funding · City of Gold Coast
Gold Coast committee backs 2026-27 rate structure and major budget funding
The City of Gold Coast committee endorsed the 2026-27 differential general rate structure and a series of funding packages, including $69.83 million for ARRC Organics Pty Ltd.
The City of Gold Coast Special Budget Committee has endorsed the differential general rate structure for the 2026-27 Budget and Revenue Statement, after a division and a super majority at its 14 May meeting at City of Gold Coast Council Chambers, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise.
The committee also backed revised rate concessions for inclusion in the 2026-27 budget.
ARRC Organics Pty Ltd received the largest funding package. The committee endorsed $14,362,000 in recurrent funding, $7,870,000 in non-recurrent funding, $69,830,000 in capital works funding and $18,000,000 to buy the land for the facility. The land funding will remain with the city.
The committee also endorsed ARRC Organics Pty Ltd’s 2026-27 Operational Plan, except for the forward budget forecast in section 4.2. It also noted the Services and Funding Agreement for ARRC Gold Coast Pty Ltd will be presented for council’s endorsement in 2026-27, subject to further reconciliation and a future report to council.
Brand Gold Coast Pty Ltd was endorsed for a $3,337,200 base funding provision and access to the Controlled Entities Discretionary Fund for 2026-27. The committee also endorsed Brand Gold Coast Pty Ltd’s 2026-27 Operational Plan.
Experience Gold Coast Pty Ltd was endorsed for $49,190,000 in base funding and $1,545,000 for the Arts Fund. The committee also noted access to the Controlled Entities Discretionary Fund for 2026-27 and endorsed the company’s 2026-27 Operational Plan. That funding was endorsed subject to a mutual agreement with Experience Gold Coast Pty Ltd.
Invest Gold Coast Pty Ltd received $17,729,000 in base funding, access to the Controlled Entities Discretionary Fund and a further $5,500,000 for Priority Investment Projects. The committee also endorsed Invest Gold Coast Pty Ltd’s 2026-27 Operational Plan and the 2026-27 International Plan and Annual Trade and Mission Program. The minutes note variations may occur because of emerging opportunities, fuel crisis and geopolitical issues.
The committee also endorsed budget allocations for strategic asset utilisation and required that capital acquisitions of strategic land holdings not proceed without a report to Full Council.
It also resolved that all draft 2026-27 budget documentation be treated as confidential until the budget is adopted by council. The Long Term Financial Forecast and Financial Sustainability ratios were noted, with the budget papers treated as confidential. Endorsed operational plan actions will be presented to the Special Council meeting scheduled for 9 June 2026.
Several related items were dealt with in closed session before the committee moved the budget settings on for the next stage of council consideration.
Reference minutes
City of Gold Coast Special Budget Committee Meeting, 14 May 2026, unconfirmed minutes.
Key facts from the minutes
- The committee endorsed the differential general rate structure for the 2026-27 Budget and Revenue Statement after a division and a super majority.
- Revised rate concessions were endorsed for inclusion in the 2026-27 budget.
- ARRC Organics Pty Ltd was backed with $14,362,000 recurrent funding, $7,870,000 non-recurrent funding, $69,830,000 in capital works funding and $18,000,000 for land purchase.
- Brand Gold Coast Pty Ltd received a $3,337,200 base funding provision and access to the Controlled Entities Discretionary Fund.
- Experience Gold Coast Pty Ltd received $49,190,000 in base funding and $1,545,000 for the Arts Fund, subject to a mutual agreement.
- Invest Gold Coast Pty Ltd received $17,729,000 in base funding and $5,500,000 for Priority Investment Projects.
- The committee said strategic land acquisitions must not proceed without a report to Full Council.
Why it matters
- The committee’s decisions affect 2026-27 rates, concessions and major spending on waste infrastructure, tourism, arts and investment attraction across the Gold Coast.