Service levels you expect

Council has been through a period of slight upheaval in recent weeks, noting the resignation of the CEO (effective December) and the need for Council to appoint an Acting CEO due to forthcoming absences of our CEO, Tim Baker.

Be assured of the best efforts of your councillors and that the City's Executive Leadership team will continue to function at 100% capacity during the transition to a new Chief Executive Officer.

The budget has been delivered, and the way is clear to continue delivering at the service levels you expect. Please continue to contact me for assistance with any local government issue.

Supporting a Safer Community

Council continues to work closely with Qld Police because we know the importance of feeling safe in our homes. Please continue to report directly to Police any anti-social behaviour, hooning and other offences so that action can be taken.

Your reports help with the allocation of Police resources and support the work that Council does with its CCTV investment in liaising with Police to address problem locations.

Councillors each have access to four mobile CCTV cameras within their Divisions and the City has two mobile cameras that can also be allocated as required.

Please report incidents through the appropriate channels:

• 000 – Life-threatening emergencies or urgent matters
• Policelink: 131 444 or 13 HOON – For non-urgent matters, or report online through Policelink
• Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 – To provide information anonymously

Every report helps build a clearer picture of local issues and will contribute to a safer community for us all.

Diamond Sands fencing

Unfortunately, fencing of the leash-free area for dogs at Diamond Sands Reserve has hit a hurdle. Existing vegetation prevents the full enclosure of the area, with several gaps where dogs could potentially leave the designated space. There is also a significant gap in the vegetation at the north-eastern end of the Reserve where dogs could exit the area and a similar issue at the southern end.

Due to these constraints, it is impossible to fence the entire area, and the project will not proceed. I’m sorry to disappoint anyone waiting for this to occur. A reminder, however, that your dog must always be under effective control when off leash. It’s impossible now for me to let my 17-year-old dog Yogi off leash – who’s deaf and can no longer respond to commands.

Hotham Creek Stabilisation Project

The Hotham Creek Stabilisation Project is continuing to progress through the investigation and concept design phase, with a comprehensive range of technical studies currently underway.

These investigations include geotechnical, geomorphic, hydraulic and environmental assessments to better understand creek conditions, identify erosion risks and evaluate potential stabilisation options.

As part of this work, detailed hydrological modelling is also being undertaken, alongside assessments of approval requirements and potential construction methodologies.

These studies will help inform the most appropriate and sustainable approach to protecting and stabilising the creek corridor.

Kondalilla/Old Coach intersection

I recently presented a petition to Council on behalf of residents concerned about the installation of a centre median on Old Coach Road, which restricted motorists to left-in and left-out movements only. The change occurred through an officer-driven amendment to a Condition of Approval associated with a development application and was implemented without my knowledge.

Following presentation of the petition, the matter was considered by Council’s Transport and Infrastructure Committee, where recommendations were endorsed to investigate five potential options for the intersection. These assessments will help determine the most appropriate long-term solution, balancing safety, traffic efficiency and community expectations.

I understand the frustration many residents have experienced and appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share their concerns and feedback. This is an important issue for our community, and I remain committed to ensuring residents’ voices continue to be heard throughout the process.

Be assured I will keep everyone posted as the most appropriate solution is considered.

Willow Vale

A development application for land at Rosemount Drive, Willow Vale has now been lodged with the City. At the time of writing, I am yet to review the application in detail, however, Council officers have confirmed that it has been submitted in line with the lot sizes I previously advised residents about at the Willow Vale Neighbourhood Watch meeting.

These proposed lot sizes do not reflect the views expressed by many residents during that meeting or throughout the community consultation process. The application includes a range of lot sizes, with some lots as small as 85 m², as previously indicated.

Please be assured that the proposal will undergo a comprehensive assessment process. Residents will also have the opportunity to make submissions either in support of or in opposition to the development should the application proceed to public notification.

I understand the significant community interest in this matter and will continue to keep Willow Vale residents informed as further information becomes available.

Street tree maintenance

I continue to receive requests from residents regarding street trees that may be impacting visibility for motorists and pedestrians or reducing safe clearance for high-sided vehicles such as school buses and service trucks. Council officers will conduct an inspection of Coomera Springs Boulevard and arrange any necessary pruning to ensure clear sightlines to traffic signs, pedestrians, cyclists and approaching vehicles, while also maintaining appropriate clearance for larger vehicles travelling through the area.

Maintaining safe and accessible streets is important, and proactive tree management plays a key role in achieving this balance while preserving the benefits of our urban canopy. If you are aware of a street tree that may require pruning or maintenance, please feel free to contact my office by email with the location details so the matter can be investigated.

Colman Boat Ramp

Concerns have been raised regarding visibility at the Coomera Boat Ramp, particularly for drivers using the facility after dark. In response, raised reflective pavement markers will be installed in the coming weeks to improve safety and navigation.

These markers are highly effective in clearly defining the ramp edges and centreline, even when the surface is wet or partially submerged. By providing enhanced visual guidance, they will assist boat users when reversing trailers into the water during low-light conditions, helping to improve both safety and ease of access at this popular community facility.

Wongawallan Neighbourhood Watch

Neighbourhood Watch groups continue to play an important role in our community, creating a direct and proactive link between residents and the Queensland Police Service. I’m pleased to see a new Neighbourhood Watch group established in Wongawallan and encourage local residents to get involved.

Now more than ever, it is important that we look out for one another and report suspicious activity. Neighbourhood Watch members act as additional “eyes and ears” within the community, helping to deter crime, improve neighbourhood safety and strengthen community connections.

The new Wongawallan group will work closely with Coomera Police, providing a valuable channel for sharing local information and identifying emerging issues that may require attention.

If you would like to support local safety initiatives or learn more about getting involved, visit Community Safety. You can also find active groups near you through nhwq.org.

Your support matters

Thank you for your continued support and interest in our community. If there is a matter of interest or concern you would like to discuss, please contact my office on 07 5581 6598 or email division3@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.

Urgent after-hours matters can be reported to Council on 1300 465 326 or directly to me on 0424 778 999. Unless otherwise engaged, I will always do my best to answer and assist.

Thank you for helping me stay connected to the issues that matter most to our community. Your support and engagement are greatly appreciated and help ensure Division 3 remains a wonderful place to call home.

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.