Sorry to be late with this newsletter, but I think Ex Tropical Cyclone Alfred caused its fair share of grief to us all.

I’m aware of the power outages which have affected so many residents and want to say a huge thank you for totally understanding the huge job at hand, stretching from Gympie in the north to Lismore in the south. That, of course, necessitated Energex crews working across the entire south east region, not just focussing on our city.

I believe it was the largest power outage in Queensland’s history and today as I write this newsletter, we are at 41,000 dwellings without power, down from 145,000 on the Gold Coast and 330,000 plus in SEQ.

Recovery

We are now focussed on recovery and getting the message out that the city will be in good shape ahead of the Easter holidays.

For those who suffered through the 2023 storm I can confirm the damage is not as bad – but the beaches and beachside infrastructure has on this occasion taken a real hit. The Mayor has overseen the booking of infrastructure to ensure that every beach is safely accessible by Easter and we will continue working with you to ensure a bright future ahead for our little piece of paradise.

Community safety is Council’s number one priority and we remain so relieved that no one suffered serious injuring during the event. Officers are monitoring water quality with no issues reported as I write this newsletter. Crews are busy removing fallen trees and debris, while evaluating erosion and vegetation loss. Council’s Infrastructure Branch is restoring roads and water and wastewater infrastructure damaged by the cyclone as quickly as possible.

You are also helping me by reporting any issues. Please continue to contact my office at division3@goldcoast.qld.gov.au should you need support or assistance, or my mobile 0424 778 999.

Operation clean up

We are back into another “Operation Cleanup” and details will continue to be updated.

Seven waste and recycling stations are now open and the Reedy Creek and Stapylton landfills are also open for business. Green organics Drop and Go is available both at Pimpama Green Organics Drop and Go and the Ormeau Sports Park - 22 Upper Ormeau Road, Kingsholme.

FLEXiSKiP bags are also available for larger items.

Financial and hardship assistance

If you've been affected and need financial support, help is available. Here are key resources offering disaster recovery assistance:

• QLD Government Disaster Support and Recovery
• Australian Government Services Australia Natural Disaster Support
• QLD Government Sport and Recreation Disaster Recovery Program

Representatives from Disaster Recovery are available for assistance at Upper Coomera Centre from 8am until 4pm.

Mosquitoes

Mosquito control is important following weather events with high rainfall. Most mosquito breeding occurs in saltmarsh, with additional breeding taking place in freshwater after periods of high rainfall.

When high tides exceed about 1.6 metres at the Gold Coast Seaway, our tidal marshes are flooded, triggering mosquito breeding. High rainfall events can also cause flooding of saltmarshes, which happens with regular flooding by the tides.

If you do notice an issue with mosquitoes please let me know so officers can fog the area.

Make a household emergency plan

If you hadn’t prepared an emergency plan in the last couple of weeks – get one organised now.

We just don’t know when it may again be necessary so please put together an emergency kit and be ready in case of severe storm or bushfire, with essentials such as medications/first aid, legal papers, a battery-operated radio, batteries, and a torch.

Lost and found animals

Unfortunately issues with lost and found animals increase following a weather event. Council’s lost and found service helps reunite pets with their owners.

If your pet is missing search Council’s lost and found animals register. If you can't find your pet on the online register, contact the Council pound on 07 5581 7600.

You can also contact the RSPCA or the Animal Welfare League of Queensland, contact your neighbours or the local vet.

Days Road Upper Coomera

A condition assessment of Days Road has been undertaken, with a couple of sections being identified for renewal.

The first section from Coomera Grand Drive roundabout to the beginning of the Nightjar drive roundabout was completed this financial year. Section 2, from the Nightjar/Days Rd roundabout to the beginning of the Bridle Drive/Days Rd roundabout, is scheduled for resurfacing in 2025-26.

As soon as specific dates are known I’ll advise you via my Facebook page and newsletter. I must mention some isolated areas requiring asphalt patching were also identified near the Williamson Road intersection. This work is now scheduled this financial year pending the contractor’s schedule.

Water play areas

Consideration has been sought regarding a water play area at Tallowwood Park Upper Coomera. Unfortunately, this is not recommended for a local park environment.

The large upfront costs, ongoing maintenance costs and high-water consumption formed part of the response. Officers consider Water play areas are more suitable to locations like the Broadwater Parklands where supervision is also possible.

Motorbikes in parks and reserves

It is illegal to ride motorbikes or drive other vehicles in all Gold Coast parks and reserves. I often receive requests for signage but unfortunately simply erecting a ‘no motorbikes’ sign in park will not stop a rider from illegally accessing the park.

City Law officers regularly patrol parks and reserves for breaches of Local Laws in response to complaints received and in conjunction with the police as required. The difficulty for Council officers is that there is not a fleet of Council bikes and it is usual that offenders take off really quickly.

Please contact my office on 5581 6598 or by email, providing as much information as possible including location, date/time, motorbike colour/registration, and rider description.

Residential bin days and times are changing

Residential bin day collections are being changed to help reduce truck time on the road and create a more sustainable service. If you have a wheelie bin, changes will begin from 17 March 2025. Even if your day isn’t changing, your collection time may.

Below are the four ways your bin services could change:

• Time of service change only (always place your bins out the night before)
• Change to collection days
• Change to collection week for your recycling and green organics bin
• Change to both collection day and collection week

This is the first significant change to bin collection schedules in 20 years. Substantial growth and changes to the city and road networks means it’s become essential to adjust the bin collection routes and schedules.

To prepare for the change please search your address via the Find my bin day page to see if your service day and or week is changing.

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 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 is up to scratch for the benefit of us all. I am always available to answer any questions you have and I'm 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.

Privacy notice
Council of the City of Gold Coast (Council) is collecting your personal information in order to provide the services requested, perform associated Council functions and services, and to update and maintain Council's customer information records. Your subscription to these eNewsletters is voluntary. City of Gold Coast eNewsletters are distributed using Campaign Monitor, an Australian company with servers in the United States of America (USA). Information you provide when you subscribe will be transferred to Campaign Monitor's server in the USA. By subscribing, you agree to this transfer. Your information is handled in accordance with the Information Privacy Act 2009 (Qld) and may only be accessed by Councillors, Council employees and authorised contractors. Unless authorised or required by law, we will not provide your personal information to any other person or agency. For further information go to cityofgoldcoast.com.au/privacy. You can unsubscribe at any time using the link below.