FIELD TRIPS
Field trips are included in full conference and Wednesday day registration. Please select with your registration which field trip option you would like to attend on Wednesday 22 April. Field trips depart at 3pm and afternoon tea is included. Please note that numbers are limited per tour.
If you are not attending a Field Trip, there is an opportunity to visit the live wet demonstration of the Boxwall Mobile Flood Barrier at 3.15pm, TE Peters Boat Ramp (5 minutes’ walk from the conference centre).
FT 1:
Gold Coast Disaster and Emergency Management Centre & Live Wet Demonstration of Boxwall Mobile Flood Barrier
Sponsored by: Bluemont Boxwall
Bluemont, in conjunction with NOAQ Flood Protection and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) will be undertaking a live wet demonstration of the Boxwall Mobile Flood Barrier at TE Peters Boat Ramp (5 minutes’ walk from the conference centre). Come and get hands on and see just how quick and easy Boxwall is to deploy and how effective it is at protecting property and assets from flooding. Following the live demonstration the bus will transfer attendees to the Gold Coast Disaster & Emergency Management Centre for a behind the scenes tour of a state-of-the-art emergency response hub built to withstand severe natural disasters, including Category 5 cyclones. Equipped with advanced technology, it can operate independently for up to 10 days if critical infrastructure fails. With space for over 100 emergency personnel, the centre enables coordinated, real-time collaboration between emergency services, government agencies, and community organisations, ensuring the city remains prepared, resilient, and ready to respond to crises.
FT 2:
Gold Coast Flood Mitigation Tour
This field trip explores key flood management infrastructure on the Gold Coast, including the Bond University Weir and Biggera Creek Dam. At the Bond University Weir, you will examine the automated tidal control system that regulates water levels between Lake Orr and surrounding waterways. The visit will highlight how hydraulic gates, culverts, and manual override systems operate to manage tidal exchange and reduce flood risk. The tour will also include Biggera Creek Dam, the largest flood mitigation dam managed by the City of Gold Coast. This earth-fill embankment dam is normally dry but provides 3,000 ML of temporary flood storage during major rainfall events. You will learn how the outlet system and uncontrolled spillway function to reduce downstream flooding and improve community safety.
FT 3:
Gold Coast Coastal Management Works
This field trip will examine coastal management strategies that address erosion, storm impacts, coastal inundation and protect infrastructure. At Point Danger, you will observe the Tweed Sand Bypassing system learning how sand is mechanically transferred to maintain natural longshore sand movement and nourish southern Gold Coast beaches. If there is time, there will be a stop at Tomewin Street showcasing a recently completed seawall, highlighting design considerations and construction constraints. At Currumbin Creek, you will see a training wall under construction and discuss its role in stabilising creek entrances and managing sediment movement. The trip concludes back at the Convention Centre, having showcased how sand bypassing, seawalls, and training walls collectively reduce erosion and inundation risks and therefore enhances coastal resilience along the Gold Coast.
FT 4:
Gold Coast Broadwater Boat Tour
The Broadwater is an international gateway of the Gold Coast. Extending from the Southport Broadwater Parklands, marinas, tourist and resort establishments in the south; to the Seaway and Wave Break Island in the centre; and the lifestyle and island communities to the north. This boat tour will show delegates the changing face of the Gold Coast’s Broadwater. Soft-soled shoes are required.