Weathering the Storm

How GCCM Tackles Extreme Weather Events

When Tropical Cyclone Alfred approached the Gold Coast in early 2025, it brought powerful winds, torrential rain, and considerable anxiety for boat owners throughout the region. As a Category 2 cyclone, Alfred represented a significant threat to marine assets—but at Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard, comprehensive preparation and decades of expertise ensured that every vessel remained secure throughout the ordeal.

This exceptional outcome wasn’t the result of good fortune but rather meticulous planning, dedicated teamwork, and the implementation of tried-and-tested extreme weather protocols. Let’s explore how the GCCM crew successfully navigated one of the most significant weather events to impact the region this year.

Activating the Extreme Weather Response Plan

For the team at GCCM, preparation began nearly a week before Cyclone Alfred made landfall. The marina’s leadership initiated daily briefings five days before the storm’s arrival, implementing a carefully developed extreme weather preparedness procedure refined through years of experience.

“Our approach to extreme weather events is methodical and comprehensive,” explains GCCM’s Chief Operations Officer. “We have detailed protocols for every aspect of our operation, from securing vessels in water to protecting equipment and ensuring the safety of everyone on site.”

The marina’s response included several critical measures:

• Double-securing all vessels: Every boat moored at GCCM had its lines doubled to provide additional security against the anticipated high winds.
• Removing vulnerable equipment: Sails, biminis, and other wind-catching components were taken down to reduce the risk of damage.
• Strategic vessel relocation: Certain vessels were moved to berths specifically designed to offer better protection during high-wind events.
• Protective indoor storage: Smaller vessels normally kept outside were moved into the dry storage building and placed on cradles to ensure their safety.
• Hardstand security measures: Vessels already on the shipyard were anchored down using concrete blocks or secured directly to the concrete surface using chemical anchors and eye bolts.
• Providing refuge: GCCM extended assistance to commercial vessels seeking shelter from the Brisbane River, lifting them to the shipyard where possible.
• Securing operational equipment: All machinery and equipment essential to marina and shipyard operations were properly secured.

This methodical approach reflects GCCM’s commitment to preparedness, a philosophy that has guided the facility’s operations since its inception 25 years ago.

Communication: The Critical Component

While physical preparations were paramount, GCCM’s leadership understood that clear communication would be equally important during the emergency. With hundreds of anxious boat owners concerned about their vessels, establishing effective information channels became a top priority.

“During extreme weather events, communication becomes critical,” notes the GCCM operations team. “Boat owners need reassurance that their vessels are being properly cared for, and our on-site business partners need clear guidance about facility operations.”

GCCM implemented a multi-faceted communication strategy that included:

• Business partner briefings: Detailed information sessions were held with all on-site marine businesses in the days leading up to the facility’s weather protocol activation.
• Regular on-site consultations: GCCM staff conducted face-to-face meetings with business partners at their premises, providing guidance and practical assistance where needed.
• Video updates: The COO provided regular video updates via Facebook throughout the event, giving boat owners and business partners real-time information about conditions at the facility. These updates continued around the clock for four days, providing unprecedented transparency during the weather event.
• 24/7 senior staff presence: GCCM’s senior team remained on-site continuously for 96 hours, offering direct assistance and reassurance to boat owners and crew members.

This commitment to transparent communication proved extraordinarily effective in managing anxiety during the crisis. By providing regular visual confirmation of conditions at the marina, GCCM substantially reduced the volume of concerned phone calls while simultaneously building confidence among stakeholders.

Industry Collaboration and Continuous Improvement

GCCM’s approach to extreme weather preparedness isn’t developed in isolation. The marina actively engages with industry peers to share knowledge and resources, creating a network of support that benefits the entire marine community.

“We regularly network with other marina managers in the region,” explains Chapman. “This collaboration ensures that we can provide mutual assistance during emergencies and share best practices for weather preparedness.”

This collaborative mindset extends to GCCM’s approach to emergency planning. Rather than viewing their procedures as static documents, the marina continuously refines its protocols based on real-world experiences and emerging industry standards. Each weather event provides valuable lessons that are incorporated into future preparations.

The Gold Coast’s Changing Climate Reality

For many years, the Gold Coast positioned its marine facilities as operating “outside the cyclone zone”—a significant selling point for boat owners concerned about tropical weather threats. However, recent weather patterns have challenged this assumption, raising questions about the region’s vulnerability to cyclonic activity.

When asked whether the Gold Coast’s reputation as a cyclone-free haven has changed, GCCM’s COO acknowledges the new reality while emphasizing the advantages of their particular location:

“The Coomera Precinct, where GCCM is situated, remains ideally located near the crucial labour pool needed for marine services,” notes Chapman. “While weather patterns may be evolving, what’s most important is having facilities designed for resilience and teams that are thoroughly prepared for emergency response.”

This pragmatic approach reflects GCCM’s focus on preparation rather than prediction. By investing in robust infrastructure, comprehensive procedures, and staff training, the marina has positioned itself to withstand whatever weather challenges may arise—regardless of changing climate patterns.

Empowering Boat Owners with Knowledge

While GCCM’s professional team provides exceptional care during weather events, the marina also emphasizes the importance of boat owner preparation. Their experience suggests that vessel maintenance and owner preparedness play crucial roles in preventing weather-related damage.

GCCM recommends several key practices for boat owners:

• Regular maintenance: Keep vessels well-maintained, including all rigging and structural components.
• Mooring line replacement: UV exposure degrades mooring lines over time; replacing them regularly is essential for storm security.
• Personal weather protocols: Boat owners should develop their own extreme weather checklists and procedures, relevant to their vessel.
• Educational resources: GCCM has created a comprehensive extreme weather preparation guide, available for download on their website (gccm.com.au/download).

By encouraging boat owners to take an active role in extreme weather preparation, GCCM extends its protective approach beyond the physical boundaries of the marina. This educational component reflects the facility’s commitment to fostering a knowledgeable and resilient boating community.

The Aftermath: A Testament to Preparation

After three challenging days of violent winds, heavy rainfall, and rising water levels, Cyclone Alfred finally moved away from the Gold Coast. The result at GCCM was remarkable: all vessels remained safe throughout the ordeal, with minimal damage reported across the facility.

As the weather cleared, the marina’s team quickly transitioned to recovery operations, returning vessels to the water and resuming normal business activities. This swift recovery highlighted another advantage of GCCM’s comprehensive approach—the ability to minimize disruption and return to service quickly after severe weather events.

“The outcome of our Cyclone Alfred response validates our preparation methodology,” reflects GCCM’s management. “By investing time and resources in advance planning, our team was able to protect hundreds of vessels worth millions of dollars.”

Lessons for the Future

GCCM’s successful management of Cyclone Alfred offers valuable insights for the broader marine industry. The experience underscores several key principles of effective extreme weather response:

1. Preparation is non-negotiable: Detailed planning and regular drills ensure teams can execute emergency protocols effectively when needed.
2. Communication creates confidence: Regular, transparent updates significantly reduce anxiety and build trust during crises.
3. Community matters: Collaboration between marina staff, business partners, and boat owners creates a more resilient marine environment.
4. Continuous improvement: Each weather event provides learning opportunities that should be incorporated into future protocols.
5. Invest in infrastructure: Purpose-built facilities with appropriate safety features provide the foundation for effective storm protection.

As climate patterns continue to evolve, these principles will likely become increasingly relevant for marine facilities throughout Australia and beyond. GCCM’s experience demonstrates that with proper preparation and execution, even significant weather events can be managed successfully.

A Model of Marine Resilience

Gold Coast City Marina & Shipyard’s handling of Tropical Cyclone Alfred represents more than just a successful emergency response; it exemplifies the facility’s broader commitment to excellence across all aspects of marine service.

With its comprehensive approach to weather preparedness, commitment to transparent communication, and dedication to continuous improvement, GCCM continues to set the standard for marine facility management in Australia. As boat owners throughout the region reflect on the lessons of Cyclone Alfred, many will undoubtedly recognize the value of entrusting their vessels to a facility that prioritizes safety, preparation, and expertise.

For those interested in learning more about GCCM’s approach to extreme weather preparation or exploring the facility’s comprehensive marine services, visit gccm.com.au or contact the marina directly at +61 7 5502 5888.