City of Gold Coast Planning and Development Hub

Our team is committed to sustainably managing the growth and development of the Gold Coast.

Across our City Development, City Planning and Office of Architecture and Heritage Branches, our experienced and dedicated officers are here to work with you.

Check out our latest organisational chart to see a list of key personnel from these branches.

For more on planning and building, visit our website or contact the Planning Enquiries Centre on 07 5582 8708.

We have updated the Express DA guidelines following feedback from applicants and members of the public.

For further information please refer to Express development – application guidelines.

Applicant Guidelines changes

Key changes to the Applicant Guidelines include:

• clarity when a Flood conveyance check request can be made
• table informing applicants of the letter types issued as part of the pre-submission review
• confirming the 10-15 business day range commences once the application is properly made, not lodged.

Changes to the Applicant Guidelines exclusions

Key changes to the exclusions within the Applicant Guidelines include:

• clarity when exclusions related to each overlay are actually applicable
• updates to the Koala mapping habitat exclusion
• several amendments to the Environmental significance overlay code exclusions
• removal of the Industry, community, infrastructure and agriculture land interface area overlay exclusion
• alteration to the Extractive resources overlay exclusions so industrial applications are not implicated unnecessarily
• changes to the existing lawful point of discharge exclusion
• notes informing when certain exclusions within the Transport code and Coastal erosion hazard overlay code are applicable.

Where to find the updates

The update can be found in the Express development – applicant guidelines, which have now commenced.

David Burdon and Jane Alexander from the National Trust of Australia (NSW) present, “Use it, don’t lose it – the case for adaptation” on Thursday 30 September at 12:30pm.

With the need to move away from a ‘throw-away society’ now finally gaining general acceptance, it is time to take the same approach with our built environment.

Buildings change over time – their original use may no longer be required, or current standards may make change necessary. How can we approach the work of adapting old buildings for new uses, rather than starting over again with a new building, and balance retaining authenticity while creating vibrant new places?

This presentation will illustrate how the adaptive re-use of buildings in NSW has recently led to some award-winning architectural designs. These designs have been praised for the way they provide a creative response to the existing buildings on site, celebrate their unique heritage character and also deliver great placemaking outcomes.

This seminar will demonstrate the ways in which an understanding of heritage significance can lead to an authentic outcome for a place, proving that everything old can become new again.

RSVP to citybuildingseminars@goldcoast.qld.gov.au and the link to attend the virtual event will be provided once you have registered.

About David Burdon

David Burdon is a registered architect and the current Conservation Director at the National Trust (NSW). In his career with the NSW Government Architect’s Office and in private architectural offices, he has worked on a number of successful adaptive re-use projects on numerous building types.

About Jane Alexander

Jane is an archaeologist and heritage specialist who is the current Advocacy Manager at the National Trust (NSW). In her previous roles as a heritage consultant she has worked on adaptive reuse projects from tramsheds and aerodromes to churches and police stations, proving that with the right approach, heritage places can continue to thrive.

The City of Gold Coast has launched a new and improved website with a simpler layout and fresh new look.

While the new website has been designed to be easier for you to use, in this transition period, pages from the former website may be in a new location or format.

If you had pages you regularly visit bookmarked, the links may now be broken, and you will need to search for the new location of the page and update your bookmarks/favourites.

The quickest way to find what you’re looking for is to enter your key words (search terms) into the search bar on the new website.

If you need help locating content on the new website or have any other questions, please email CustomerExperienceProgram@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Our IT system is being enhanced to increase the maximum file size limit to a total of 1000MB per application, when lodging development applications online.

This change will apply to the following application types:

• Material Change of Use (MCU)
• Reconfiguration of a Lot (ROL)
• Southport Priority Development Area (PDA)
• Changed Application (CHA)
• Minor Change (MIN)

Mandatory attachments that can be uploaded to the limit of 1000MB include the development application form, owner’s consent and supporting documents; and non-mandatory attachments include plans and specialist reports/statements.

This substantial increase from the previous limit of 20MB will eliminate the need for our customers to request file sharing links to submit a complete application or send documentation separately to the electronic form.

This system enhancement will also streamline the pre-assessment process by avoiding lengthy delays whilst the Development Assessment Review Team (DART) wait on all the required documentation to commence pre-assessment.

It is now expected, with a 1000MB file size limit, that all online lodgements will be submitted by our external planning partners with all the required legislative documentation.

Application documentation is to be submitted in PDF format, without password protection for forms, owner’s consent, supporting documents, plans and specialist reports.

For further information please refer to How to lodge a development application or contact the DART on 07 5582 9053 or email dart@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Construction plays a crucial role in the ongoing development of the Gold Coast.

As our population grows, we can expect more buildings to be constructed in populated areas.

This can create noise and vibration impacts for those living, visiting and working nearby. The construction industry needs to respond by appropriately managing noise and vibration issues for basement construction.

Our new Basement Construction Vibration Guideline outlines our requirements for basement vibration management, including a measurable standard of what is acceptable for vibration and how to monitor.

It seeks to balance the need for new construction with reasonable community expectations by encouraging best practice.

Those involved with basement construction are advised to plan projects in accordance with this guideline. This will be referenced in future development conditions for basement construction.

More information: https://new.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Planning-building/Development-applications/Development-application-types/Management-plans

The City of Gold Coast (City) is committed to planning for our ever-growing city, while maintaining the unique character of the suburbs we love. The City is preparing a Neighbourhood Framework (Framework) to guide future planning for the Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads corridor.

Whilst European settlement emerged along the corridor in the 1800’s, a series of coastal villages rapidly grew in the post war era from the 1950’s to form the Gold Coast we enjoy today. In the State Government’s Regional Plan for South East Queensland – ShapingSEQ 2041, the Gold Coast’s population is anticipated to continue to grow at around 15,000 additional people per year until 2041. The goal for future land use planning is to simultaneously accommodate our growing community in balance with the employment, lifestyle, amenity, heritage, natural and landscape values in our local neighbourhoods.

Supporting the unique character of the Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads corridor, the completed Framework will be informed by the community’s values and priorities. This completed Framework will guide planning for the delivery of housing, employment, services, transport, open spaces, and public amenity.

The completed Framework will:

• be informed by community engagement and involvement
• support growth in urban areas to help protect our natural environment
• develop a social infrastructure plan to meet the needs of the future community
• guide a series of Station Neighbourhood Precinct concept plans
• balance opportunities and constraints
• inform and guide future amendments to City Plan
• coordinate and align work in the Station Neighbourhoods.

Have your say by completing a short survey on gchaveyoursay.com.au/NFBB. The survey runs from Tuesday 1 June to Monday 21 June 2021.

Complete the survey for your chance to win a $500 EFTPOS gift voucher (terms and conditions apply).

From 1 September 2021, City of Gold Coast will require contractors performing low-risk water and sewer connection works to be accredited. This change will affect all contractors who currently or would like to undertake this type of works on water and sewer assets.

Why the change?

The current process requires applicants to submit an application for assessment to the City for approval before carrying out live works. The current process can take up to 20 days and, in some instances, multiple information requests before an approval can be given.

It was also identified that in some instances, persons who are responsible for carrying out the works in accordance with the conditions set out in the Decision Notice, do not understand the conditions or are not aware of the conditions and work is commenced without the required approvals.

Waste and Water identified that this process could be streamlined by implementing an accreditation system, whereby contractors are pre-qualified by the City to undertake low-risk water and sewer works.

Changing the current process will address the uncontrolled risks such as construction delays which incurs additional cost to developers and homeowners.

The proposed change will;

• provide greater control of the time and cost associated with connections approvals
• create accountability of all parties
• reward accredited members for good performance and
• create operational efficiencies.

Timing of the change

Any connection application for low-risk connection works lodged on or after 1 September 2021 must be lodged by an accredited contractor.

Further information can be provided to you at your next project pre-start meeting. If you have any queries please contact Executive Coordinator Development Services, Mark Johnson on 07 5582 8939 or Roman Thomas Coordinator Development Services on 07 5582 8313.

In circumstances where it is reasonable to do so, the City will be applying conditions on development applications (Reconfiguring a lot and material change of use) to replace existing water and reline existing sewer assets if asbestos cement, vitrified clay, or other inappropriate materials are located within the frontage of development sites.

This new requirement will generally apply to:

• reconfiguring of lot applications for 10 or more lots
• material change of use applications for 10 or more dwellings
• commercial and industrial developments.

This may also apply to developments where a moderate amount of verge and road work is already required around existing water and sewer assets. Works to replace existing water and reline existing sewerage infrastructure will need to be completed prior to any building or operational works commencing on the site. Water and sewerage connections can be installed as part of replacement/relining works.

These new conditions are designed to ensure replacement of water and sewer assets is undertaken before building works commence to reduce the number of broken mains. Adhering to these new conditions is recognised as critical in maintaining the longevity of our infrastructure network for years to come.

Building over or near water and sewer infrastructure

Developers should familiarise themselves with these requirements when building over or near the City’s infrastructure as additional applications may apply to aspects of their proposed development. Refer to Council’s building over sewer guidelines (https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/documents/bf/building-over-or-near-sewer-infrastructure-guidelines.pdf) to help customers better understand the process relating to building near or over sewerage infrastructure.

The City has identified numerous developments that have not taken into consideration the triggered referral for assessment against the Queensland Development Code (QDC) MP1.4 when building over or near water and sewer infrastructure. Building certifiers should note that the QDC MP1.4 applies to water and sewer assets on a subject lot, on an adjacent lot, and in the road reserve.

The City will be following up with certifiers where this referral appears to have been missed. It will be the responsibility of the certifier to rectify the missed referral and ensure all works are completed in accordance with referral conditions.

Building certifiers please note, ROL, MCU and OPW approvals do not replace the requirement to refer a building application to the City for assessment where building over or near infrastructure. This referral is triggered by the Planning Regulation 2017 and is associated with a building works application. Where a building works application triggers assessment against the QDC MP1.4 and does not comply with the Acceptable Solutions, the building application must be referred to Council for assessment.

The Burleigh Heads Place Making Plan (Plan) is our tool to enhance the iconic Burleigh Heads precinct and its unique lifestyle. The Plan principles are to create and enhance:

• public spaces that are safe, inclusive and equitable
• streets that balance the needs of all users
• public spaces that inspire and foster cultural life
• economic development and environmental sustainability.

These principles aim to build on the strong sense of community that already exists to create a vibrant and memorable place.

The City of Gold Coast (City) has held four workshops with community and business stakeholders to ensure the direction of the Plan reflects what matters most to them. The next stage of Plan development is a community survey to seek feedback on draft project design concepts.

Examples of future projects include: improved streets, safety, seating areas, shared pathways that integrate with revegetation of green space, shade trees and ground cover, designated bike lanes and street artwork with high visual impact.

The City has gathered research to support the Plan, such as an economic baseline study, vehicle and pedestrian movement and counts, user experience, lighting, traffic congestion, parking and accessibility of infrastructure.

Have your say at gchaveyoursay.com.au. The survey is open from 6 to 19 May, 2021.

Complete the survey to go in the draw to win a $500 EFTPOS gift voucher *T&Cs apply.

The final Plan, influenced by community feedback, will shape and inform future decision making and provide a list of priority projects for implementation in the short, medium and long term (post-light rail construction).