Division 4 January 2026 eNewsletter

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Division 4 Community News

Biggera Waters, Coombabah, Hollywell, Runaway Bay, Paradise Point, Sovereign Island, South Stradbroke Island

January 2026

Welcome to 2026!

The new year brings with it a palpable shift in local rhythm. With the end of the holiday period and the return to school, we're trading spontaneity for more structured commitments, and have readily adopted the daily habits and routines that will shape the year ahead.

Whilst this calm should also see a return to relative normality across our shared open spaces, it is important for me to address the mounting community unrest relating to e-bike and e-scooter misuse, highlighting an incident that occurred in Paradise Point Parklands recently, resulting in the death of one of our beloved swans.

The black swan population of Division 4 is an iconic and much-loved feature of our local identity. The loss of one of these animals under these circumstances is deeply distressing and has been felt heavily by many residents, many of whom have made the effort to contact me directly to express frustration, and to demand action.

Firstly, it is important for me to highlight that local Council's do not have the powers or authority to regulate the use of of mobility devices, including bikes and scooters (or their e-variants). These regulatory authorities sit within legislation and are managed by the State Government. However, as a key stakeholder, we do work closely with the responsible State departments, and as your Councillor, I liaise regularly with our local State members, sharing information and concerns.

As many of you will already be aware, the State Government has held a Parliamentary Inquiry into E-scooter and E-bike Safety, focusing on:

• benefits of e-mobility devices
• safety risks
• current rules and how they compare with other jurisdictions
• enforcement approaches
• importation laws
• lithium-ion battery fire risks
• communication and education
• stakeholder views

Findings from that inquiry are due to Parliament in the next couple of months and legislative and regulatory change is imminent.

Whilst Council isn't the responsible authority for this issue, we are always exploring ways to improve public education, protect our wildlife, and ensure residents feel safe to enjoy our parks and open spaces. These measures include management of our City's CCTV network, which aims to monitor community safety in public areas. I can confirm that there is a mobile CCTV asset was in proximity to the recent incident, and footage has been quarantined for use by the appropriate authorities if required.

I would like to publicly acknowledge the local residents that provided first aid at the scene, and the Wildcare volunteer who attended and transferred the swan for vetenary assessment. Whilst the outcome wasn't favorable, your response exemplifies the very best of out communities spirit.

Ray Street boat ramp carpark upgrade

Access to the waterways is an important lifestyle enabler for many of our residents. With local boat registrations growing at twice the Statewide average, an increasing demand places significant pressure on existing failities, and we are working to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with community needs

In April we are commencing upgrades to the Ray Street, Runaway Bay boat ramp carpark, increasing and reconfiguring existing trailer bays from 13 to 19 and improving manoeuvrability through Ray Street.

Key changes:

New parking bays are slightly longer to comply with current standards and to improve manoeuvrability/access
1 trailer bay has been removed from the eastern end, improving pedestrian thoroughfare
Yellow, no stopping lines have been added to ensure cars with trailers can safely access bays
6-7 low shade trees will be replaced with a more beneficial species to provide greater natural shading for the park. Extra screening trees will be placed on the western end of Ryder Park to serve a as a buffer for nearby residents
Improved lighting to enhance security and facilitate more effective surveillance measures
Road resurfacing
Furniture upgrades

There will be some restrictions to the boat ramp during construction. For further details on this important project, please contact my office division4@goldcoast.qld.gov.au or phone 07 5581 1680.

Have your say - City Budget

The City Budget is our yearly plan for how we invest money on services, projects and infrastructure. The 2026-27 Budget is developed in alignment with the Council Plan 2022-2027, our Annual Plan and Long-Term Financial Plan.

The City Budget helps to deliver reliable, value-for-money services and funds projects that improve transport, build community spaces, and protect our lifestyle.

Now is your chance to tell us what matters most to you - your feedback will be used to guide future planning and investment.

Have your say at gchaveyoursay.com.au/citybudget2026-27 between 27 January to 16 February 2026.

Australian Child & Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing

Kids’ mental health matters. That’s why I’m sharing details on an important national survey of child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing.

Young Minds: Our Future (#YMOF) will be interviewing parents in our area and inviting adolescents to complete a tablet survey. This research is funded by the Australian Government and conducted by leading universities. If your household is invited, make your voice count.

Learn more at www.ymof.org.au or watch this short video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3hVYQfPFJo #YMOF #YoungMinds.

Sunday Sounds returns

There's no doubt that the community love our Sunday Sounds event at Paradise Point Parklands.

If you haven't already marked your calendars with the following dates and excellent entertainment line-ups, then make sure you do so now.

From 2pm - 5pm

1 Feb - Tribute to Country Divas
1 Mar - Classic Blues / Rock with The Bounty Hunters

From 1pm - 4pm

5 Apr - Floorburners Flashback "1999" Dance Party
10 May - Swinging in Paradise from Sinatra to Buble
7 Jun - Issi Dye "Rock & Roll Revival"

Movies Under the Stars

📅 Saturday 21 February, 5pm kids activations, 7pm movie

📌 The Esplanade, Paradise Point Parklands

Back by popular demand, the Movies Under the Stars program presents A Minecraft Movie.

Activations to keep the kids entertained commence from 5pm, with the movie starting at 7pm. Bring your own picnic, or take your pick from the extensive range of food offerings along The Esplanade.

Mobile office dates for 2026

I really value the opportunity to hear directly from residents about their lived experiences in Division 4, helping me to make decisions that take into account community feedback.

My mobile office dates for the remainder of the 2025-26 financial year are as follows:

📅 Runaway Bay Centre, Lae Drive, Runaway Bay 9am - 11am on 12 Feb, 16 Apr, 18 Jun

📅 Metro Market Hollywell Road, Biggera Waters 9am - 11am on 26 Mar, 28 May.

Please check my Facebook or call my office the week prior to my mobile offices, as sometimes unexpected Councillor commitments are dropped into my diary.

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