Lifestyle, Environment, Heritage & Resilience (LEH&R) - 19 March 2026

Topics

• McCoys Creek tipped for first local government 'Conserved Area' recognition in Australia
  A Gold Coast wetland could become the first council-managed site in Australia recognised under a new federal conservation framework.
  Could boost conservation status, visitor appeal and the city’s environmental reputation.
• Council expands invasive species reporting under biosecurity plan
  The city is broadening its biosecurity reporting framework beyond 10 invasive species as part of a long-term plan.
  Signals more detailed monitoring of pests and weeds that can affect landowners, parks and ecosystems.
• Midge larval control program will not restart
  Council ruled out restarting the midge larval control program, keeping the current management structure in place.
  Affects nuisance management in coastal and wetland-adjacent areas and may concern nearby residents and businesses.

Decisions

• McCoys Creek Wetland Conservation Area recognition
  Council noted the submission of McCoys Creek Wetland Conservation Area for recognition as Australia’s first local government 'Conserved Area' under the Federal Government’s Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures Framework.
  May raise the profile and conservation status of the area, with potential benefits for recreation, tourism and environmental management.
• Gold Coast Biosecurity Plan progress report
  Council noted progress on the Gold Coast Biosecurity Plan 2025 to 2032, including an expanded reporting framework for invasive species and future community engagement during the plan review.
  Supports ongoing management of invasive pests and plants that can affect local ecosystems, parks and private property.
• Biting midge management
  Council decided to continue the current operational structure for midge management and not restart the midge larval control program due to operational, safety and legislative considerations.
  Affects how biting midge nuisance is managed in affected coastal and wetland areas, with no return to the previous larval control approach.

Discussion

• Forward planning schedule noted
  The committee noted the forward planning schedule for the Lifestyle, Environment, Heritage and Resilience Committee.
  Mostly administrative, with limited direct impact on residents.
• Confirmation of previous minutes
  Minutes from the 26 February 2026 committee meeting were confirmed.
  Routine governance item with no direct service change.

Impacts

• Environmental recognition may support conservation and nature-based visitation at McCoys Creek Wetland Conservation Area.
• Biosecurity monitoring is being broadened to cover more invasive species over time.
• Midge management will continue under the current model, with larval control not resuming.

Places

• McCoys Creek Wetland Conservation Area (conservation area)
  Subject of the proposed first local government 'Conserved Area' recognition.
• Gold Coast (local government area)
  Area covered by the biosecurity plan and committee decisions.

Next

• Complete the recognition process for McCoys Creek Wetland Conservation Area
  Expected by May 2026
• Continue expanding invasive species reporting in future biosecurity progress reports
  Over coming annual reports
• Undertake community engagement as part of the Gold Coast Biosecurity Plan review
  During the forthcoming review
• Maintain the current midge management operational structure
  Ongoing

Extract

866 CONFIRMED MINUTES LIFESTYLE, ENVIRONMENT, HERITAGE & RESILIENCE COMMITTEE MEETING THURSDAY 19 MARCH 2026 9:00AM The meeting commenced at 9:06am City of Gold Coast Council Chambers 135 Bundall Road Surfers Paradise 866 Meeting of the Lifestyle, Environment, Heritage & Resilience Committee Confirmed Minutes Thursday 19 March 2026 ORDER OF BUSINESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY ............................................................ 3 1 ATTENDANCE/APOLOGIES .................................................................... 3 2 LEAVE OF ABSENCE ............................................................................... 3 3 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES .......................................