Public Notice: City Budget Deadline, Infrastructure Updates, and Health Advisories

City Budget 2026-27: Final Call for Public Submissions

The City of Gold Coast advises that the formal consultation period for the 2026-27 City Budget concludes today, Monday, 16 February 2026. This represents the final opportunity for residents and business owners to submit feedback regarding municipal spending, service priorities, and infrastructure investment for the coming year. In conjunction with this deadline, a Special Budget (SB) Meeting of the Council is scheduled to take place today to review preliminary community input and resource allocations.

Road Status and Traffic Infrastructure Alerts

The Department of Transport and Main Roads, in coordination with City of Gold Coast infrastructure teams, has confirmed the following road conditions and closures remain active as of Monday, 16 February 2026:

• Flooding Closures: Due to recent heavy rainfall and residual flash flooding in the hinterland and southern catchments, the following routes remain closed to all traffic: Hardys Road (Bonogin/Mudgeeraba), Mount Cougal Road (Tallebudgera Valley), and Old Coach Road (Reedy Creek). Motorists are strictly advised to adhere to signage and never attempt to drive through floodwaters.
• Planned Roadworks: Essential rehabilitation works are active on Buckler Drive in Helensvale, specifically between Cyan Street and the Town Centre Drive roundabout. Additionally, maintenance is ongoing along segments of the Gold Coast Highway service road in Mermaid Beach. Partial lane closures and temporary detours are in effect for both locations.

Public Planning: Interim LGIP Amendment

Official notice is given that the Public Consultation Period for the proposed Interim Amendment to the Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) is currently active. This amendment is designed to update development projections, planning assumptions, and trunk infrastructure costs through to 2041. Detailed documentation is available for public inspection at City Libraries, including the Southport, Helensvale, and Broadbeach branches. Properly made submissions will be accepted through 2 March 2026.

Community Health and Safety Notifications

Gold Coast Health continues to monitor local public health trends and maintains the following active advisories for the region:

• Pertussis (Whooping Cough): A community alert remains in place due to the continued circulation of the infection. Health officials recommend that families ensure all immunizations and boosters are up to date, particularly for those in contact with infants.
• Vector-Borne Disease Awareness: Following recent significant rainfall, the City’s Vector Control Program is active. Residents are urged to eliminate standing water around their properties to reduce mosquito breeding sites and mitigate the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Official Community Events

The City marks the official commencement of the World Surfing Conservation Conference today, 16 February 2026. This international gathering at the Gold Coast shores brings together environmental leaders and ocean advocates to discuss coastal resilience and the long-term protection of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve.