FAQs

The Snapper Rocks to Rainbow Bay Foreshore Precinct Master Plan will guide future infrastructure, services and facilities for the area, while aiming to protect and enhance the natural environment. The plan will consider the growing population of the area, and provide solutions that will enhance, protect and improve the precinct, to ensure it’s a destination that locals and visitors can enjoy for years to come.

Last year, we asked how you use and value the Snapper Rocks to Rainbow Bay foreshore. Over 1,000 people shared feedback, and more than 300 joined us at community pop-ups.

You told us:

• You love the natural beauty and want it protected.
• You value the area’s unique character and charm.
• You want better accessibility, including wider paths and more parking.
• You support improved amenities, as long as they complement the area’s natural feel.

This feedback has shaped the draft master plan.

The key changes to the foreshore within the draft master plan are:

• The redevelopment and relocation of the Rainbow Bay Surf Lifesaving Club, which will enhance the clubhouse, improve access and amenities, and create a welcoming space for the community and local events. We propose the clubhouse will retain its view out to Rainbow Bay beach. 
• Transforming Snapper Rocks Road from a car park to a pedestrianised space to safely enjoy the Oceanway, beautiful views, and create a harmonious shared space with the entry to the surf club (some emergency vehicle access remain).
• Creating a ‘kiss and ride’ drop-off zone close to the redeveloped surf club for families and/or rideshare vehicles.
• Revitalising the Rainbow Bay foreshore, Snapper Rocks headland and Pont Danger with more coastal planting, additional shade and seating.

Creating a new, more accessible Oceanway which will wrap around the headland and connect Apex Park with Point Danger.

No. While the draft master plan proposes transforming Snapper Rocks Road into a pedestrian-friendly space that promotes seaside recreation, there will be no net loss of car parks — in fact, the new design presents an opportunity to increase the total number of car parks in the area.

The existing surf club building is ageing, meaning that it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain to modern safety standards. The City has been working with the Rainbow Bay SLSC and other community organisations on a vision for the coming 20 years. While the draft master plan identifies the need for its future redevelopment, no final design decisions have been made. Any future changes would involve separate, detailed planning and consultation with the community. We recognise and respect the building’s historical and cultural value, and preserving the character and beauty of the area will be a key consideration in any future proposals.

Community feedback is vital for us to shape a master plan that meets the needs of the diverse population of the area. We want to know if you feel our draft master plan reflects what we learned in our first round of engagement, and if you agree with our vision for the future of the precinct.

This feedback tell us if locals and visitors to this area are supportive of our proposed master plan. 

The draft master plan is a high-level strategic framework, and sets our vision 20 year vision for the future of the foreshore. It does not provide detailed designs on the proposed projects. Any detailed design work for these projects will start after the master plan is endorsed by Council. We will continue to work closely with stakeholders and the community on any projects that take place in the area.

To let us know how you feed about the draft master plan, you can:

• Complete the feedback form. There is an optional open comment section included if you would like to include specific feedback. 
• Email us at gchaveyoursay@goldcoast.qld.gov.au 
• Attend one of our pop-up kiosks on the Rainbow Bay Foreshore
  1. Tuesday 3 June – 7am – 10am
  2. Thursday 5 June – 7am – 10am
  3. Saturday 7 June – 7am – 10am

The renewal of the playground on the Rainbow Bay Foreshore was planned and approved prior to the start of our master planning project. The former playground and shade structures had deteriorated to the point that they had reached the end of their design life. This prompted the removal of the former playground and the installation of the new playground and structures. The new playground will provide a modern, inclusive and safe play space for children of all ages. 

The colours and design of the renewed playground are strongly influenced by our surf lifesaving culture, which is a key part of the Coast’s cultural identity. 

The Greenmount Headland Revitalisation Project team is also currently seeking feedback from the community on their project. Their project is currently in the design phase, after consulting the community late last year on draft designs for the headland 

Together, these two projects will aim to protect and enhance the natural environment of this iconic district to ensure they can be enjoyed by locals and visitors into the future. 

A key improvement that we are proposing as part of the master plan is to pedestrianise Snapper Rocks Road. This change will allow the community to enjoy the Oceanway from the Rainbow Bay Foreshore to Snapper Rocks, creating an accessible, welcoming and natural space for locals and visitors to enjoy the stunning vistas in the area. 

However, the closure of this road also means the current carpark will be closed. The master plan does include extra carparks to make up for this loss of parking meaning there is not expected to be a loss of carparks on the foreshore, but a significant increase in the number of carparks is unlikely.

As part of our planning processes, we will continue to investigate how we can improve transport accessibility in this area.  

The Greenmount Headland Revitalisation Project team is also currently seeking feedback from the community on their project. Their project is currently in the design phase, meaning they are presenting some draft designs to the community. Conversely, the Snapper Rocks to Rainbow Bay Masterplan is yet to be drafted, and the project team is seeking input on the community that will inform the first draft of the Masterplan. 

Together, these two projects will protect and enhance the natural environment of this iconic district to ensure they can be enjoyed by locals and visitors into the future. 

Have your say on the Greenmount Headland Revitalisation Project here.