It was great to catch up with Cr Shelley Curtis at Griffith University last week as we celebrated the countdown to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics. We wish all our local Paralympians and the whole Australian team all the best for the Paris Paralympics.

Spring is here and with it a chance to tidy up the garden as the weather warms up. Take advantage of Council’s green organics site at Pimpama where you can drop green organics directly from the back of your vehicle or trailer onto a designated ground level area. This eliminates the need for lifting and loading into bins, which means a faster trip and reduced waiting times.

As we approach the summer season, you can register to receive notifications about potentially dangerous situations like flooding and bushfires in your local area – I’ve provided further information in the next article.

Thanks to everyone who continues to approach me at the Upper Coomera Centre with queries or concern. I really appreciate your feedback. Please continue to call by the office or contact me by email. The office phone number is 5581 6598 and my direct mobile number 0424 778 999.

It's time to get ready

It’s hard to believe 8 months has passed since the storm at Christmas. Living through an extreme storm firsthand can cause anxiety, fear, and worry about future events. With the storm and bushfire season fast approaching, I wanted to share these handy tips and resources to help safeguard you, your family, pets, and property.

Check out Council’s Get Ready links and resources below:

• 'Preparing for natural disasters' - a comprehensive guide about preparing for natural disasters on the Gold Coast, including checklists and emergency contacts
• Disaster and Emergency Dashboard - for the latest information on road closures, weather warnings, traffic, and beach conditions during a disaster
• Steps on what to do during a disaster - staying informed, emergency contacts and evacuations
• Videos and resources - disaster management fact sheets available in different languages
• Preparing your emergency kit with enough supplies to last up to three days for you and your household is essential
• Tips to protect your pets during a disaster

If you’re experiencing anxiety and worry about future events and need support, contact:

• Lifeline's crisis hotline on 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Have Your Say - Tallowwood Park dog off leash area

Last year I presented a petition on behalf of residents of Highland Reserve seeking improvements to the dog leash free area within Tallowwood Park Upper Coomera.

As is necessary, City of Gold Coast has now opened community feedback and you can have your say on the proposed amendments by leaving your feedback at gchaveyoursay.com.au/tallowwood

I know there is support for the improvements and Council has endorsed that happening – but your feedback is a legal requirement prior to proceeding.

Consultation is open until Monday 9 Sept 2024.

Northern Gold Coast Bus Improvement Initiative stage 3

As part of Council’s budget discussions some years back, agreement was reached to allocate over $8 million to improve northern Gold Coast bus services. The Resolution required that the State Government match that funding and, as a result, the northern Gold Coast bus improvement initiative commenced in February last year.

The improved services will be trialed until June 2026, so use it or lose it! Stage 3 kicks off 23 September, with improvements to Route 722 and two new routes, 732 and 733. Services will run seven days a week, with weekday trips from 6am to 7pm and weekends trips from 7am to 6pm, resulting in 36 new bus stops and 315 new trips weekly.

There will be slight changes to the routes of existing services – and for full details, please scan the QR code above or visit translink.com.au/northGCbuses. You can also call 13 12 30 any time.

I live in an area where these buses don't run

Translink is responsible for bus services and uses data and insights to determine the areas with the greatest need for public transport investment, based on a range of factors. This may include rapid population growth or public transport services that don’t meet the needs of local communities.

The suburbs of Coomera and Pimpama were identified as priority areas due to their recent and projected rapid population growth. The rollout of these bus changes is the third and final instalment of a $16.4 million package of public transport improvements for the northern Gold Coast.

Koala habitat

Council has acquired a 5.7ha parcel in Maudsland as part of the Natural Areas Acquisition Program.

Purchased for its high strategic values, the property will safeguard koala habitat and enhance vegetation, creating a consolidated habitat area for wildlife.

For information regarding the Natural Areas Acquisition Program go to cityofgoldcoast.com.au/naapolicy 

Heritage Gardens entry wall

Repairs have been made to the curved rock entry wall to Heritage Gardens Upper Coomera, which was damaged following the storm at Christmas. The work involved a check of the wall’s structural integrity, and I can confirm it continues to be fit for purpose.

Work on the wall was completed last month with a final inspection completed last week.

Pecan Drive footpath link

Officers have investigated a possible footpath link at Pecan Drive Upper Coomera, supporting a pathway from Pecan Drive to the Old Coach Road bus stop. A cut-through path is proposed which would provide safety for children, however further site inspections will be necessary.

The deliverability of the project will depend onsite constraints such as width/gradient of the verge, impact on the underground services, trees, driveways etc. As always, I’ll continue to provide updates in future newsletters.

The image shown is for illustration purposes only and does not represent the proposed location of the pathway.

Illegal advertising signage

Advertising and signs are controlled by Council’s local laws. These laws describe where advertising can be displayed and how big it can be. Most advertising must be approved before it can be displayed.

You may have noticed recent ‘roofing contractor’ advertising on many street signs throughout the north. This was investigated and the signage confiscated. If you see an advertising sign that you think is illegal, please report it to me via email or call the office.

Spring snakes

As the weather warms, snakes are often found sunning themselves around areas close to waterways, and on walking and cycle paths. I’m aware there is a large python in the Riverstone Crossing area that likes to sunbake on the bridge. If you see a snake, calmly walk away from it. More information is available at cityofgoldcoast.com.au/wildlife

Nature strip planting

Information about what’s permitted on nature strips is often sought.

To clarify, vegetation other than turf grass is not permitted without Council approval. The area must be kept accessible at all times without negatively impacting the environment and surrounding infrastructure.

I’m sure we’ve all seen instances where the “rules have been broken” – but please be mindful of potential injuries due to unapproved garden beds/boxes, or structures located without approval.

The image shown is for illustration purposes only.

Contact me

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.

It’s helpful when you to alert me to things that require attention and raise issues of interest or concern with me because sometimes it’s hard to be across what’s happening throughout the entire area.

The best community is an informed community and I want you involved in making sure our area is up to scratch for the benefit of us all. I am always available to answer any questions you have and am just an email or phone call away.

Newsletters archive

For previous editions, please contact my office.

Disclaimer

While care has been taken to ensure that information contained in this newsletter is correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances may impact on the information provided.

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