From major developments to local improvements

Lots is happening across Division 3, with several projects and generating strong community interest. Officers have just provided me a copy of the State Government’s approval of Dreamworld’s development application which I’m looking forward to reviewing. The Willow Vale development application has been submitted and is now properly made (more about that below). Local park improvements and road resurfacing works are underway, and the State’s new Special School development has been of interest to many.

Council's pool management arrangements have attracted significant community interest, and at the Full Council meeting on 25 August, a decision was made to outsource operations. Importantly, Council will continue to set entry and program fees annually, the pools will remain in Council ownership and Council will continue to oversee safety, maintenance and capital improvements. There will be a greater range of services provided and the ability for one membership to be used city-wide. Existing programs will continue. This change comes with an estimated $22m saving to ratepayers, something that could not be ignored in our efforts to keep rates as low as possible.

Willow Vale development application update

The Willow Vale development application at Rosemount Drive was initially “not properly made” pending payment of the application fees. This has now occurred and the application has been formally accepted by Officers as “properly made”.

Officers will now thoroughly assess the application, and I’ve been assured that consideration will also be given to the submissions provided outside the formal advertised period. I will keep everyone informed of the advertising dates for the development application; however, this is still some months away due to the necessary level of assessment.

To preserve legal appeal rights, submissions either in favour of or opposing the development must be lodged during the advertised submission period. To monitor the application’s progress, simply visit Council’s Development.i.  

Under the Application Services tab, enter application number COM/2026/221 to view the details and track the application’s progress.

Colman Road resurfacing

Residents may have noticed pink markings, arrows and lettering recently applied to the road surface near Ragamuffin Drive West and Colman Road. These markings are in preparation for upcoming road resurfacing.

The location was prioritised for renewal based on traffic volumes, road classification and the current and anticipated condition of the pavement. The resurfacing work is designed to address bumps, rutting and cracking, while maintaining appropriate road levels to ensure effective drainage.

Traffic management signage will remain in place until line marking is completed, typically within one to two weeks of resurfacing or sealing works completion.

Responsible cat owners

Due to an escalation in complaints regarding roaming cats, please visit the Council webpage on cat ownership requirements and permits, which outlines the responsibilities of cat owners. This information is provided to encourage responsible pet ownership and respect for neighbouring property owners who may be impacted by roaming cats.

Please remember to keep cats contained within your property, particularly overnight, to help keep your pets safe and neighbours happy.

Jacobs Park off leash area

Upgrade work to the fenced dog off-leash area at Jacobs Park Upper Coomera is now complete.

Signage and bins were yet to be installed when writing this newsletter, but I’m very pleased with the outcome, and it is certainly wonderful to see owners with their pets enjoying the area.

Dog etiquette signage is also now being installed at fenced off-leash areas across Upper Coomera and Coomera.

Leisel Close Reserve playground

Structural damage to the shade structure over the playground at Leisel Close Reserve has been assessed as beyond repair. The area has been cordoned off and arrangements made for the structure to be removed.

The process to replace the shade structure has commenced and although the shade cover will be gone, the playground will reopen following structure removal.

Sorry for any inconvenience as the Council process for replacement can take some time.

Special School development

Site clearing work is being undertaken in preparation for the construction of the new Special School at Coomera Springs. The Coomera-Pimpama Special School was assessed and approved by the Queensland Government through the Ministerial Infrastructure Designation pathway under the Planning Act 2016.

This assessment process is used for certain public infrastructure projects, including state schools, hospitals and transport infrastructure, and is administered by the State Government rather than through the Council development assessment process. As part of the planning and detailed design stage, the Department of Education undertook the required environmental assessments for the new school.

Residents seeking further information about the development are encouraged to contact the local State Member Michael Crandon who is best placed to assist with matters relating to the State Government’s approval process and project delivery.

Image: concept image © Queensland State Government – used with permission

Illegal motorbike use in parks and public spaces

Riding a motorbike, minibike or motorised dirt bike in local parks, reserves, on footpaths or public roads is illegal on the Gold Coast. To protect public safety and maintain community spaces, Council prohibits the use of unregistered and motor-driven vehicles in public parks and reserves. Recently, concerns have been raised about motorbikes at Riverstone Crossing and Willow Vale.

Queensland Police and Council officers have enforcement powers, including issuing fines and confiscating illegal or non-compliant motorised vehicles. However, community reporting also plays an important role in addressing the issue, so please continue to let me know should your amenity be affected or parkland is damaged. Reporting to Policelink on 131 444 remains important. It helps Queensland Police identify hotspots, build an evidence base and allocate patrols and resources to areas where they are needed most.

Image: Teen’s illegal “e-bike” seized – Queensland Police News

School Holidays - AllStars Day Camp

Formerly known as GC Sports Camp, the AllStars Day Camp offers three fun-filled days of activities where every child can get involved, make new friends and build confidence.

Open to boys and girls in Years 3 to 6, participants can enjoy a wide range of activities including sports, video games, board games, dance, arts and crafts, and plenty of other exciting experiences.

• When: 22 to 24 September
• Time: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
• Cost: $30 per day

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are included. For more information or to register, visit AllStars Day Camp.

Foxwell Park dog off-leash shade

The fenced dog off-leash area at Foxwell Park on Foxwell Road was delivered by the Urbana developer and currently offers limited shade for park users and their pets.

Council’s Parks Management branch recently investigated potential shade options for the site and, following assessment, does not recommend the installation of shade sails or shelters within the dog off-leash enclosure.

To help improve the amenity at the park, I have submitted a request for additional tree planting to be considered. In time, this will enhance the space, providing increased natural shade and environmental benefits for park users and their dogs.

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.