FAQs

South Stradbroke Island is a stunning and much-loved coastal destination, known by locals for its exceptional surf breaks, natural beauty and outdoor activity options. Sitting just 200 metres north of the most northern point of The Spit, it’s a destination for visitors to boat, fish, camp, kayak and generally immerse themselves in its unique natural environment. A Whole of Island plan and nature-based tourism enhancements for this popular area will create opportunities to deliver improved amenities and facilities for locals and visitors of South Stradbroke Island.

The Whole of Island plan and nature-based tourism enhancements for South Stradbroke Island will aim to enhance the overall nature-based tourism offerings available for visitors to the island, as part of the City’s Nature-Based Tourism Program. Nature-based tourism provides visitors with unique experiences in natural settings that combine enjoyment, education and cultural awareness, while focussing on sustainability and conservation.

Some examples of nature-based tourism can include;

• adventure and recreation activities, such as kayaking and other eco-friendly outdoor adventures
• guided nature walks and cultural tours including First-Nations-led experiences
• sustainable accommodation (for example, eco-cabins, glamping or camping options, or off-grid cabins).

We want to create nature-based tourism options that work with the delicate ecosystem of the island, while providing a unique experience and accessible experience for visitors to the island and surrounds.

Yes. The CRG is just one way to be involved. Community members will also be able to provide input through GC Have Your Say surveys and other engagement activities.

The CRG will play an advisory role. Members will help shape ideas, identify risks and opportunities, and provide input on how proposals align with community values. Final decisions will be made by Council, but CRG feedback will directly influence the development of the master plan.

The following criteria will be used to select CRG members:

• Members must live, work, operate a business, or hold a recognised community role within the Gold Coast Local Government Area, with preference given to those who have a direct connection to South Stradbroke Island or the adjacent mainland communities that regularly access and use the island (including Paradise Point, Runaway Bay, Hope Island, Coomera, and Labrador). Members outside of these areas may be considered where they significantly contribute to, or directly represent, the island’s environmental, cultural, recreational, or tourism interests.
• Members should have demonstrated knowledge of local issues and opportunities relating to South Stradbroke Island and its surrounding waterways. This may include:
  • Representing Traditional Owners or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural interests.
  • Active involvement in local community, environmental, tourism, recreation, or resident groups.
  • Knowledge of the island’s environmental values, cultural heritage, history, or recreational use.
  • Demonstrated commitment to the sustainable future of South Stradbroke Island and the Gold Coast’s nature-based tourism vision.
• The selection process will aim to ensure a diversity of representation, including cultural backgrounds, age groups, abilities, and interest areas.
• Members must be available to actively participate in CRG meetings in person and online.
• City of Gold Coast employees, elected representatives or contractors are not eligible for CRG membership.

The selection process will aim for a balance of perspectives across residents, landowners, local businesses, environmental and cultural representatives, and other community voices. Diversity of views, experience, and knowledge will be considered to ensure broad representation.

Members will not be paid a wage, but the City mayprovide honorariums, travel assistance, or reimbursements for out-of-pocket costs to support participation.

No. Members will be selected for their connection to the community and willingness to contribute. Both local knowledge and specialist expertise are valued.

Additional support arrangements can be made to enable full participation of specific CRG members’ needs. For example, we can help with technical arrangements, physical accessibility, translation services or information to be provided in a specific format.