Gold Coast City Council Meets Today to Finalize Foreshore Master Plans and Environmental Strategies

Full Council Session Convenes at Bundall

The Gold Coast City Council is scheduled to hold a significant Full Council meeting today, Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at the Council Chambers in Bundall. Presided over by Mayor Tom Tate, the session follows a series of intensive committee reviews held throughout early February. Today’s meeting is the primary forum where councillors will officially ratify or debate recommendations regarding major infrastructure projects, environmental resilience strategies, and local community safety initiatives.

Major Foreshore and Infrastructure Decisions

One of the most anticipated items on today’s agenda is the final approval of the Snapper Rocks to Rainbow Bay Foreshore Precinct Master Plan. This follows extensive discussions in the Transport and Infrastructure Committee earlier this month. The proposed plan includes several key developments intended to revitalize the iconic surfing destination:

• A partial closure of Snapper Rocks Road to improve pedestrian safety and enhance open recreational spaces.
• The retention of the ring road for surf checks, specifically designed to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities.
• The construction of a new community facility on the ground floor, featuring accessible toilets and upgraded public amenities.
• Expansion of the Oceanway to provide better coastal views and improved emergency vehicle access.

Environmental Resilience and Community Programs

The Council is also expected to formalize decisions regarding the city's long-term environmental health. Reports from the Lifestyle, Environment, Heritage, and Resilience Committee will be presented for final adoption. Key topics include the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Strategy update and the continuation of the city’s Beach Access Program. The latter has been highlighted as a critical partnership model between the City and local surf life-saving clubs to ensure inclusive beach access for all residents.

Furthermore, the session will address the findings of the Springbrook Groundwater Investigation. This report is vital for the hinterland community, focusing on sustainable water management and the proposed establishment of a Critical Zone Observatory to monitor environmental changes in the region.

Budgetary Context and Regional Growth

Today’s meeting follows a Special Budget meeting held yesterday, 16 February, where preliminary financial adjustments for the upcoming quarter were discussed. The Council is working to align these local investments with broader regional developments, such as the Miami Creative Industries Precinct. With the recent withdrawal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games bid, the Mayor and Council are shifting focus toward securing other major sporting and festival events to bolster the local economy while fast-tracking housing through new land activation programs.