Good to see the number of attendees at our last meeting, including Partners Allison and Helen, along with Past President Ray and former member Peter. Honorary member Uwe was in attendance and we also welcomed Guest Speaker Councillor Darren Taylor.
Another great meal provided by Chef Kouma and we sincerely thank Kouma and his daughter for looking after us so well.
Uwe was the Lucky Door winner and we also enjoyed a great deal of fellowship over the course of the meal.
Guest Speaker Councillor Darren Taylor (Division 10) provided us with an insight into the operation of Gold Coast City Council, with representation by 14 Divisional Councillors plus the Mayor. Each Division has a population in the order of 33,000. Council comprises 6 Committees (comprising 7 Councillors) plus the Full Council and each Councillor is on 3 separate Committees, which then report to the full Council.
Darren spoke on the projection of 1million residents in the Gold Coast City Council area by 2045 and the infrastructure and community constraints that this will impose on the Council.
Division 10 encompasses Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, The Spit and out to Carrara, which is quite a diverse area, presenting its own challenges from the Tourist Strip to pure residential.
Surfers Paradise is undergoing a $100m upgrade plus the Transit Centre becoming a Town Hall. By the end of March Council will have determined if the Foreshore Esplanade will remain closed to traffic or reopened.
The development within the Council area is based on the City Plan with height limits in some areas and it is noted that Surfers Paradise has no such limits. Covid has changed the Work from Home ethos and people are now residing on the Gold Coast and working anywhere within Australia or worldwide.
The matter of governing e-bikes was discussed and it is noted that this is primarily a State Government issue, with Council able to monitor the activities on their own land, such as the extensive parks and gardens within the city.
Jim Hawkins thanked Councillor Darren for his comprehensive overview of Council and the various happenings.
Members are reminded that at our 17 March Meeting, representatives from the Department of Primary Industries will be providing a presentation on Fire Ants.
Remember also the Combined District Conference to be hosted at Royal Pines from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 May and members are encouraged to register with registrations closing on 10 April 2026.
