City of Gold Coast Planning and Development Hub

Welcome to the City of Gold Coast Planning and Development Hub - an online communication and engagement tool created to provide a secure location to give you access to information on matters relating to planning, building and development, such as:

  • practice notes
  • training videos
  • presentations
  • news.
To stay up to date on planning and development matters, sign up to our Planning and Development alerts.


Welcome to the City of Gold Coast Planning and Development Hub - an online communication and engagement tool created to provide a secure location to give you access to information on matters relating to planning, building and development, such as:

  • practice notes
  • training videos
  • presentations
  • news.
To stay up to date on planning and development matters, sign up to our Planning and Development alerts.


  • Gold Coast Open House back ready to open its doors

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    On Saturday 19 October, the fifth annual Gold Coast Open House opens the doors of interesting and architecturally significant buildings and locations, inviting the public to take a behind the scenes look at places they may have only glimpsed from the street.

    Gold Coast Open House unlocks buildings, places and spaces right across the city, from heritage gems to sports venues and inspiring buildings, homes, churches, schools, universities, museums, art galleries, TV and radio stations, public utilities and workplaces that reflect our city’s unique architecture and urban design.

    Famous for its interwar and post-war development boom and recreational industries, the Gold Coast has a varied and unique stock of buildings and places in comparison with many other major Australian cities. The buildings included in the program each year show a snapshot of the evolution of architecture on the Gold Coast, with some buildings dating back to the late 1800s, early 1900s, through to cutting-edge design of recent years by some of the Gold Coast’s leading architects.

    Gold Coast Open House is a free event for young and old. Locals and visitors alike will have the opportunity to explore these urban spaces and learn more about the Gold Coast, its history and future aspirations—and how architecture and design have contributed to the city we know today.

    Attendance at some Gold Coast Open House buildings require pre-registration for guided tours.

    View the 2019 program and register at goldcoastopenhouse.com.au

  • Update to plumbing and drainage terminology and fees

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    On the 27 September Council endorsed the adjustment of wording within the plumbing and drainage schedule of fees and charges to match terminology used within the new plumbing and drainage legislation as well as adjusting three (3) fees to maintain consistency across the application types.

    The differences you will notice include:

    • Plumbing Applications – Dwelling Only – Class 1&10 Buildings – Sewered has been reclassified as Plumbing Applications - Fast Track Permit Application
    • Plumbing Applications – Dwelling Only – Class 1&10 Buildings – Unsewered has been reclassified as Plumbing Applications – Permit Work – Class 1&10 Buildings – Unsewered
    • Plumbing Applications – Commercial Only – Class 2-9 Buildings – Sewered has been reclassified as Plumbing Applications – Permit Work – All Building Classes – Sewered
    • Plumbing Applications – Commercial Only – Class 2-9 Buildings – Unsewered has been reclassified as Plumbing Applications – Permit Work – Class 2-9 Buildings – Unsewered.
    Additionally, the following fees have increased to reduce confusion and maintain consistency across all application types:
    • Residential – Sewered – Inspection Fees from $109.00 to $112.00
    • Residential – Sewered – Testable Backflow Prevention Device – Inspection Fee from $109.00 to $112.00
    • Residential – Unsewered – Amended Plans Assessment and Inspection Fees from $111.00 to $112.00.
    We anticipate the changes will come into effect within the next few weeks once Council’s application management system has been updated by our system administrator.

  • Our City Our Plan consultation period extended

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    Due to the significant amount of interest and feedback received from our community, we’re extending the Our City Our Plan consultation period to 11 November 2019.

    You are encouraged to have your say on proposed amendments to help shape the future of the Gold Coast.

  • City Building Seminar - October 2019

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    What if we built the Gold Coast around places

    Ethan Kent, Co-Director of PlaceMakingX and Senior Fellow of Project for Public Spaces, New York

    The vision of PlaceMakingX is to make the spaces we live into places we love.

    To create a thriving, equitable and sustainable world through the convergence of values, passion and action around our public spaces.

    Ethan will present how various (sometimes unlikely) pieces fit together to create a great public destination and demonstrate how placemaking is a process, not an outcome.


    Ethan Kent's Bio

    Senior Vice President

    Ethan Kent works to support Placemaking organisations, projects, and leadership around the world, to build a global placemaking movement to build systemic change towards place-led urbanization.

    Over 20 years at Project for Public Spaces (PPS), Ethan has travelled to more than 900 cities and 60 countries to advance the cause of placemaking and public spaces.

    Ethan has been integral to the development of placemaking as a transformative approach to economic development, environmentalism, transportation planning, governance, resilience, social equity design, digital space and innovation.

    Having worked on over 200 PPS projects, Ethan has led a broad spectrum of placemaking efforts, providing comprehensive public engagement, user-analysis, planning and visioning for high profile public spaces on six continents.


    Date: Thursday, 31 October 2019

    Time: 12:30pm presentation

    Venue: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

    Details: Car parking available onsite

    RSVP: oca@goldcoast.qld.gov.au


  • The Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 7 (Protection of Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade) 2019

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    On 27 August 2019, the Council of the City of Gold Coast adopted the Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 7 (Protection of Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade) 2019 for the City of Gold Coast.

    The Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 7 (Protection of Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade) 2019 has retrospective effect from 30 July 2019 and will cease to have effect on 30 July 2021, unless repealed sooner.

    The purpose and general effect of the Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 7 (Protection of Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade) 2019 is to ensure the protection of this significant local heritage place and landmark by:

    • providing timely interim protection from unregulated demolition of this building
    • allowing the City to progress its listing on the Local heritage register together with an amendment to City Plan
    • allowing the City make a proposal to the Department of Environment and Science to list the Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade in the Queensland Heritage Register.

    The Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 7 (Protection of Old Burleigh Theatre Arcade) 2019 overrides specified provisions of the Gold Coast City Plan.

  • Have your say on the proposed updates to the Netserv plan

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    The City of Gold Coast is proposing to amend its Water Netserv Plan, as per legislative requirements under the South-East Queensland Water (Distribution and Retail Restructuring) Act 2009.

    The proposed Water Netserv Plan has been updated to:

    · Incorporate the Water Supply and Sewerage Infrastructure Plan 2019.

    · Update the connection areas to include revised existing and future connection areas.

    · Update content to align with current City templates, to incorporate updated asset information, and to reflect current strategies.

    The City has an obligation to review its Water Netserv Plan so that it stays accurate and relevant. It incorporates infrastructure planning that caters for future projections of city employment, residential and visitor growth and translates this into the water and sewerage infrastructure requirements for the next 50 years (2016 base to 2066).

    The City is now seeking feedback on the amended Water Netserv Plan (Part A), including the Water Supply and Sewerage Infrastructure Plan (2019) and connection areas (existing connection area and future connection area).

    The engagement is open from 9 September to 5pm 11 October 2019.

    Online version available at: http://www.gchaveyoursay.com.au/netserv2019


  • Industry briefing: Important changes to water and sewer as-constructed drawings submissions

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    Water and Waste are holding an information session on important changes in the timing of submissions for water and sewer as-constructed drawings for developer contributed assets. It is an opportunity for you and your business to engage with a City representative to discuss these changes.

    From 1 November 2019, City of Gold Coast will require water and sewer as-constructed drawings for developer contributed assets to be submitted prior to making the final live connection to the network. This change will affect developer contributed works on the Gold Coast.

    We encourage you to review the details of this change and submit your queries prior to this briefing in order to maximise the effectiveness of this session.

    Date : Wednesday 9 October 2019

    Time : 7am doors open 7.30am – 8.30am presentation

    Venue : Gold Coast Sport and Leisure Centre, Carrara (Currumbin Room)

    Details: Car parking available on site, beneath the centre

    ** Light refreshments, tea and coffee will be provided

    Please forward your RSVP to Hannah Robinson at WWBusiness@goldcoast.qld.gov.au or call 07 5582 8178 with the names and positions of your company representatives along with special dietary requirements by Tuesday 1st October.

    Places are limited so don’t miss this opportunity to learn about these new changes and what this will mean for your business.

    We look forward to seeing you on the day.

  • City Building Seminar - September 2019

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    Vertical urbanism and the liveable city

    Barry Lee, Director, DBI and John Flynn, Director, Conrad Gargett


    The United Nations recently published data identifying that currently approximately 50 per cent of the world’s seven billion people live in urbanised settings. By 2050, the population is predicted to swell to nine billion people, with 70 per cent of the earth’s population living in cities. How our cities respond to this urban growth needs to be considered now as it will change our way of life.

    When we think of great vibrant cities we tend to focus on the vibrant streets and memorable public spaces. If we are to avoid urban sprawl our cities will need to densify and grow vertically. This density will provide opportunities to create three dimensional cities that will embrace the idea of vertical urbanism with vertical neighbourhoods that include a diversity of activities.

    Jewel, one of the most ambitious projects in Australia, has reached a point of completion where its complexity and innovation can be appreciated. Barry will discuss DBI’s project conception, methodology and innovations that have made this project possible.

    Barry Lee's Bio

    Barry has been responsible for the design of a number of major internationally recognised high-rise buildings including the Wave Tower and Q1 and has been responsible for more than thirty one significant high-rise developments many of which have received professional accolades.

    Barry’s philosophy is to combine a focus on human quality of life and environmental sustainability with dynamic and expressive architectural forms in an attempt to comfort and inspire.

    John Flynn's Bio

    John is a Director of Conrad Gargett with over 30 years’ experience designing great places for people to call home. Formerly a Design Director with Mirvac, and Peddle Thorp preceding this, John draws from a strong history of design and project leadership. He has engaged in work and study across Australia, Europe and Asia. His substantial body of work includes the design, planning, documentation and management of complex projects spanning various sectors, including commercial, mixed-use, residential, healthcare and defence.

    Date: Thursday, 26 September 2019

    Time: 12:30pm presentation

    Venue: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

    Details: Car parking available onsite

    RSVP: oca@goldcoast.qld.gov.au

  • Next Major Amendment to City Plan on notification 27 September 2019

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    Council has endorsed the next package of proposed updates to the City Plan with the Our City Our Plan engagement planned to commence on Friday 27 September.

    The scope of this amendment package has been informed by feedback received during the development of the City Plan, submissions made through the Improve our City Plan register and ongoing strategic planning studies.

    You are encouraged to have your say on the proposed updates during the engagement period.

    Proposed updates will cover six themes, including:

    • height and density to create a sustainable city shape
    • built form and urban design highlighting the importance of a well-designed city
    • targeted growth areas and how we intend to deliver responsible growth
    • growth and diversification of employment to stimulate economic growth and enable future job creation
    • environment to safeguard our environmental values
    • other land use changes and alignment improvements for clarity, consistency and alignment.

  • The Temporary Local Planning Instrument No.6 (Development in the Guragunbah flood plain area 2018) (TLPI No.6)

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    On 28 August 2018, the City of Gold Coast prepared and endorsed a Temporary Local Planning Instrument No. 6 (Development in the Guragunbah flood plain area 2018) (TLPI No.6).

    The proposed TLPI No.6 was submitted to the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Manufacturing and Planning for approval.

    The City of Gold Coast also sought approval for an earlier effective date of 28 August 2018.

    The Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning wrote to the Mayor on 22 August 2019, with a Notice of Decision to approve the making of a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) under the Minister’s Guidelines and Rules.

    The TLPI No.6 aims to ensure any future development on land in the Guragunbah flood plain area is better protected against flood risk.

    The TLPI No.6 will amend the operation of the Flood overlay code for assessment of development in the Guragunbah flood plain area.

    The TLPI No.6 will have a lifespan of two years and is intended to apply until the City has formally amended the Flood overlay code in City Plan.

    The Guragunbah flood plain is recognised as an important natural asset providing significant open space and habitat of state and local significance.


Page last updated: 07 Feb 2024, 11:16 AM