Governance, Administration & Finance (GA&F) - 21 April 2026

Article-worthy topics

• Procurement Policy and Contract Manual adopted
  The committee recommended adoption of the Contract Manual under section 222 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 and the Procurement Policy under section 198 of the Local Government Regulation 2012.
  Sets the rules for how Council buys goods and services and manages contracts, affecting accountability and value for money.

Key decisions

• Commercial Business Unit Policy adopted; Sponsorship Policy deferred
  The committee changed the original recommendation to adopt only the Commercial Business Unit Policy and defer the Sponsorship Policy for further consultation with councillors at a future GA&F committee meeting. Any replaced policy will be retired.
  Affects how Council governs its commercial business activities and delays any new sponsorship policy until further review.
• Procurement Policy and Contract Manual adopted
  The committee recommended adoption of the Contract Manual under section 222 of the Local Government Regulation 2012 and the Procurement Policy under section 198 of the Local Government Regulation 2012.
  Sets the rules for how Council buys goods and services and manages contracts, affecting accountability and value for money.
• No further action on rental crisis and rent freeze petition
  The committee noted the petition feedback and report response, decided to take no further action on the petition proposals, and resolved to advise the chief petitioner of Council's decision.
  Residents who supported the petition will not see Council pursue the requested rental crisis and rent freeze measures through this process.
• Outbound lifeguard exchange travel approved
  Council approved international travel for 3 City of Gold Coast lifeguards to participate in the Outbound Lifeguard Exchange in Kanagawa, Japan from 5 to 11 July 2026.
  Supports staff development for the city's lifeguard service, which may contribute to local beach safety capability.
• General Manager Insurance travel request approved
  Council approved an international travel request detailed in the report and noted the City of Gold Coast Insurance Company Limited Board Meeting and Audit and Risk Committee Policy.
  Relates to Council governance and oversight of insurance matters.

Important topics

• Audit and Risk Committee updates noted
  The committee noted recommendations and actions from the Audit and Risk Committee meeting held on 23 February 2026.
  Signals ongoing oversight of risk, compliance and internal controls.
• February 2026 financial report noted
  The committee noted the Financial Performance Report for February 2026.
  Provides a snapshot of Council's financial position and spending performance.
• Forward planning schedule noted
  The committee noted the forward planning schedule for the Governance, Administration and Finance Committee.
  Shows the committee's upcoming work program but does not itself change services or policy.

Resident impacts

• Council recommended new procurement and contract governance rules.
• A proposed Sponsorship Policy was delayed pending further councillor consultation.
• The rental crisis and rent freeze petition did not lead to further Council action.
• Three City of Gold Coast lifeguards were approved for an exchange program in Japan.
• Council noted audit and February financial reports without announcing a direct service change.

Places affected

• Gold Coast (city)
  Council decisions apply across the City of Gold Coast, including procurement, policy and petition matters.
• Kanagawa, Japan (international region)
  Destination for the approved outbound lifeguard exchange from 5 to 11 July 2026.

Next steps

• Bring the deferred Sponsorship Policy back to a future GA&F committee after further consultation with councillors
  Future committee meeting
• Advise the chief petitioner of Council's decision on the rental crisis and rent freeze petition and request they inform other petitioners
  After the meeting
• Implement the adopted Procurement Policy and Contract Manual
  Following Council adoption
• Proceed with the approved lifeguard exchange travel to Kanagawa, Japan
  5 to 11 July 2026

Extracted minutes text

867 UNCONFIRMED MINUTES GOVERNANCE, ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY 21 APRIL 2026 1:30PM The meeting commenced at 1:41pm City of Gold Coast Council Chambers 135 Bundall Road Surfers Paradise 867 Meeting of the Governance, Administration and Finance Committee Unconfirmed Minutes Tuesday 21 April 2026 ORDER OF BUSINESS 1 ATTENDANCE/APOLOGIES .................................................................... 3 2 LEAVE OF ABSENCE ............................................................................... 3 3 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES ................................................................ 3 4 CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS ......................................