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Welcome to May
Hi folks,
I hope this newsletter finds you well and that, despite the recent wet weather and some very localised flooding, you are all staying safe, happy, and healthy.
It has been a very busy month in Division 12, with light rail testing now underway. With testing increasing in frequency, you’ve no doubt seen a number of trams travelling up and down the Gold Coast Highway. Testing will continue throughout this month and into next as drivers are trained and systems are checked to ensure everything is ready for passenger services to commence. At this stage, I am still being advised that the first passenger trams are expected in late July or early August.
There has also been significant discussion in the media regarding Hedges Avenue. I’m pleased to advise that Hedges Avenue will undergo a full road resurfacing, along with upgrades and replacement of underground services and piping. While these works will take longer than a standard resurfacing project, completing the underground upgrades now will avoid the need to dig up the road again in the future. Works are expected to commence in the coming months, with a number of traffic and pathway mitigation strategies also being trialled in the area.
Importantly, these works are not a substitute for, or replacement of, the Oceanway project. Some residents may have noticed surveyors in the dunes assessing the area, along with inspections of certified rock walls in front of a number of properties along this stretch. Work is continuing in this area, and I will of course keep you updated as more information regarding the Oceanway becomes available.
And, it was a pleasure to host our very first Mother’s Day Picnic in the Park at Deodar Park in Burleigh Waters on Sunday 10 May. The day was all about celebrating mums, with many enjoying the chance to relax with complimentary pamper sessions and live music on stage. Meanwhile, dads were kept busy escorting the kids around to make the most of the free face painting, jumping castles, craft station and more! Take a look at the social video here, plus a selection of images from the day are below.
Nick
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Sunset Sounds
Join me for the return of our Sunset Sounds series for the year. Come enjoy live music by the beach at two beautiful locations in our Division.
🎵 Sunday 21 June – Don MacSween Park, Miami – 3pm-7pm
🎵 Sunday 5 July – Ken Mansbridge Park, Mermaid Beach – 3pm-7pm
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Making our beaches more accessible
One of my election commitments was to make our beautiful beaches more accessible for everyone. That’s why I’m proud to support the rollout of beach wheelchairs, helping people who use mobility aids enjoy the sand and surf with greater ease.
These wheelchairs are stored in secure metal beach boxes and allow users to travel across the sand and safely access the water.
I’m pleased to share that installation of the new beach wheelchair box at Miami Surf Life Saving Club is almost complete, with signage to be installed shortly. This is an important step towards ensuring everyone can enjoy our coastline.
👉 Click here to find out more about beach wheelchairs and beach matting.
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Abandoned cars
Recently I explained what Council can and can’t do about abandoned vehicles.
Council investigate reports of abandoned vehicles under the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995 and local laws.
Currently, if a vehicle is:
✔️ Parked legally
✔️ Registered
Then the vehicle is allowed to stay parked where it is, unless:
❌ It is parked within a time restriction zone, then a fine can be issued
❌ If the vehicle is no longer registered, it could potentially be towed away
You can check a vehicle’s registrations status by using the free online registration search.
👉Click here to report an abandoned vehicle.
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Your experience of accessibility in community places and spaces
The City is seeking feedback on access to our sport and aquatic centres, community centres and outdoor spaces to understand how we can make these places more accessible and inclusive for people with a disability.
The City is committed to making the Gold Coast more accessible and inclusive so everyone can use and participate in our sporting venues, aquatic centres, community centres, parks, sport parks, waterways and beaches. 🏊♂️🏖️🌲
This survey will help us to understand accessibility in these places, including what’s working well and where improvements are needed.
Complete the survey for a chance to win one of 2 $250 gift vouchers (terms and conditions apply).
👉 Click here to take the survey.
📅The survey is open until 2 June.
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Disaster Preparedness 2026
The Gold Coast is known for its beautiful weather, but we can also experience unpredictable storms and natural disasters. 🌀
The best way to stay safe is to be prepared.
The City's Get Ready program works year-round to help residents prepare for severe weather and emergency events - and now we’re asking for your feedback.
⛈️ Your input will help us understand how prepared our community is and guide improvements to support residents ahead of the next storm season.
👉 Click here to have your say and go into the draw to win 1 of 2 $250 Eftpos cards (terms and conditions apply)
📅The survey is open until 8 June.
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Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS)
The Gold Coast population is predicted to reach one million people by 2046. To accommodate this growth, the City of Gold Coast is planning for 388,300 more people, 173,800 more jobs and 185,000 more homes.
We’re finalising the LGMS which informs the development of the new Planning Scheme. Your feedback has helped shape the LGMS, which is a long-term, evidence-based guide to help us plan for housing, jobs, transport, infrastructure, and environmental resilience - ensuring we meet future growth challenges and opportunities.
On 10 March Council gave in-principle support for the LGMS, and endorsed the 9 Directions for Growth that underpin it. Community engagement is continuing throughout 2026 to share details of the LGMS and how we are planning for growth in the long term, including preparing the new Planning Scheme.
👉 Let us know your thoughts and help us refine the LGMS and share your feedback. Complete the survey now and go into the draw to win one of five $100 gift vouchers (terms and conditions apply).
📅 The survey is open until 31 July.
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Update your dog's details
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Dogs are part of the family. Most family members have ID - and your beloved dog should have ID too. 🐕🦺
If your contact details have changed, please let us know. Increase the chance of being reunited with your pet in case they are found wandering or lost by keeping your dog's registration details up to date.
👉Click here to update your details.
Have you lost your dog’s registration tag? Free replacement tags are available.
👉 Click here to order a replacement tag.
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Dog park etiquette
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You may have noticed dog etiquette signs popping up recently at our fenced off-leash dog exercise areas – helping you better understand pet behaviour.
Not all dogs are social. Some just prefer a few good friends instead. Always watch your dog to make sure they are enjoying their time in the park.
Signs have gone up at:
🐕 Deodar Park
🐕 Pizzey Park
🐕 Ernie Tebb
🐕 Goding Park
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An update from our Waste and Recycling Centres
From 1 July 2026, a $5 gate fee will apply for residents when disposing general landfill waste at Gold Coast Waste and Recycling Centres. 🗑️
🌳The good news is, recycling and green organics will continue to be accepted free of charge.
This user-pays system aims to provide a fairer, more sustainable way to manage our landfill waste.
The Queensland Government charges a Waste Disposal Levy for every tonne of waste sent to landfill. Until now, the City of Gold Coast has covered this cost for residents, but the rising Levy charges and rising waste and landfill expenses mean this is no longer sustainable.
The $5 gate fee helps ensure that people who use additional landfill services at WRCs, contribute to the cost of managing them.
A reminder that cash is not accepted at our Waste and Recycling Centres. However, Tap and Pay options will be available.
👉 For more information or to read the FAQs, visit our City’s dedicated gate fee webpage.
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Naturally Gold Coast Festival at Broadbeach Cultural Centre
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A free, family friendly celebration of our region’s environment and rich biodiversity.
Immerse yourself in hands on wildlife experiences, creative nature themed art activities, live music, and opportunities to connect with local conservation organisations.
Highlights:
🎨 Kids’ activities including art and craft, ochre painting, and wildlife face painting
🐦Meet native animals up close-snakes, bugs, birds and possums
🙋Learn about volunteer opportunities with local Landcare and conservation groups.
🌳Purchase native plant sales
📍Broadbeach Cultural Centre, 61 Sunshine Blvd, Mermaid Waters
📅 Saturday, 27 June, 9am-2pm
🎟️Registration is required for every person attending. Click here to register online and to find out more about the festival. *Event registrations will be live Friday 22 May at 8am*
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Domestic and Family Violence Prevention month
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May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month.
This year’s theme is Together Queenslanders can prevent domestic and family violence.
Take positive action today to build a safer Gold Coast. There’s a role for everyone in the prevention of domestic and family violence to ensure a safer future for all. You can help make a difference.
Click here for more information, ways to get involved and support.
Support
📞DVConnect Womensline - 1800 811 811
📞DVConnect Mensline - 1800 600 636
📞Domestic Violence Prevention Centre Gold Coast – 07 5532 9000
📞In an emergency call Triple Zero (000) or for non-urgent matters, call Policelink (131 444).
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Meet an author at Broadbeach Library
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Gold Coast Libraries host a variety of authors each month as they promote their latest books. Come along to hear great conversations, get a new reading recommendation and meet an author in person.
In June, the Broadbeach Library will be hosting:
📖 Dr. Anita Heiss ‘The Paradise Pact’ on Friday 26 June – book your free ticket here
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Free Movie Night Under the Stars
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Mermaid Beach A.E.M.E. SLSC is hosting a free movie night in the park opposite the club. Bring a picnic blanket or a chair and settle in for a relaxed, family friendly afternoon, with the ocean as the backdrop - how perfect is that?! 🌊📽️
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Historical corner - Ernie Tebb Park
Ernie Tebb Park on Mountain View Avenue in Miami was named in recognition of the personal contribution made by Ernie Tebb to the beautification of parks and gardens within the city. When the park was named in 1977, Ernie Tebb was the Deputy Parks Superintendent with Gold Coast City Council, having joined the Parks' staff in 1954. He was the 7th member of the section, and back then, there were only three lawn mowers and one truck, with a large amount of the grass-cutting done with the use of scythes. Ernie was a returned soldier who served with the 6th Division in New Guinea during World War II.
Ernie Tebb was involved in developing many of the city's parks including The Cascades, ANZAC Park, Memorial Park, Macintosh Park and Greenmount Waterfall. His love of the use of large rocks is evident by their existence in most park developments within the city at that time.
📸 Aerial view overlooking the undeveloped Christine and Mountain View Avenues in 1970. Image credit: Gold Coast Libraries Local Studies Collection
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