Gold Coast backs e-mobility law changes, but rejects new enforcement funding

City of Gold Coast councillors backed Queensland’s proposed e-mobility law changes at the Planning and Regulation Committee meeting on 19 May 2026, but voted against progressing targeted proactive enforcement funding for prohibited electric bikes and personal mobility devices in public spaces.

The committee noted the Transport and Other Legislation (Managing E-mobility Use and Protecting Our Communities) Amendment Bill 2026 and said the changes would address some of the key issues around e-mobility misuse on the Gold Coast. Councillors also recorded that the Queensland Police Service is the most suitable agency to regulate e-mobility.

The city will continue to support e-mobility safety work through the Gold Coast Road Safety Partnership Advisory Group and the Mayoral Safer Suburbs Forum. Councillors agreed to write to the Minister for Transport and Main Roads about licensing requirements, age thresholds and the 10km/h footpath speed limit for legal e-mobility devices.

A further report is due to come back to the Transport and Infrastructure Committee after the Queensland Government makes more announcements on the bill.

The committee’s amended recommendation endorsed the non-progression of funding for targeted, proactive enforcement of prohibited electric bikes and personal mobility devices in public spaces. It did not pursue extra funding for a local crackdown at this stage.

Councillors also expanded the Local Law Framework Review. They asked officers to include Local Law No. 1 (Meetings) 2008 and Subordinate Local Law No. 1.1 (Meetings) 2008 in the current review after noting revised project timeframes.

The same meeting dealt with homelessness compliance funding on State-controlled roads and land. Councillors authorised the chief executive officer to negotiate a funding agreement with the Department of Transport and Main Roads so City officers can regulate illegal camping and homelessness compliance, with the agreement to return to council for endorsement.

The City Inspectorate was also asked to look at similar arrangements with other State entities and to help the Department of Transport and Main Roads explore other options with State-based entities.

On planning matters, councillors approved a preliminary approval for a mixed-use development with a variation request at 203 Ashmore Road, Benowa, under City Plan (Version 11). They also approved a development permit for 21 multiple dwellings at 154 Marine Parade and 55 Eden Avenue, Coolangatta, with amended conditions that include continuity of building services and resident notification.

The committee also approved a development permit for a telecommunications facility at 45 Trentbridge Court, Mount Nathan, with conditions and property notification, and noted the quarterly appeals report for 1 January to 31 March 2026. That report said the chair did not use delegation DEO1785 to resolve an appeal during that period.