planning · City of Gold Coast
Gold Coast backs growth strategy overhaul before planning scheme check
City councillors gave in-principle support to the Local Growth Management Strategy and asked for another report before the new planning scheme goes to the State.
City of Gold Coast councillors backed the Local Growth Management Strategy in principle at Tuesday's meeting in Surfers Paradise and ordered a further report before the new planning scheme is sent for a State interest check.
The council also endorsed the nine Directions for Growth. It supported phased engagement and communications on the strategy.
The extra report must come back before the new planning scheme is submitted for the first State Interest Check. Council also wants a report on the strategy's update frequency and governance framework within 12 months of the new planning scheme starting.
The growth strategy is a major part of the city's planning work and will feed into the new planning scheme.
The scheme will shape future development across the Gold Coast, including where housing, density and infrastructure are directed.
Councillors also dealt with a large Palm Beach development application. They approved, with conditions, a permit for multiple dwellings, short-term accommodation, a food and drink outlet, a shop and an office at 6, 8, 10 and 12 Sixth Avenue.
The site is in Palm Beach, on Sixth Avenue.
Council also changed the travel recommendation so all international travel by City officers, including the CEO, must be approved by council. The resolution allows limited urgent exceptions.
The meeting also saw council adopt a wide block of committee recommendations across planning, governance, lifestyle, economy, water, waste and energy, and transport. It also adopted a condolence motion for Ashleigh (Ash) Haigh and agreed to send a message of sympathy to the Haigh family.
Mayor Tom Tate's report covered a range of city business, including overseas and commercial engagements linked to the Olympic and film industries, and discussions about future investment attraction. The minutes also note reports on monthly financial and operational matters, waste education progress, and several council-backed events and upgrades.
Reference minutes
Source: City of Gold Coast Council, 10 March 2026 meeting minutes.
Key facts from the minutes
- Council gave in-principle support to the Local Growth Management Strategy.
- Councillors endorsed nine Directions for Growth.
- A further report is required before the new planning scheme goes to the first State interest check.
- A report on update frequency and governance framework is due within 12 months of the new planning scheme starting.
- Council approved a development permit for 6, 8, 10 and 12 Sixth Avenue, Palm Beach.
- The Palm Beach permit covers multiple dwellings, short-term accommodation, a food and drink outlet, a shop and an office.
- Council changed travel rules so all international travel by City officers, including the CEO, must be approved by council, with limited urgent exceptions.
Why it matters
- The strategy and planning scheme process will help decide where housing, density and infrastructure are directed across the Gold Coast.