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Councillor Donna Gates Division 3

Community news

Welcome to the monthly newsletter from Division 3.

August 2021

We could be forgiven for thinking the previous 18 months was all about COVID-19, but amid the pandemic, Council has continued to push ahead firing on all cylinders. We rolled out a $26.9 million support package for community and business to offer assistance through this challenging time. We launched our new Accessible and Inclusive City Action Plan 2020–2025, started our Active Travel Plan to implement better cycling and walking facilities on the Gold Coast, and recently announced a $161 million dollar investment in our parks and natural areas. We have also invested $331.750 million in transport improvements across the coast.

My focus remains with Division 3 and I want to kick things up a notch by asking you, as a resident of Division 3, to take the lead on how I can better serve you moving forward. I’m fully committed to Division 3 to ensure everything I do reflects the priorities of our area. Everything is on the table and I’m open to all suggestions, so email or call me and make your voice heard loud and clear! Obviously, this year’s budget is largely allocated – but reprovisions will come through by September so we’ll keep planning.

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Rubbish bin Upper Coomera

A request received for a rubbish bin near the corner of Hargraves and Roe Street and Fallow Court near Gulliver's is supported. It will be more convenient for those carrying doggy bags, and for those coming off the bus, to dispose of their rubbish.

The new bin will be installed soon. Continue to raise your suggestions so that I can action your request.

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Foxwell Road and Amity Road Coomera

Installation of traffic signals at Foxwell-Amity Road originally funded in the 20-21 financial year was delayed due to the need for additional widening of Foxwell Road. Works are now programmed for delivery within this financial year. Also, planning work is now being undertaken to establish scope and budget required to install traffic signals at Foxwell Road-Learning Street.

I’ve received a request for installation of a right turning lane from Amity Road into Riflebird Street for northbound traffic. The request is now being investigated.

Footpath construction on Foxwell Road is on schedule with groundworks well underway. This project involves construction of 510m long/2m wide shared path on the northern side of Foxwell Road between Learning Street and Oaky Creek Road. The new pathway will support walking and cycling from residential areas, Foxwell State Secondary College, and local shopping precincts.

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Lauren Grove footpath

I’ve requested an estimate to construct a pathway along Lauren Grove, Upper Coomera. The request was previously investigated and was being considered for inclusion in the City’s Active Transport Infrastructure Program, however, given its local function, the project was considered a low priority within the Whole of City Active Transport program.

A pathway on Lauren Grove would provide pedestrian access to and from the recently constructed Seachange Over 50’s Resort which has access points on Ghostgum Grove and Eliena Way. An estimate will be prepared for review. I’ll continue to keep you updated.

Colman Road boat ramp

Implementation of new safety measures at the Diamond Head Boat Ramp was mentioned on my Facebook page last month which generated a lot of positive feedback.

Additional police patrols will now be regularly scheduled to reduce opportunities for anti-social behaviour. Removal of any litter and graffiti to improve visual amenity and feelings of safety will also be undertaken with additional signage installed to encourage visitors to secure their vehicles and any valuables.Please continue to report any suspicious activity to Policelink 131444 so that appropriate Police resourcing can be committed to the area.

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New playground requests Upper Coomera

The City strives to provide a range of innovative play spaces and to reinvigorate existing playgrounds and play opportunities. Several challenges face Council to ensure that provision of playgrounds is appropriate for current and projected communities and their needs - expectations do change over time. Playgrounds need to be safe, accessible, exciting, and fun with additional elements including shade, seating and in some cases fencing. Also, budgets need to be considered.

Last month I met onsite with Council’s Parks and Recreation branch to review possible playground equipment and upgrades throughout the area. Jonathan Street playground will be replaced late November with an improved range of play equipment for various age groups. Coomera Springs Parkland is heavily constrained by existing assets and natural features and is therefore not suitable for further embellishment, however a design plan and estimates will now be prepared for nearby Rosemallow Parklands.

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Coomera Civic Hub

It’s with great delight that the design phase is now underway on the Coomera Civic Hub with construction expected to commence early 2023. The Coomera Civic Hub will incorporate a library, community centre, auditorium, commercial tenancies, and customer service centre. To give you an idea of scale, the centre will be three times the size of the Helensvale Library.

I continue to throw my full support behind this project and with the population expected to double by 2041, the Coomera Civic Hub will be a much-used facility for northern Gold Coast.

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Discretionary Grants Program

The Discretionary Grants Program allocates funds each financial year to support community organisations to deliver projects with a community purpose. Applicants must be a community organisation, operate within the Gold Coast and have an adequate level of public liability insurance for the project (where appropriate).

Applicants must also be able to demonstrate that the project is for a community purpose and deliver a project with a defined outcome that will benefit residents of the Gold Coast. Visit Discretionary Grants Program for further details.

Applications for the Discretionary Grants Program are allocated in one round. Dates for the 2021–22 Discretionary Grants will be open this month. Dates will be advertised here once confirmed.

Grants, funding & development programs

Council has established funding programs to support community organisations. We invest in our arts and cultural sector through funding programs and in-kind support.

Visit Grant Funding Program to learn about the funding and development programs we offer, including eligibility criteria and how to apply.

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Congratulations

(From left to right) Since 1954 the wonderful Coomera Branch of the Queensland Country Women’s Association has supported our community. Congratulations to Linda Miles on an outstanding year as President, Helen Boothman on 50 years of service and Lyn Glover (no photo available) for her efforts on behalf of the Gold Coast Polio Group.

Two great Coomera Valley Rotarians. Thank you to Tony Lines for an outstanding year as President. Tony has now handed the reins to Des Lacy, for his fouth stint as Club Preident.

And congratulations to Montana Atkinson from Coomera Waters on being a finalist in the Young Women Category of the 2021 Gold Coast Women of the Year Awards held last month. Also, the winner of the Champions of Sport Award.

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Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch is a program designed solely to help neighbours watch out for neighbours and getting involved is easy. It is as simple as getting to know your neighbours and exchanging your contact information. The program combats crime in the most effective way – before it starts – by reducing the opportunities for crime to occur. Please go to goldcoast.nhwq.org for information and contact details of a group near your home.

I value greatly the volunteers who give their time for Neighbourhood Watch – which is a good way to start conversations with your neighbours and build a safe, strong, caring, connected, and happy community – so please get on board.

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Useful quick links

My Neighbourhood Map - Discover what's happening in and around your neighbourhood. 
Find everything from local parks and projects, to venues and facilities.... and your bin collection day.


What’s on at your Library

Coomera Connector updates

Make a payment

You can use our online payment service to pay:

  • rates and water bills
  • applications
  • infringements
  • dog registration renewals
  • permit and licence renewals (payments)
  • bonds and notices to pay
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My details

Please continue to contact me regarding issues of interest or concern. Whatever the issue please call 07 5581 6598 or email division3@goldcoast.qld.gov.au so that I can action your request. You can also report after-hour matters that might be more urgent to Council on 1300 465 326.

Newsletters archive

For previous editions, please contact my office.

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