Thank you

First and foremost, my very best wishes to residents of Division 3 for a healthy, happy and safe festive season. It’s hard to believe that Christmas is fast approaching – time to decorate the tree, buy the gifts and spread some Christmas cheer amongst family and friends.

I love Christmas and once again have to admit to jumping the gun and putting my tree up during November - too excited to wait for 1 December! I’ve provided Christmas Carol and New Years Eve event information below.

Personally, thank you for your ongoing support and for highlighting the issues that are important to you which helps me to plan for our area. Thanks also to those of you who continue to be “my eyes”, keeping me informed of things that may require the attention of Council officers.

Aside from the obvious joy of Christmas, we are definitely in testing times with cost-of-living pressures and interest rates on hold, and the forthcoming City budget will require a focus on providing quality services at a cost affordable for ratepayers. Be assured of my best efforts to highlight the funding necessary for important projects within the Division.

Amity Road traffic signals

Last month I requested a review of Amity Road traffic signal operation in relating to signal timing. The times allocated to the vehicle detectors on the Foxwell Road lanes have been adjusted to provide a longer period to detect another vehicle and hold the light green after the previous vehicle has passed, before switching to the Amity Road signal phase.

It was agreed the detection period was too short to accommodate the gaps in the Foxwell Road traffic. A green light will now display for a longer time in both directions ensuring more reliable green time for motorists travelling through the intersection on Foxwell Road without causing significant delays to traffic wishing to exit from Amity Road. I hope this proves a noticeable improvement.

St Joseph’s College bus indent bay

Back in November 2024 I met onsite with officers at St Joseph’s College regarding safety concerns at the two adjacent roundabouts and problems with bus movements into and from the school bays. A preliminary investigation was undertaken into installing a bus indent bay at the front of the school outside the school car park.

The originally proposed Kerkin Road South location was rejected due to many constraints. Installation was programmed to start mid-2026, however, I can confirm construction has been brought forward and will now commence in the first week of the school holidays (weather permitting). As you’re reading this, the machinery is being prepped to be onsite.

Coomera Sports Park

Construction of a new AFL field at the Coomera Sport Park is scheduled for 2026 identified as a priority project as part of the Sports Field Acceleration Program. Work to clear the existing vegetation on site is now well underway. This project will include the expansion of the site for an additional AFL field, a new carpark, lighting, footpaths and amenities block, with completion expected early 2027.

O’Reilly Park dog area

Construction is underway at O’Reilly Park (also known as Levi Park) to install the fenced off leash dog area. Also included is installation of a dog waste bin at the gate entrance and two seats. Tree stock is still in short supply but will be planted next to the seats once available.

Off leash area rules

Dogs must be on leash at all times unless in a signed designated off leash area. For dog owners, the dog must have a registered tag, be under the immediate supervision of a person 17 years or older and be under voice control. Even when off leash it is a requirement that a dog remains under the “effective control” of its master.

If you cannot control your dog, the dog must remain leashed. For further information visit Off leash area rules.

Water bubbler fixed

Maintenance crews have repaired the water bubbler within Picnic Creek Reserve. The unit had not been working for some time however, it was a quick fix thanks to the resident who raised this issue with me.

I’m always grateful for feedback and hope that you will continue to contact me via 07 5581 6598 or email so that I can action any requests.

Cycle and pedestrian pathway project

The Highland Reserve State School cycle and pedestrian pathway project was completed last month. It’s great to see the new shared path, on the south-western side of Highland Way between The Well and Stephens Street being used to improve connectivity and promote active transport. These projects aim to provide safer, more accessible routes for pedestrians, cyclists, and other users.

Picnic Creek State School disable parking

As an alert to parents, a request for regular inspections of the Picnic Creek School carpark has been received, in the hope that the Disabled Parking Bay is used as intended. A couple of warning notices have issued and one penalty infringement notice where no permit was displayed. To use marked spaces, a valid Australian or red disability parking permit must be clearly displayed with the permit number and expiry date visible from outside the vehicle. Visit the Accessible Parking page for further information.

Image displayed is an example of an disabled parking bay

Gold Coast sporting clubs funding

$27.5 million is available to clubs across Southeast Queensland impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The Recreation Recovery Grants (also known as the Sport and Recreational Community Facilities Recovery Program) is jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The funding supports the repair or replacement of equipment and infrastructure such as canteens, amenities, playing courts, fences, lights, racetracks, electrical equipment, synthetic pitches, shade sails and carparks. The program is now open for applications and will close on 6 February 2026. For the program guidelines, or to apply, please visit Recovery Grants. 

Are you storm ready

With Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred still firmly in our minds, please remember to get ready for the storm season, which seems to have kicked in a little early this year.

We urge residents to put together an emergency kit for use should an unexpected storm strike. Make sure you have bottled water and tinned food, torch and batteries, phone charger and a first aid kit.

Council has available waterproof document holders, important for storing legal documents, and which can be collected from Customer Service at Upper Coomera Centre.

Christmas and New Years Eve events

Christmas in Highland Reserve

When: Saturday 6 December
Time: 4:30pm - 8pm
Where: Highland Reserve

Join us for the Highland Reserve carols hosted by Crosslife Church. From 4:30 there will be a variety of family friendly activities including a visit from Santa. Food options available on site include a low cost sausage sizzle as well as food trucks, coffee and ice creams. So come along, bring your picnic blanket, nibblies, chairs and enjoy a great time at Christmas in Highland Reserve.

Christmas in Coomera

When: Saturday 20 December
Time: from 2pm
Where: Coomera Sport Park

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… in Coomera! Discover a tasty line-up of food trucks to satisfy your tastebuds and stock up on some last-minute goodies from our market stalls. FREE family fun. For further detail visit Christmas in Coomera. We’ve been washed out a couple of years in a row and this year a new event is planned that can be moved to another date if the weather is inclement.

New Year’s Eve Coomera

Farewell 2025 with an evening of music, food trucks and fireworks. Gather your friends, round up the family, and head to Coomera Sports Park for an evening of fun, food and festivities.

Visit New Years Eve Coomera for full details.

School holidays activities

Keep the kids busy and engaged during the Christmas holidays with these local activities on offer – Please visit the Division 3 NaturallyGC Calendar for more information.

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 urgent after-hour matters to Council on 1300 465 326.

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

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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