funding · City of Gold Coast
Gold Coast backs Local Growth Management Strategy after tied vote
The Planning and Regulation Committee endorsed the citywide strategy as a non-statutory planning document, with a further review due within six months of the new planning scheme starting.
The City of Gold Coast’s Planning and Regulation Committee has backed the Local Growth Management Strategy, setting it up to guide how the city plans future growth and how later planning schemes are prepared.
In unconfirmed minutes from the committee’s 24 February meeting, councillors endorsed the strategy, noted its technical report and community engagement results, and stated that it is a strategic, non-statutory document to inform the city’s in-progress and future planning schemes.
The item was contested. A changed recommendation was carried on the chair’s casting vote after a 4-4 division, with four councillors voting for and four against. The committee also added a requirement for a further report within six months of the new planning scheme coming into effect.
That future report is intended to update the Local Growth Management Strategy so it reflects endorsed policy positions in the new planning scheme. It must also set out a proposed frequency and governance framework for future updates to the strategy.
For residents, the strategy is a citywide planning document rather than a direct change to current rules. The minutes say it is meant to inform the preparation of current and future planning schemes, and councillors noted that the new planning scheme process will allow more detailed feedback on division-specific matters.
The committee also supported phased delivery of an engagement and communications plan for the strategy, including tailored divisional information and messaging prepared in consultation with councillors.
Before launch, the executive general manager for Planning, Regulation and Service Gold Coast has been authorised to make minor editorial, graphic design and consequential amendments to the strategy and technical report. The committee directed that a register of those changes be kept and made available to councillors on request.
Reference minutes
Source: City of Gold Coast Planning and Regulation Committee meeting on 24 February 2026, unconfirmed public minutes.
Key facts from the minutes
- The Planning and Regulation Committee endorsed the Local Growth Management Strategy at its 24 February 2026 meeting.
- The committee noted the Local Growth Management Strategy Technical Report and the outcomes of the 'Growth Matters' engagement.
- Councillors stated the strategy is a strategic, non-statutory document to inform the preparation of the city's in-progress and future planning schemes.
- A changed recommendation was carried on the chair's casting vote after a 4-4 division.
- The committee called for an updated report within six months of the new planning scheme commencing.
- Minor editorial, graphic design and consequential amendments can be made before launch, with a change register to be available to councillors on request.
Why it matters
- The strategy is intended to shape long-term growth planning across the Gold Coast and feed into future planning scheme settings, with another review locked in after the new planning scheme begins.