Bouncing back

As we welcome in December, I’m sure we’re all looking forward to the spirit of a post-COVID Christmas. As we continue to recover from the past two years, it’s wonderful to see our city’s industry bouncing back. It’s difficult to imagine a better place to live.

This will be my last newsletter for 2022, so I wish you the happiest Christmas and good health and prosperity in 2023.

Office hours over Christmas and New Year

The Division 3 office will take a short break over the Christmas and New Year period, while essential services including waste collection and Council’s call centre will remain unchanged.

The Division 3 office is closed from Friday 23 December reopening Tuesday 3 January 2023. For emergencies, please telephone me directly on 0424 778 999.

Christmas and New Years Eve

Christmas at Highland Reserve is scheduled for Saturday 10 December from 5pm until 8pm and the Coomera Christmas Carols will be held Saturday 17 December at Coomera Sports Park from 4pm until 8pm. I look forward to seeing you celebrating with family and friends. I’m also looking forward to the New Year’s Eve event at Viney Park Coomera from 4pm with family friendly fireworks at 9pm.

Please click below for full event details:

• Christmas at Highland Reserve
• Coomera Christmas Carols
• New Years Eve

River Meadows landscape upgrade

Officers have confirmed the removal of the hedges on Hargraves Road at the entry to the River Meadows Estate. Recent consultation with residents resulted in an even 50/50 vote – half wished to retain the existing vegetation and half wished for renewal.

In considering the community responses, safety issues were raised that has resulted in Council having to act. Therefore, I have met with officers to address my concerns and those raised by residents and am confident that all issues will be resolved.

Given the mixed response, I know this will be good news for some – and perhaps a disappointment for others. Some existing large trees will be retained, and new planting will vary in size, with some mature species to lessen the initial impact. The work will begin in the first quarter of next year and I urge everyone to wait until the project is completed to see the end result – the initial tree removal will clearly be significant.

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International Sporting Organisation Attraction

Full Council has supported a massive opportunity to partner in northern Gold Coast to attract one of the world’s largest international sporting organisations to our city.

Along with associated facilities and services, the proposed project would be jointly funded and subject to conditions applied around the Investment Attraction program. This means that detailed milestones will be established in terms of capital investment and jobs – and the established milestones must be met before any funds from the Council are forthcoming.

Details remain confidential and we are competing with Melbourne and Sydney to attract this organisation – fingers crossed because it’s a game-changer for northern Gold Coast.

No fine at Christmas time

I’m sure you’d agree that a parking fine is not an ideal Christmas present to receive. Parking over driveways and on nature strips over the holiday period sees an increase in complaints to my office. Parking officers will continue to patrol over the break so it’s a timely reminder to please park legally. Don’t risk a fine at Christmas time – don’t park over yellow lines, over driveways, double park, or park on a nature strip. Visit our safe and legal parking tips.

The parking issue of four wheels being required on the road pavement is a State regulation and as a Council we are seeking discretion as a result of safety concerns in some instances. I’ll keep you posted.

Hargraves Road raised footpath

A trip hazard on the footpath at the intersection of Hargraves Road and Bambi Close, Upper Coomera was made safe with barrier mesh after it was reported to my office last month.

After inspection officers advised that a simple grind down of the path would not suffice. Removal and replacement of the section of footpath should hopefully be completed before end of year.

Speeding on our roads

Another safety reminder … with Christmas just weeks away and holidays about to start, there will be more children out and about. Please slow down especially in our local neighbourhoods and around shopping centres.

Vehicles travelling in excess of the speed limit is a common complaint received by my office. Please report speeding or driver behaviour issues directly to Policelink on 131 44 or online as Council has no jurisdiction over behavioural matters, including speedsters.

Smiley Face speed awareness devices

By now you should have seen our Drive Safe Speed Awareness ‘smiley-face’ signage which is rotated throughout the Division. The results have also shown a significant reduction in speed at the targeted locations.

The next placement of signage has been allocated for deployment between December and February 2023. In an effort to achieve the greatest possible benefit from these devices, they are rotated to trouble spots every 10 weeks.

Locations are as follows:

1. Beattie Road, Coomera (adjacent 65)
2. Riverstone Crossing, Maudsland (near bridge)
3. Ruffles Road, Willowvale (opposite 85)
4. Old Coach Road, Upper Coomera (between Denton Street & Billinghurst Crescent)
5. George Alexander Way, Coomera (opposite 160)
6. Coomera Springs Boulevard, Upper Coomera (west of Rainlily Crescent - west bound)
7. Lorenzo Drive, Coomera (opposite 55) Days Road, Upper Coomera (150m east of Capelily Street)
8. Days Road, Upper Coomera (150m east of Capelily Street)

Dual occupancy

An amendment to the Planning Regulation 2017 relating to the use of secondary dwellings was announced by the State Government in September and came into effect 26 September 2022.

The effect of the amendment is that restrictions on family accommodation no longer apply across Queensland and property owners are now able to lawfully rent out “granny flats”. Officers await further clarification in regard to existing complaints lodged with Council regarding this particular issue.

More information - Changes to secondary dwellings

Fight to stop tree vandalism

Trees are the lungs of our city and are important to our quality of life so it’s incredibly upsetting when vegetation is vandalised. There have been ongoing problems at Coomera Shores where recently planted trees and protected mangroves within Wangi Reserve have been deliberately vandalised.

Signage has been installed and officers are now conducting random patrols and will actively seek to identify the vandals responsible. It’s simply senseless destruction of habitat and we’ve had enough. I’ve now requested an estimate to replant the area with larger stock. If you witness vandalism to vegetation, please report it to me asap. 

Northern Gold Coast Bus Services – Survey work

In June this year news broke that Northern Gold Coast would receive a massive $16.4 million injection into its bus services. This came about by Council’s commitment more than a year ago to provide half funding for improved northern services, with an assurance the Government would match that funding.

It took some time, but we got there and after years of lobbying, we are elated with the outcome for northern Gold Coast residents - 700 new bus services every week. Officers are currently working with Translink to finalise bus stop design plans and I’ll continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

Media release June 23, 2022 by Lucy Rees (© Copyright - myGC) - Northern Gold Coast bus services given multi-million dollar boost

Riverstone Crossing Road bridge works

Last month the removal and non-replacement of timber inserts at the Riverstone Crossing bridge was raised. At the time, I was unaware of work being undertaken and had not been consulted prior. I’m happy to advise that new inserts will now be reinstated as follows:

• New timber inserts will be made of treated timber that will be sealed and less likely to split
• New timber inserts have arrived and delivered to Council’s workshop
• New section of a damaged top rail will be replaced at the same time

Dumping of green waste

Dumping green waste in a reserve area or park is illegal. While it may seem like a harmless thing to do, dumping lawn clippings, branches, leaves, twigs or potting soil can be extremely hazardous introducing invasive weeds into native bush which can be devastating for both the animals and plants. Green waste rots, and when plants rot, they heat up causing a potential fire hazard.

It isn’t difficult to correctly dispose of your green waste. You can order an optional 240-litre bin for the kerbside collection of your green waste or take it to the Pimpama Green Organics Drop and Go, 196 Old Pacific Highway, Pimpama.

Visit cityofgoldcoast.com.au/waste for further information.

School holiday activities

The school holiday program has a lot to offer from indoor activities at Gold Coast libraries to outdoor adventures. We've got everything covered for every age range, and all activities are free or low cost.

Community Centres Youth Program – Free activities for 12 to 17 year olds

Active & Healthy holiday program – Activities for 4 to 18 year olds

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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