Planning & Regulation (P&R) - 17 March 2026

Topics

• Council adopts floodplain planning instrument for Guragunbah
  Interim planning controls are being introduced for a flood-prone area, with ministerial approval now needed.
  Affects what can be built in a floodplain and signals tighter risk-based planning.
• New planning scheme moves forward for major Gold Coast suburbs
  Council advanced the transition of several suburbs and station neighbourhoods into the new planning scheme.
  Could reshape zoning, density and growth settings across key parts of the city.
• Council backs shopping trolley containment law review
  The city will investigate local law options to deal with abandoned shopping trolleys in public spaces.
  Could lead to new compliance powers affecting retailers, shopping centres and public amenity.

Decisions

• Heat Resilient Design Guideline endorsed
  Council endorsed the Heat Resilient Design Guideline as a non-statutory document to support heat-resilient residential development and to inform future planning scheme provisions. The CEO was authorised to make minor administrative and editorial changes.
  Affects how new homes may be designed to better cope with heat, which can improve liveability and comfort.
• New Planning Scheme Program updated
  Council noted progress on the New Planning Scheme Program and Local Growth Management Strategy, and endorsed the transition of several station neighbourhoods and local plan areas into the new planning scheme, including Broadbeach, Burleigh Heads, Coolangatta, Kirra, Nobby Beach, Palm Beach and Surfers Paradise. Priority local area planning projects were also identified for future consideration.
  Shapes future zoning and neighbourhood planning across several growth areas and established suburbs.
• Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 13 made for Guragunbah floodplain
  Council resolved to make a new temporary local planning instrument for development in the Guragunbah floodplain area, notify the Minister, and submit the instrument for approval. The instrument is intended to take effect from 1 September 2026.
  Creates interim planning controls for development in a flood-affected area and may affect landowners and applicants there.
• Natural Hazards Policy renamed and endorsed
  Council endorsed the overarching Natural Hazards Policy and removed the word 'Scaffold' from the title. The policy will guide decision-making and policy responses related to natural hazards in the new planning scheme.
  Influences how flood, heat and other hazard risks are considered in future planning decisions.
• Petition on wandering cats received response
  Council noted the report and advised the lead petitioner of the outcome regarding wandering cats affecting residents, wildlife and property.
  Relevant to residents concerned about pet management, wildlife impacts and nuisance issues.
• Petition on animal noise nuisance laws linked to local law review
  Council noted the petition concerns and stated they are being addressed through the Local Law Review Project. The lead petitioner will be advised of the outcome.
  Signals possible future changes to animal noise and nuisance rules.
• Planning application for 66 Pacific Parade and 2A Archer Street, Bilinga approved
  Council approved a development permit for multiple dwellings comprising 27 units, with conditions. The decision was supported by a division.
  Affects a specific infill development site in Bilinga and may change local traffic, housing supply and streetscape outcomes.
• Development application for multiple dwellings at 16 and 18 [site not fully clear in extract] refused, then amended approval
  Council first moved to refuse a 60-dwelling multiple dwelling proposal, citing built-form and locality concerns, and then adopted a changed recommendation approving a 54-dwelling scheme with conditions.
  Changes the scale of a major housing proposal and may affect nearby residents, design outcomes and local amenity.
• Multiple dwellings and food and drink outlets approved
  Council approved a development permit for multiple dwellings (94 units) and food and drink outlets with conditions and property notifications.
  May bring new housing and ground-floor commercial activity to the affected site and surrounding area.
• Outdoor dining in parks review ordered
  City officers were asked to review current settings and options for businesses to provide dining in parks adjacent to their premises, with a report to return before September 2026.
  Could expand outdoor dining opportunities and affect use of nearby public open space.
• Shopping trolley management local law to be investigated
  Council agreed to investigate a local law for abandoned shopping trolleys in public spaces, including mandatory containment systems and penalty options, informed by other Queensland councils.
  Could lead to stronger enforcement and cleaner public spaces around shopping centres and transport corridors.

Discussion

• New Planning Scheme Program and Local Growth Management Strategy
  The committee endorsed integrating several neighbourhood frameworks and local plans into the new planning scheme, while also prioritising future local area/neighbourhood planning projects.
  Will influence land use, density, urban form and infrastructure planning across multiple suburbs.
• Temporary floodplain planning controls
  The Guragunbah floodplain item creates an interim planning measure while longer-term planning work continues.
  Important for property owners, developers and residents in flood-prone areas.
• Local law review and nuisance issues
  Two petition responses pointed to broader local law work on wandering cats, animal noise nuisance and trolley containment.
  Could result in service and compliance changes affecting households, businesses and public spaces.

Impacts

• Future housing and development rules may change across key growth areas and station neighbourhoods.
• Floodplain development in Guragunbah will be subject to temporary controls from September 2026 if approved by the Minister.
• Heat-resilient design guidance may influence the design of new homes and planning scheme provisions.
• Pet and nuisance law reviews may lead to stronger controls on wandering cats, animal noise and abandoned shopping trolleys.
• Several development approvals and one refusal will affect specific sites, local amenity and the built form of nearby areas.

Places

• Guragunbah floodplain (locality / floodplain area)
  Subject of Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 13 for development controls.
• Broadbeach (suburb)
  Identified for transition into the new planning scheme.
• Burleigh Heads (suburb)
  Identified for transition into the new planning scheme.
• Coolangatta (suburb)
  Prioritised for future local area / neighbourhood planning and named in scheme transition work.
• Kirra (suburb)
  Identified for transition into the new planning scheme.
• Nobby Beach (suburb)
  Identified for transition into the new planning scheme.
• Palm Beach (suburb)
  Identified for transition into the new planning scheme.
• Surfers Paradise (suburb)
  Identified for transition into the new planning scheme.

Next

• Mayor to write to the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning regarding TLPI No. 13
  Immediately after the meeting / as required under the Planning Act 2016
• Submit Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 13 and supporting explanatory material for ministerial consideration
  Following council resolution
• City officers to bring a project plan for related planning work to a future Planning and Regulation Committee meeting
  Future meeting
• City officers to review options for businesses providing dining in parks adjacent to their premises and report back
  Before September 2026
• Lead petitioners to be advised of the outcomes on wandering cats and animal noise nuisance
  After the meeting
• Council to investigate a shopping trolley local law and related containment/penalty frameworks
  Future work program

Extract

866 CONFIRMED MINUTES PLANNING AND REGULATION COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY 17 MARCH 2026 9:00AM Meeting commenced at 9:03am City of Gold Coast Council Chambers 135 Bundall Road Surfers Paradise 866 Meeting of the Planning and Regulation Committee Confirmed Minutes Tuesday 17 March 2026 ORDER OF BUSINESS 1 ATTENDANCE/APOLOGIES .................................................................... 3 2 LEAVE OF ABSENCE ............................................................................... 3 3 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES ................................................................ 3 4 CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS ........................................... 4 5 COMMITTEE FORWARD PLANNIN...