Have your say on draft ocean beaches strategy

The City of Gold Coast launched community consultation on a draft long-term strategy to manage and protect our ocean beaches. 

Council is seeking feedback from Gold Coast residents and visitors over the next six weeks on a bold new Draft Gold Coast Ocean Beaches Strategy 2012-2023.

Mayor Tom Tate said the ocean beaches were a significant asset to our city, delivering social, environmental and economic benefits.

“This Strategy is about meeting the challenges of managing and protecting our coastal environment head on, as well as recognising the opportunities that exist to grow business and recreation activities,” he said.

“The city is investing $10.6 million this year alone on maintaining and managing our 52km of coastline, with an additional $8.1 million allocated to provide the country’s largest professional lifeguard service.

“It is important that the city works collaboratively with individuals, businesses, and governments to manage our beaches,” he said.

Chair of Council’s Engineering Services Committee, Councillor Daphne McDonald said no two Gold Coast beaches were the same.

“It’s important for all members of the community, no matter where they live, to have a say about the future management of our beaches,” she said. 

“Although the draft strategy is Council’s approach to our coastline, we really want the community to have a say about their expectations for the way their beaches are managed.  Tell us what that means to you.”

The Strategy aims to ensure our beaches will be clean, healthy, safe and accessible now and into the future. The four strategic outcomes Council is seeking from the strategy are to ensure: everyone can enjoy a beach experience; our beaches are healthy and clean; our coastal infrastructure is protected from storm surge and erosion; and there is joint stewardship of our ocean beaches.

There are a number of ways for Gold Coast residents and visitors to comment on the draft strategy, including an online survey, participation in a discussion forum online, or having a chat in person at a series of information sessions.

The online survey will run from 25 March to 3 May.  Council will also host information sessions for everyone to have their say during April as follows:

• Saturday, 13 April at Burleigh Heads foreshore
• Sunday, 21 April at Lionel Perry Park, SurfersParadise
• Saturday, 27 April atPalm BeachParklands

For more information, including details of the online survey, go to goldcoastcity.com.au/oceanbeachesstrategy.