Governance, Administration & Finance (GA&F) - 03 February 2026

Key decisions

• Depot project designation assessment adopted
  The committee recommended adopting the Local Government Infrastructure Designation Environmental Assessment Report for ten lots associated with the City Accommodation Depots project, submitting it to the state for assessment, and starting stakeholder consultation.
  This progresses planning for operational depot infrastructure and opens a consultation process that may affect nearby communities and service delivery areas.
• October 2025 financial report noted
  The committee recommended that Council note the October 2025 financial performance report.
  This relates to oversight of council finances and budget performance.
• November 2025 financial report noted
  The committee recommended that Council note the November 2025 financial performance report.
  This relates to oversight of council finances and budget performance.
• AI risk framework to be expanded and returned
  The committee changed the recommendation on the Artificial Intelligence Update so that Council notes the report, requires the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework to incorporate workplace health and safety and environment, and asks for the framework to come back to a future GA&F meeting.
  This affects how council governs the use of AI in services and internal operations, with an added focus on safety and environmental risk management.

Important topics

• Audit and Risk Committee actions noted
  The committee recommended that Council note recommendations and actions from Audit and Risk Committee meetings held on 7 November 2025.
  This supports oversight of governance, risk and internal controls across council.
• State assessment process for infrastructure designation
  The depot designation matter is to be submitted to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning to commence the state assessment process.
  This is a formal planning step that can affect the timing and approval pathway for council infrastructure projects.
• AI program next steps
  Closing notes indicated next steps including continued AI training, support for ERP and data modernisation planning, prioritising 5 to 10 high-value AI initiatives from February 2026, and updating the AI Strategy.
  These actions may influence future digital services, internal efficiency, and the way council adopts new technology.

Resident impacts

• Planning work for the City Accommodation Depots project is moving into state assessment and consultation.
• Council’s recent financial performance reports for October and November 2025 were reviewed as part of financial oversight.
• Council’s AI governance framework is set to be strengthened to include WHS and environmental considerations.
• A future GA&F meeting is expected to receive the updated AI Risk Management Framework.

Places affected

• Regional and Satellite Operational Depots (service area/project area)
  Referenced in the depot infrastructure designation item.
• City Accommodation Depots project (project area)
  Ten lots are proposed for infrastructure designation and environmental assessment.

Next steps

• Submit the depot designation Environmental Assessment Report to the Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
  Next step following the committee recommendation
• Commence stakeholder engagement and consultation on the proposed depot designation
  After approval to proceed
• Update the Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework to incorporate WHS and environment
  Before a future GA&F meeting
• Present the revised Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Framework to a future Governance, Administration and Finance Committee meeting
  Future meeting
• Continue AI training and capability building, support ERP and data modernisation planning, prioritise 5 to 10 high-value AI initiatives, and update the AI Strategy
  From February 2026

Extracted minutes text

864 UNCONFIRMED MINUTES GOVERNANCE, ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY 3 FEBRUARY 2026 1:30PM The meeting commenced at 1:45pm City of Gold Coast Council Chambers 135 Bundall Road Surfers Paradise 864 Meeting of the Governance, Administration and Finance Committee Unconfirmed Minutes Tuesday 3 February 2026 ORDER OF BUSINESS 1 ATTENDANCE/APOLOGIES .................................................................... 3 2 LEAVE OF ABSENCE ............................................................................... 3 3 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES ................................................................ 3 4 CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS ..................................