2025-2026 Budget preparation

Meeting our objectives means minimising debt whilst still maintaining key frontline services and continuing to protect our unique environment and lifestyle.

This week marked the commencement of City wide budget deliberations. Sustained engagement with our community over the past 18 months has afforded me unique and invaluable insights into the types of service and capital expected from a wide variety of residents, business owners and community groups.

This knowledge has informed a prioritisation of investment for road improvements, footpath connections, sports infrastructure, park upgrades, enhanced services and more.

There is still time to make sure I understand what is important to you and your family and I welcome your continued engagement.  Send me an email, drop into or call my office, or come along to one of my scheduled mobile offices below:

Runaway Bay Shopping Village (9am to 11am)

• Thu 24 Apr
• Thu 26 Jun

Hollywell Road Metro Market, Biggera Waters (9am to 11am)

• Wed 21 May
• Wed 23 Jul

Chiba Park upgrade - have your say

I've been working with City officers on a strategic review of the 42 local parks across Division 4, and Chiba Park, Coombabah is one of the eight local parks that has been identified as having potential to cater for increased capacity.

Community consultation is currently being undertaken to seek your valued feedback and input into a future design proposal.  The images below outline the current features in Chiba Park, and some of the potential upgrades for consideration at this site. It is important to hear from the community to help shape the future of this unique and beautiful recreational space.

You are invited to complete this survey via the link which will be open from now until 30 April 2025.

Anzac Services - Lest We Forget

Having discharged from a 20 year Army career to become your Councillor, I am incredibly proud to serve a community that values Anzac Day so resolutely.

The First World War, and especially the Gallipoli campaign, played a significant role in shaping and solidifying Australian national identity, giving rise to the Anzac legend.

With record attendance rates and engagement from a wide variety of schools, clubs and community groups, commemoration events held across the area are an important reminder of the importance of reflecting on and acknowledging the proud history of our nation.

This year, the following services are available within Division 4 on Anzac Day (25 April):

Anzac Place Cenotaph, Lae Drive, Runaway Bay

• Dawn service - 5am
• Veteran's march - 9:30am
• Citizen's service - 10am

Paradise Point Bowls Club, Thrush Avenue, Paradise Point

• 12pm service

Animal Welfare League Queensland needs your help 🐶

Last week I visited the Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) who were adversely affected by the recent weather events which impacted their rehoming centres, community vet clinics and op shops.

After dropping off some much needed towels to the rehoming team, I spent some time walking through the grounds and had the opportunity to meet Kazoo, one of the puppies who was fostered out during ex-tropical Cyclone Alfred and is now living his best life in his forever home.

Kazoo is one of dozens of puppies residing across several AWLQ rehoming centres available for adoption.  If you are looking to open your home to a new family member, why not consider visiting one of the AWLQ Animal Rehoming Centres?

If you aren't in the position to adopt but would still like to support the animals in the care of AWLQ, they are calling out for donations of clean towels (new and used) which can be dropped off at to your nearest AWLQ Rehoming Centre or Op Shop

👉 Locations

Grant funding opportunities

Recently I met with the North Gold Coast Probus Club Inc. to present a new laptop obtained through the City's discretionary grant funding program, which typically opens around September annually.  If your eligble community group is known to our office, you will receive an email advising when applications open.

The City also provides year-round grant funding opportunities for eligible not-for-profit organisations via the Community Projects Program.

Visit this link to review the program guidelines and to apply.  Eligible projects include community services and development, community activations, equipment and resources, and capital works.

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