Monday Morning Gold Coast: Super Bowl LX and the Future of Burleigh Heads

Morning Gold Coast: Super Bowl Fever and City Shaping

Good morning, Gold Coast. It is Monday, 9 February 2026, and the city is waking up to a high-energy atmosphere. While many are heading to local venues for international sporting events, today also marks a significant deadline for residents to have their say on the infrastructure projects that will define our coastline for years to come.

The City Mood: Super Bowl LX Hits the Coast

There is a distinct buzz across the city this morning as Super Bowl LX kicks off in the United States. Local venues from Surfers Paradise to Burleigh are opening their doors early to host massive viewing parties. In particular, the balcony at Burleigh Heads is a hive of activity, with fans gathering for live screenings. The mix of American football fever and our own coastal summer vibe has created an electric start to the work week, with many locals taking a "long breakfast" to catch the halftime show and the final quarter.

Key Talking Point: The Future of Burleigh and the Light Rail

A major conversation today revolves around the physical transformation of the southern Gold Coast. Today is the final day for residents to participate in the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 community survey. As construction continues between Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads, authorities are seeking a final round of feedback on the project's communication and impact. Residents who participate by the end of the day remain eligible for local business vouchers as the project moves closer to its expected 2026 completion.

Simultaneously, the city is debating the Burleigh Heads Foreshore Revitalisation Project. The proposed plans include a critical reconstruction of the 40-year-old seawall between Justins Park and Mowbray Park to protect against erosion and severe swells. Other major talking points in the plan include a potential new swimming lagoon at Rudd Park and the widening of the Oceanway to accommodate our growing population of pedestrians and cyclists.

Feel-Good Story: Raising the Next Generation of Surfers

On a brighter note, the Gold Coast surfing community is celebrating a new boost for youth sports. Surfing Australia has launched a major partnership aimed at supporting the SurfGroms program throughout 2026. This initiative is designed to teach essential water safety and ocean awareness to children aged 5 to 12. With the Gold Coast Open scheduled to return to Burleigh later this month, the focus on grassroots surfing is a welcome reminder of the city's deep-rooted connection to the ocean and the importance of keeping our beaches safe and inclusive for the next generation.

Monday Forecast and Safety Notes

• Weather: Expect a warm day with a maximum of 27°C. The UV index is high at 8, so sun protection is essential.
• Conditions: Patchy rain is possible throughout the day, following a humid night.
• Beach Safety: Experts are reminding swimmers to stay between the flags, noting that February is a peak time for bull shark activity in inshore areas and canals following recent summer rains.