What's different about Runaway Bay
Canals near the Broadwater
The City's Broadwater catchment page says the northern arm of Biggera Creek reaches the Broadwater through a series of canals near Runaway Bay.
A stormwater upgrade
The City scheduled new drainage at Morala Avenue and Ocean Street for April to June 2026, replacing damaged culverts to improve flood resilience.
Many homes owned outright
At the 2021 Census, 43.0% of occupied homes were owned outright, against 29.1% across Queensland. The median age was 54.
A real mix of homes
45.3% were separate houses, 26.4% townhouses or semis and 28.2% flats or apartments.
Stormwater on a canal block
The City Plan's Land Development Guidelines (Schedule 6.12) say canal-front lots send their stormwater to the street. Piping it into the canal needs the City's approval first. Where approval is given, the outlet is typically buried at least 300mm under the sand, with the discharge below low tide level.
The revetment wall, pontoon, jetty and boat ramp on your block are yours to keep in good, safe condition. Keep the weep holes in the wall clear so water can drain through it. The City maintains the canals themselves, plus the street drainage system.
If water pools after rain
- Check whether it comes from your own downpipes or a neighbour's yard.
- Make sure the overflow relief gully isn't covered or sitting in a hollow.
- Look for a blocked pit or kerb drain in the street, which is a City matter.
- Take dated photos in case you need to report it.
Sewer blockages
The City's sewer runs from the main to a connection fitting on your land. If the plumber can't find that fitting, the City's part is taken to end one metre inside your boundary. A fault on the City's side should be reported by the plumber the day it's found, so they can apply to the City for their costs instead of billing you. Our Gold Coast blocked drains page has more.
What we would do
If stormwater is scouring the beach or seeping through your wall, start by tracing where every downpipe ends up. The City wants canal-front runoff sent to the street, so a stormwater specialist may need to re-route pipes rather than patch the bank. Get the plan in writing, and talk to the City before anything new discharges into the canal.