Lifestyle, Environment, Heritage & Resilience (LEH&R) - 21 May 2026

Topics

• Council backs major SES facility uplift across Gold Coast
  Emergency services network to be upgraded with new hubs at Pimpama, Carrara and Coolangatta plus works at Runaway Bay and Springbrook.
  Could significantly improve disaster response and refuge capacity for multiple communities.
• Nerang Library and Hinterland Gateway Community Hub moved into procurement phase
  Council advanced the next stage of the Nerang Library tender while also launching an EOI for the Nerang Administration Site, new community hub delivery and mixed-use redevelopment.
  The decision could reshape community facilities, land use and redevelopment outcomes in Nerang.
• Invasive species control programs authorised for 2026 to 2028
  Council approved updated prevention, control and surveillance programs for invasive plants and animals under biosecurity laws.
  Affects how the city manages weeds, pest animals and environmental protection over the next three years.

Decisions

• Invasive plants and animals programs authorised
  Council authorised the City of Gold Coast Prevention and Control Program and Surveillance Program for Invasive Plants and Animals 2026 to 2028 under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
  Supports biosecurity work that helps protect local bushland, waterways, farms and public spaces from pest and weed impacts.
• Gold Coast SES facility uplift endorsed
  Council endorsed a State Emergency Service facility uplift program including immediate upgrades, three new hubs at Pimpama, Carrara and Coolangatta, a replacement facility at Runaway Bay, and renovation at Springbrook, with broader use of Program AIR funding. The report and attachments were kept confidential.
  Improves disaster response capability and emergency refuge infrastructure across the city.
• Hinterland Gateway Community Hub procurement progressed
  Council endorsed moving to the next stage of the Nerang Library tender process, instructed an Expression of Interest process for disposal of the Nerang Administration Site, delivery of the Hinterland Gateway Community Hub, and redevelopment of remaining land for mixed-use residential development, and noted a Probity Advisor will oversee the processes.
  Could affect future library services, civic site use, housing, and redevelopment outcomes in Nerang.

Discussion

• Evacuation planning noted
  Council noted the contents of an evacuation planning report in response to a previous Council resolution.
  May inform future disaster preparedness and local evacuation arrangements.
• Confidential procurement and site disposal processes
  Several major items were considered in closed session due to commercially sensitive information, including preliminary cost estimates, funding strategies and market processes.
  Signals that detailed project costs, timelines and delivery models are still being worked through.

Impacts

• Potential upgrades to emergency facilities may improve disaster support and refuge capacity in northern, central, southern and hinterland parts of the city.
• Invasive species control programs may strengthen protection for local natural areas and neighbourhood amenity.
• Future changes may affect Nerang Library, the Nerang Administration Site, and redevelopment of surrounding land.
• Residents in Pimpama, Carrara, Coolangatta, Runaway Bay, Springbrook and Nerang may see future project activity or planning changes.

Places

• Pimpama (suburb)
  Proposed location for a new SES hub.
• Carrara (suburb)
  Proposed location for a new SES hub.
• Coolangatta (suburb)
  Proposed location for a new SES hub.
• Runaway Bay (suburb)
  Proposed location for a replacement SES spoke facility.
• Springbrook (locality)
  Existing SES spoke facility proposed for targeted renovation.
• Nerang (suburb)
  Location of the Nerang Library and Nerang Administration Site involved in procurement and redevelopment processes.

Next

• Implement the 2026 to 2028 invasive plants and animals prevention, control and surveillance programs
  2026 to 2028
• Advance confidential SES facility uplift planning and engage with the State Government on co-funding
  Immediate to medium term
• Proceed to the second stage of the Nerang Library tender process and report back to Council
  Future report
• Run an Expression of Interest process for the Nerang Administration Site and Hinterland Gateway Community Hub
  Following the meeting, subject to procurement process
• Present a further report with the final investment decision after procurement is completed
  After completion of procurement

Extract

868 UNCONFIRMED MINUTES LIFESTYLE, ENVIRONMENT, HERITAGE & RESILIENCE COMMITTEE MEETING THURSDAY 21 MAY 2026 9:00AM Meeting commenced at 9:06am City of Gold Coast Council Chambers 135 Bundall Road Surfers Paradise 868 Meeting of the Lifestyle, Environment, Heritage & Resilience Committee Unconfirmed Minutes Thursday 21 May 2026 ORDER OF BUSINESS ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY ............................................................ 3 1 ATTENDANCE/APOLOGIES .................................................................... 3 2 LEAVE OF ABSENCE ............................................................................... 3 3 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES ...........................................