Adopted budget

Council handed down the 2026–27 City Budget today. This year’s budget deliberations have been the most difficult I’ve experienced since entering local government. The decisions made have required a careful balance between maintaining essential frontline services and continuing to deliver the key capital infrastructure projects that are so necessary for our growing population.

Importantly, Council has retained the 10 per cent early payment discount and has also kept rates at 4.7 per cent, in line with the commitment to keep rates at or below CPI. This was an important decision at a time when worldwide events are impacting our daily living expenses, property valuations have soared and supply chain costs continue to impact projects.

There are increases in the Separate Charges and a new State Emergency Services charge to ensure that the facilities so necessary in times of emergency are fit for purpose. For the first time ever, there will be a $5 gate fee for disposal of goods at the tips/transfer stations. Recycling waste and green waste will remain free of charge. Your rates notice will also be impacted by the State Government’s property revaluation which this year saw significant increases to property values. Council averages those increases over a three-year period in the hope of minimising the impact.

Critical balancing act

Cost of living pressures were paramount in discussions and, of course, the need to deliver a sustainable budget. The most vulnerable members of our community were front of mind in every decision.

Increased supply chain costs have significantly impacted on infrastructure projects citywide, along with staffing and contractor increases, making this a critical balancing act between delivering vital community amenities and keeping charges as affordable as possible for ratepayers.

I would like to sincerely thank those who provided feedback to me and assure you that the issues raised will continue to receive my attention in shaping future improvements.

Coomera Valley Rural Fire Brigade Open Day

The Coomera Valley Rural Fire Brigade Open Day is Sunday 26 July from 9am–1pm. The event will feature food and coffee vans, as well as a display of fire trucks and Rural Fire Services support capabilities. Other emergency services will also be showcased, along with local community groups.

My office is assisting with the provision of free trees on the day. We have also approached the Active Travel, Disaster Management, and Pet Smart teams in the hope they can attend. We’ll keep you posted in advance, however, make a note of this family-friendly day and keep an eye out for further updates here. 

My Neighbourhood

Discover what's happening in and around your neighbourhood. Find everything from events and Active & Healthy activities, to local parks, Council projects, venues and facilities. You can also look up your waste collection day.

Coomera Sports Park upgrade

I’ve previously advised that fill was being deposited on the site of the Magpie's second proposed field at Coomera Sports Park. Construction is now about to commence for the delivery of a second full-size AFL field adjacent to the existing oval.

The project will include LED lighting, increased car parking and improved access for both pedestrians and vehicles, together with a new public amenities building and improved landscaping and upgraded drainage.

Work will generally occur between 6.30am and 6.30pm Monday to Friday. Every effort will be made to minimise disruption, however, you may experience changes to traffic conditions, temporary road closures and a loss of parking in some areas.

Your patience in relation to noise, dust and vibration will be greatly appreciated. By the end of next year we'll have a bumper new ground for our growing community.

Clydesdale Park

Encouraging children to spend time outdoors away from screens is something we all value. However, Council officers are continuing to repair damage at Clydesdale Park, Upper Coomera, caused by activities such as those recently observed.

The digging of holes presents a safety risk to other park users, and the construction of cubby houses is not permitted within Council parks and reserves.

We kindly ask parents and carers to guide their children towards creating and building at home, rather than on public property, to help keep our shared spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Willow Vale potential development

Following the very strong community turnout at the recent engagement sessions regarding the potential development of Willow Vale, I continue to receive a significant number of enquiries from residents wishing to stay informed.

While the site falls within the urban footprint, it is currently designated as Rural and Rural Landscape and Environment. This means there are constraints that need to be addressed in contemplating development. Residents need to be aware that anyone can make application for development at any time and it is up to the Council’s Planning Assessment Officers to conduct thorough assessments.

Any application will be Impact Assessable, meaning community submissions for or against the development will be welcome and will form part of the assessment process.

Pecan Drive footpath

A new footpath has been constructed linking Pecan Drive to the existing pathway on Old Coach Road, near the bus stop adjacent to 18 Pecan Drive. Site restoration works are now nearing completion.

Previously, school children and residents were required to travel along Old Coach Road and access their homes via Phaeton or Marsh Street.

This new connection provides a more direct and convenient route, significantly improving pedestrian safety—particularly for students travelling to and from school.

Boambillee Reserve

Council officers are currently investigating the potential existence of a re-circulation system within the Boambillee Reserve lake. It seems that before my time as your representative, the system may have been installed by the original developer but never commissioned.

A review of City records is underway. At this stage, no maintenance records relating to a pump system have been identified, suggesting that the system may not have been operational.

A functioning re-circulation system could help improve water quality and create a healthier, more stable environment for aquatic life, and I’ll keep you informed of progress.  

Image: The image provided is for illustration purposes only.

Mobile CCTV

Council continues to utilise mobile CCTV units to strengthen community safety, support local law enforcement, and protect public assets. In consultation with Qld Police, these portable units can be easily relocated to respond to specific issues or emerging hotspots.

The Safety Camera Network is transitioning from a single 12-month deployment schedule to two six-month schedules each financial year. This approach allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness as community needs and crime trends evolve.

I encourage you to continue to identify trouble spots, including the exact location and the safety concern so that I can liaise with Coomera Police. Please email or call 5581 6598.

Coomera River Foreshore Stabilisation Project

While not located directly within Division 3, Damian Leeding Memorial Park remains a well-used and valued destination for local families. Council is continuing important work along the Coomera River through the Foreshore Stabilisation Project (not to be confused with the Foreshore Estate).

Successful outcomes have been delivered at Damian Leeding Park in recent years, using innovative nature-based solutions. More than 450 metres of riverbank were stabilised, erosion was significantly reduced, and mangrove habitat increased by approximately 700 per cent. The project has required no maintenance since completion, demonstrating its long-term effectiveness.

Work is presently underway at Regatta Waters Parklands and I continue to push for stabilisation upstream at Ragamuffin Reserve where erosion issues obviously require attention. This will require additional funding which Council Officers assure me is being pursued.

Hinterland and Community Connector

Residents in Wongawallan, Willow Vale, Upper Coomera, Maudsland and Kingsholme are invited to attend the Hinterland and Community Connector Disaster Resilience Event on Saturday 21 June, 1pm–4pm at the Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre.

This informative session will focus on strengthening community preparedness for natural disasters such as bushfires and storms. The event includes a collaborative “Big Map” workshop to help identify local risks, strengths and practical strategies tailored to our area.

To register, please visit: Hinterland and Community Connector – Disaster Resilience Event | What’s On Gold Coast

Coomera Springs flashing school sign

The flashing school zone sign outside Coomera Springs State School has been faulty. The signage is maintained by the Department of Transport and Main Roads who have been alerted by my office and I’m hoping repairs will have been made by the time you read this newsletter.

Maintaining play equipment

Maintenance of the children’s swing at Clydesdale Park has been undertaken to address concerns about a build-up of grime and mildew. Clearly, it’s important to keep the play equipment as clean as possible and if you notice any play equipment that is dirty or in need of repair, please don’t hesitate to report it to division3@goldcoast.qld.gov.au so that it can be addressed promptly.

Keeping your dog’s registration up to date

Dogs are cherished members of our families, and ensuring they can be easily identified is vital if they ever become lost.

Keeping your dog’s registration details up to date greatly increases the chances of a safe and quick reunion should your pet go missing. I encourage everyone to review their information and notify Council of any changes.

Please update Council if any of the following have changed:

• Your contact details
• An alternative emergency contact
• Your dog’s residential address
• Microchip information

You should also cancel registration if your dog is no longer in your care. Remember to also update your details directly with your microchip registry.

If your dog’s tag has been lost, free replacements are available online.

Local Growth Management Strategy

The Local Growth Management Strategy outlines a 20-year vision for how the Gold Coast will grow in a responsible and sustainable way. The Strategy will be used to inform the development of the new City Plan – expected to be sent to the State Government for approval towards the end of next year.

I hope you will take the time to contribute because it’s essential that Officers and all elected representatives understand what matters most to residents. It’s important to bear in mind that Council must respond to the growth targets set by the Queensland State Government and there is no discretion in some instances regarding where growth will be accommodated.

The last attempt by Council to review the existing City Plan, with detailed targeted growth areas, which responded to community desire for larger lots and greater setbacks, was rejected by the former State Government.

Council remains the little brother of the State Government which ultimately guides how our city will manage growth into the future. To share your feedback please visit Local Growth Management Strategy.

Viney Park Sportsbox

A Sportbox locker has now been installed as a trial at Viney Park.

Sportbox is a State Government initiative, providing a self-service equipment hire system designed to make sport and recreation more accessible for everyone. Using secure smart lockers, players will be able to conveniently access a range of sporting equipment on demand. Simply borrow, play, return and repeat. Best of all, this service is completely free to use.

Following my earlier post about this initiative, some feedback raised concerns regarding the potential for vandalism. While this would be disappointing, I encourage everyone to get behind the trial to demonstrate its value and help support its long-term success as a permanent feature at the park.

Image: Sportsbox Equipped by ©Decathlon

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-hours matters to Council on 1300 465 326 or directly to be via mobile 0424 778 999. I’ll always answer unless otherwise engaged.

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.