Manly Harbour Archives

Stay Safe on the Water: Queenslanders Reminded of Boating Rules This Summer

As summer arrives, residents and visitors in Manly are being reminded to prioritise safety on the water. With boating and recreational activity increasing across Queensland’s coastal and inland waterways, including the busy areas around Manly Harbour, authorities are emphasising that careful preparation and adherence to safety rules are essential to prevent accidents.

Read: Plans For The Gopher Outline Next Step For The Old Manly Boatshed Location

Queensland Water Police and partner agencies are increasing patrols to reduce unsafe boating behaviour. Their enforcement efforts focus on speeding, dangerous manoeuvres, and operating vessels under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Compliance checks are active across busy waterways, with officers taking a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe practices.

Lifejackets remain a central focus of summer safety measures. Boaties are urged to ensure there is a correctly sized, Australian Standard-approved lifejacket for every person on board, and that they are worn when required. Properly maintained and correctly fitted lifejackets significantly increase the chances of survival if someone ends up in the water.

Preparation before heading out is also critical. Skippers should check that their vessels are in good working order, with all safety equipment accessible and functioning. Checking weather forecasts and water conditions is strongly recommended, as sudden changes can occur even in familiar areas.

Alcohol and drug use on the water continues to be a major concern. Operating a vessel while impaired is illegal and dramatically increases the risk of serious incidents. Authorities remind boaties to plan ahead, designate a sober skipper, and ensure everyone on board follows safety requirements.

Marine Rescue Queensland volunteers are ready for increased activity over the summer. Boaties are encouraged to log on with their local Marine Rescue unit and inform someone onshore of their plans and expected return. These precautionary measures can help emergency services respond quickly if an incident occurs.

Beachgoers are also urged to swim safely between the red and yellow flags. Even in calm conditions, unexpected currents and submerged hazards can pose risks. Surf Life Saving Queensland emphasises that following flagged areas provides the safest zone for swimming and water activity.

Read: Rickertt Road And Tingalpa Creek Bridge Study Progresses Near Manly

Queensland authorities stress that keeping waterways safe is a shared responsibility. Following boating rules, wearing lifejackets, staying sober, and preparing adequately before departure can significantly reduce the risk of accidents. With careful attention to these measures, Queenslanders — including those enjoying the waters around Manly — can enjoy the summer safely.

Published 7-January-2026

Winifred Davenport: The Marine Engineer Who Shaped Manly Harbour

Winifred Davenport, one of Australia’s pioneering female engineers, left an indelible mark on Brisbane’s coastline with her significant contributions to the design of Manly Harbour, now a key gateway to Moreton Bay and future Olympic sailing venue.

Davenport’s contributions to marine and civil engineering have been recognised through various honours, including the naming of the “Winifred Davenport Centre” at the Queensland Maritime Museum in 1989. Born on 18 February 1924, Davenport’s career spanned nearly five decades, during which she played a crucial role in shaping Queensland’s coastline.

In 1950, Davenport joined the Harbours and Marine Department as an associate engineer, where she would spend the majority of her career. Her colleague, cartographer Shirly Webb, described her as “a very calm and pleasant person, gentle-natured and understanding and down to earth. She put a lot into her work but was never strident about it.”

Landmark Projects

One of Davenport’s most significant contributions was her input to the Manly Harbour project. The harbour, which is set to host sailing events during the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, has become a centerpiece of the Manly area, attracting visitors with its marina and seafood restaurants.

Pamela Davenport, Winifred’s cousin, noted, “She had always had a talent with mathematics which eventually led her to pursue a career in engineering.”

*Photo Credit: National Library of Australia*

Recognition and Legacy

Throughout her career, Davenport broke numerous barriers:

– In 1951, she became the first female corporate member of the Institution of Engineers Australia.
– In 1958, she was accepted as a member of the Royal Institute of Naval Architects.
– In 1990, she was awarded the Order of Australia for her service in engineering.

Davenport’s impact extends beyond her engineering feats. Her book, “Harbours and Marine: Port and Harbour Development in Queensland from 1824 to 1985,” has become an invaluable resource for historians and genealogists alike.

Manly Harbour Significance

The Manly Boat Harbour project was significant for Brisbane in several ways. It is the largest boat harbour on the east coast of Australia and serves as Brisbane’s gateway to the Moreton Bay Marine Park, providing access to offshore reefs, wetlands, seagrass meadows, and sandy beaches.

The Manly Boat Harbour is a key part of the local tourism infrastructure and serves as a centerpiece of the Manly area. Its marina, crowded with yachts and top seafood restaurants, attracts visitors.

The harbour is set to host the Olympic sailing events during the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, with a spectator capacity of up to 10,000 people including temporary seating. This highlights its importance as a major venue for the games.

The site is undergoing an expansion project, with MA Financial’s $33 million acquisition of the nearby East Coast Marina to facilitate the expansion. This demonstrates the ongoing importance of the harbour to Brisbane’s development.

Published 6-Aug-2024

Man Dead After Jumping Into Waters at Manly Harbour

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

Authorities have confirmed the death of a 46-year-old man after jumping into the waters at Manly Harbour late last night.

A frantic search operation was done after he failed to resurface.

**A search operation was done after he failed to resurface.**
Photo Credit: Facebook / The Bay Today

The Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, overseeing the marina where the incident occurred, expressed deep sadness and shock. CEO Karen Baldwin conveyed the sorrow felt by their team, mentioning the lack of on-site staff during the late hours when the tragedy unfolded.

**CEO Karen Baldwin of Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron**
Photo Credit: LinkedIn

Emergency services swiftly responded to the call for help at Davenport Drive, near the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. Police, fire, rescue, and ambulance services mobilized immediately, commencing an extensive water search at first light this morning.

The search, involving Water Police, Police divers, and specialized emergency units, concluded tragically with the discovery of a body. The process of formal identification is underway, with authorities preparing a report for the coroner.

This incident adds to recent tragedies in bayside waters, further impacting the close-knit community. Just days ago, another incident claimed three lives when a boat capsized near Green Island in Moreton Bay during a fishing trip on Boxing Day.

The CEO, Karen Baldwin, highlighted the festive season and expressed profound condolences for the family and friends affected by this unexpected loss. The entire community mourns alongside the family, sharing in their sorrow during what should have been a joyful time of the year.

As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event, the community grapples with the shock and sadness of this sudden loss. The residents of Manly are urged to support each other during this difficult time, extending their thoughts and sympathies to those impacted.

Published 2-January-2024

Have Your Say About the Manly Harbour Village Precinct Project

The city council is urging the local community around Manly to have their say on the Manly Harbour Village Precinct Project which aims to revitalise the neighbourhood shopping precinct on Cambridge Parade as well as a section of the Esplanade.

The project, which will cost $890,000, will improve the amenity, connection, and safety for residents and visitors to the centre whilst instilling a stronger community sense of place and pride. At the same time, the project aims to contribute to economic growth in the area.

Among the improvements included in the neighbourhood project are:

Footpath upgrades to improve accessibility, areas of underutilised space and visual amenity
Improving pedestrian safety and accessibility by upgrading existing crossing points
Tree planting to improve visual and physical amenity while providing shade
Groundcover plantings to new and existing garden beds
Standard and unique street furniture
Creating placemaking opportunities and delivering creative outcomes

Read: Big Changes Planned For Manly Boat Harbour; New Ideas Sought

Consultation via information kiosks on site has just been completed, but the local community can still provide feedback about the project through the online survey until midnight on Sunday, 20 September 2020.

The survey aims to know and understand what the local community think is important in their neighbourhood. The result of the consultation will influence the design concept which will be presented back to the community in the middle of November 2020.

Construction is planned to start in early 2021 and should be completed in mid-2021, depending on weather and site conditions.

For more information about the Manly Harbour Village Precinct Project, contact Council on 07 3403 8888.