8 weeks and counting

I’m not sure where the year has gone. The school end of year celebrations are about to get underway, and Christmas is only 8 weeks away with many of us looking forward to quality time with our family and friends.

We will be supporting events including Christmas at Highland Reserve and Carols at Commera. The City is also providing a New Year’s Eve celebration at Viney Park, Coomera. I look forward to again celebrating with you all. Event details including links will be available in my December newsletter. 

Coomera Civic Hub update

Design work on the Coomera Civic Hub is now underway. This will be Council’s largest ever investment in community infrastructure (at around a breathtaking $100 million).

The Coomera Civic Hub will be located on the vacant land fronting Foxwell Road, adjacent to Coomera Westfield and will be a one-stop-shop with integrated facilities all under one roof, including a state-of-the-art library, multipurpose community and civic spaces, auditorium, youth hub, customer service centre, councillor’s office, and a co-working space for community organisations.

This will be a major investment for the northern Gold Coast growth corridor to accommodate future growth. Construction is planned to begin in mid-2024 subject to design finalisation and approvals. I’ll continue to keep you updated.

It's time to get ready

With another storm and bushfire season underway, I wanted to share these handy tips and resources to help safeguard you, your family, pets, and property in the event of a natural disaster or emergency event. Check out our 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

Catalina Park Flying Fox Roost Management Plan

Flying foxes continue to establish their seasonal roosts in trees around Catalina Park, Upper Coomera, causing a nuisance for residents. Issues arise when more flying-foxes move into the roost site which can then spill over to more trees throughout Yaun Creek Park and Rivermeasdows Park.

Catalina Park Body Corporate will plan for vegetation removal to reduce the flying fox proximity to residents while Council is completing a brief to engage an expert consultant to complete a Flying Fox Roost Management Plan for Catalina Park.

One option being considered is to install a Canopy Sprinkler System which can only be installed outside of the breeding session, usually in cooler months. I’ll continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

Upper Coomera parking

I’ve received several complaints alleging that when vehicles are parked on corners of Zac Street and Melissa Street Upper Coomera, it is difficult to safely get through and that the issue is worse at school pick up and drop off. Investigations found that Zac Street and surrounding streets are typically 7.5m wide with no centreline marking which allows for vehicles to park on both sides of the road while maintaining a single lane traffic flow.

It is appreciated, that at times, motorists may be required to pull over to allow oncoming traffic to pass, however, this is not considered to be undesirable in local streets and encourages a low-speed environment.

In this instance, the removal of on-street parking by installing yellow lines to help vehicles navigate the streets would result in the loss of valuable public car spaces. Furthermore, the presence of vehicles parked on-street promotes a low-speed traffic environment which improves safety for all road users.

Under the current Queensland Road Rules vehicles are prohibited from parking on a verge, footpath, or nature strip. Four wheels must be on the roadway and vehicles are required to provide a minimum 3m travel lane to the opposite kerb, centreline marking, raised median or parked car. In addition, vehicles are prohibited from parking within 10m of an unsignalised intersection.  

☞Image shown for illustration purpose only and does not represent Zac Street or Melissa Street, Upper Coomera.

Freestone Park playground

Earlier this year a request to upgrade the playground at Freestone Park Upper Coomera was received. Officers investigated and provided a cost estimate of $120,000 to provide a slide module with climbing activities, swings, spinners and a shade structure.

There is currently a playground located at Duce Court approximately 200m from Freestone Park that is due for a full upgrade in the 23/24 financial year and due to that pending upgrade, I’ll wait until the next financial year to review Freestone. Options such as a climbing frame or similar as well as a shade sail option will be considered.

☞Image shown for illustration purpose only

Freestone Park drainage area

A large tree fallen into the Freestone Drive Park drainage area behind 15 Freestone Drive, has now been removed. Officers confirm that the drainage area is clear and working as intended. I can confirm a family of ducks is very happy with the work done.

Riverstone Crossing tree planting

Tree planting in front of the recently installed security fence at Maudsland is now complete. Unfortunately, only 4 trees could be planted.

Trees cannot be installed along the rest of the fenceline due to several factors including the presence of an underground power cable, clear sight line requirements for the pedestrian crossing area, and clear sight line requirements for maintenance vehicle entry and exit points.

…..more at Riverstone Crossing

In August I raised a request to investigate water pooling between the road and the Riverhouse at Riverstone Crossing. The urban sensitive designed area was not only holding water but also grass clipping after mowing creating a bog within the drain area.

At the time of writing this newsletter plans are in place to install drainage at the cross over locations to allow stormwater to drain as intended. If not already actioned I expect works to be completed by end of month.

Dog drinking bowl update

As mentioned in my October newsletter regarding a request raised to retrofit a tap and dog drinking bowl to the bubbler in Picnic Creek Reserve, Coomera. An estimate to fit a dog bowl on the southern drinking fountain opposite Peregrine Crescent was recommended to me.

I’ve now approved funds to proceed with the installation. I’ve not been provided with details on when the works will start however can confirm it will be done this side of Christmas.

Dangerous building works & dilapidated structures

All buildings and structures must be maintained to prevent degradation, reduce the risk of collapse, and provide adequate safety. The owner of the building or structure is responsible for maintenance.

If you are concerned about general maintenance or minor issues, please contact me providing as much information as possible including location and type of structure.

If your concern is in relation to a building site or asbestos, visit the Workplace Health Safety Queensland website or call them on 1300 362 128 for more information or to lodge a complaint.

If your concern is in relation to a dividing fence, please visit the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT) website or call them on 1300 753 228 for more information or to lodge a complaint.

Please report the problem to me if you believe a building or structure (other than a dividing fence or asbestos) is:

• dangerous and a risk to public safety
• dilapidated (in a state of disrepair or ruin)

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 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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