requires you to provide certification by a suitably qualified engineer of the design and
construction methods proposed for your boat ramp or slipway. You also will be required by council to
provide certification by a suitably qualified engineer that your pontoon or jetty has been constructed
according to the approved plans.
Canal maintenance
Council maintains Newport’s canals and entrance channel so that, as far as possible, original canal bank
profiles are maintained.
The need for beach maintenance can be reduced by the property owner ensuring a limited amount of
stormwater runoff from the property is directed toward the boat ramp as excessive water from a storm
event at low tide can create considerable scour to the adjoining beach surface.
To assist in this regard, the ramp can be constructed with grooves in the surface at, for example, 45
degrees to the edge configured in a way that will form a “vee” with the bottom of the “vee” near the
centreline and lower down the ramp than the tops of the “vee”. This may assist traction and channel
water runoff down the centre. Alternatively a shallow dish on the centre line of the ramp surface or kerbs
with a maximum height of 50mm along each side may also achieve a similar outcome.
Unapproved or non conforming structures
The legal status and condition of a boat ramp or slipway is the responsibility of the property owner. To
check if an existing boat ramp or slipway is legal, please contact council. If council receives a complaint
about your boat ramp or slipway, we may investigate if it was built with approval and in accordance with
the approved plans. If it fails either test, you may be required to pay for its removal or to undertake
rectification to ensure it complies with the approved plans.
Revetment walls
A revetment wall is a permanent structure, typically made out of rock or concrete, which is designed to
protect the area adjacent to the canal from erosion. All concrete revetment walls or kerbs are located just
inside the property alignment, while rock revetments are generally located within the canal.
Property owners’ responsibilities
 Property owners have responsibility for maintaining revetment walls that are located within their land;
 Any structures, such as pontoons or jetties, need to be anchored independent of the wall;
 Property owners must obtain permission from Moreton Bay Regional Council to build or alter a
revetment wall and should seek advice from the Council prior to starting construction;
 Like all artificial structures, a revetment wall has an engineered design life and requires regular and
proper maintenance to prevent structural deterioration. Preventative maintenance, including routine
inspections by a suitably qualified engineer, will extend the life of the wall and prevent structural
failure.
Public Liability insurance requirements
The owner of the property, where a structure exists beyond the property boundary, shall effect and
maintain at all times, public liability insurance in the sum of not less than ten million dollars ($10,000,000)
in the name of the owner.
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