Water, Waste & Energy (WW&E) - 24 March 2026

Topics

• Gold Coast commits to ongoing sewage treatment plant upgrades
  Committee backs continued investment in sewage treatment plants as part of a long-term capacity and renewal program.
  This points to major wastewater infrastructure spending that can affect environmental protection, service reliability and future prices.

Decisions

• Waste and Resource Recovery Grants Program progress update noted
  Council noted the Waste and Resource Recovery Grants Program 2023-25 progress update presentation.
  Provides a status update on waste and resource recovery initiatives, with potential impacts on recycling, waste diversion and future services.
• Water and sewerage monthly financial report noted
  Council noted the Water and Sewerage Services monthly financial report for the period ending 31 January 2026.
  Shows how the water and sewerage business is tracking financially, which can affect future service pricing and investment.
• Waste services monthly financial report noted
  Council noted the Waste Services monthly financial report for the period ended 31 January 2026.
  Gives residents an update on the financial performance of waste services, which can influence service delivery and future charges.
• Sewage treatment plant upgrade investment endorsed
  Council noted that ongoing investment in sewage treatment plants is required to meet capacity and asset renewal needs over the next four years, protect water quality and beaches, and that the proposed investment is included in the draft 10-year financial forecast and price path.
  Supports major sewer infrastructure spending that may affect service reliability, environmental protection and future water and sewerage charges.

Discussion

• Forward planning schedule noted
  Council noted the 866 Forward Planning Schedule for the Water Waste and Energy Committee.
  Provides visibility of upcoming committee items and planning priorities affecting water, waste and energy services.
• Confidential sewage treatment plant upgrade discussion
  The committee considered the Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade Program – Investment in closed session before returning to open session and adopting the recommendation.
  Indicates significant infrastructure planning, though detailed costs and project specifics were kept confidential.

Impacts

• Potential future pressure on water and sewerage prices due to long-term infrastructure investment.
• Improved sewage treatment capacity and asset renewal may reduce service risk and support growth.
• Ongoing investment is intended to protect waterways, beaches and local water quality.
• Waste and resource recovery program monitoring may influence future waste handling and recycling services.

Places

• Gold Coast (city)
  Broad area affected by water, waste and sewerage service decisions and infrastructure investment.
• Water and Sewerage Services (service area)
  Commercialised business unit responsible for water and sewerage financial reporting and investment planning.
• Waste Services (service area)
  City service area covered by the monthly financial report and waste program update.

Next

• Implement the committee-adopted recommendations and continue reporting on financial and program progress.
  Ongoing
• Proceed with sewage treatment plant upgrade investment within the draft 10-year financial forecast and price path.
  Next 4 years and into the 10-year forecast period
• Continue preparation of forward committee business through the noted planning schedule.
  Before future committee meetings

Extract

866 CONFIRMED MINUTES WATER, WASTE AND ENERGY COMMITTEE MEETING TUESDAY 24 MARCH 2026 9:00AM The meeting commenced at 9:05am City of Gold Coast Council Chambers 135 Bundall Road Surfers Paradise 866 Meeting of the Water, Waste and Energy Committee Confirmed Minutes Tuesday 24 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 PLA...