FAQs

The project aims to better utilise Rudd Park by creating new recreational opportunities for the community, while improving access, movement and connectivity within the Burleigh Heads foreshore precinct. Rudd Park is currently an under utilised area compared to surrounding spaces, and this project explores how it can better meet community needs.

Option A: This option includes a new car park in Rudd Park with relocated spaces from the Burleigh Hill and Goodwin Terrace car parks. There would be no reduction of parking within the precinct.

Option B: This option includes a new car park in Rudd Park with relocated spaces from Burleigh Hill and Goodwin Terrace and additional car parking spaces to support pool users. 

The site has also been selected for its strong public transport connections, including proximity to the future light rail, to encourage suitable travel and reduce reliance on car parking.

Yes. The outdoor gym will be retained under both options. 

Option A: it would remain in its current location.
Option B: it would be relocated within Rudd Park to integrate with the new lagoon pool layout.

While ocean pools are popular in some parts of Australia, they are not suitable for the dynamic, sandy coastline of the Gold Coast, particularly at Burleigh Heads.

The Gold Coast shoreline is shaped by strong waves, tides and currents that continuously move sand along the coast. These natural processes are essential to maintaining wide, sandy beaches that protect and define our coastline. An ocean pool would require solid concrete walls to withstand surf conditions. Such structures interrupt natural sand movement and reflect wave energy rather than absorbing it, which can lead to increased beach erosion in surrounding areas and would adversely affect the surfing wave amenity of the famous point break. 

There are also practical and safety conditions. Ocean pools must be designed to withstand large swell and storm events, which are common on the Gold Coast. This significantly increases construction complexity and cost. In comparison to Sydney, the Gold Coast has sand transport rates 10 times higher making ongoing maintenance challenging due to sand build up that would require regular emptying of the pool.

The original Burleigh Heads ocean pool is no longer suitable for public use following its incorporation into the current Burleigh Pavilion building. This is a State Government leased facility.

Rudd Park is a centrally located park close to the foreshore that is currently underutilised. Public swimming lagoons in foreshore areas are a proven tourism drawcard and provide opportunities for locals and visitors to exercise and recreate when foreshore conditions are unfavourable. 

The facility will also provide a calm water swimming environment with ramped equitable access for residents and visitors with a disability and shaded junior splash areas. The park has nearby public transport connections and is located near holiday accommodation.

No. The pool will operate during set opening hours. This allows for lifeguard supervision, regular maintenance and cleaning, and ensures a safe and welcoming environment for all users.

The proposed pool would provide a safe, accessible place for people of all ages and abilities to swim, exercise and relax. It would support community health and wellbeing, encourage active lifestyles and create an inclusive recreational space for residents and visitors.

No. The public swimming lagoon will be free to use. It’s intended to be an inclusive, accessible community facility that everyone can enjoy.

At this stage, a detailed cost estimate for the pool has not been completed. The purpose of this phase of consultation is to identify the level of community interest in the public swimming lagoon.

The extent of fencing will be determined during detailed design.