These are my own personal views. I do not purport to speak on behalf of Council.
The Cableway – Following the unanimous vote of Councillors for my motion, Council’s CEO is to write to the City of Gold Coast requesting information for the proposed cableway to potentially end up at Tamborine Mountain.
There are some misconceptions in the community.
In times of natural disaster events (cyclone, bushfire) a cableway would be unlikely to be operating and therefore would not be an avenue for transport on or off the Mountain.
The cost of the Cairns-Kuranda cableway is approximately $70pp one way.
The notion that a cableway could serve as regular transport to the Gold Coast is unrealistic as the cost would be prohibitive.
Issues raised with Council – January 2026: So many enquiries re “if I buy this property, can I subdivide, build, install etc”.
I am amazed that some such enquiries are made on the day of settlement with no proper due diligence prior to purchase.
Wanting to build a house on land in the Neighbourhood Centre Zone where dwellings are not permitted is one example.
Hosting small weddings in the Rural Res A precinct – this requires a full development application as it is an impact inconsistent use.
Failing to declare that a proposed second dwelling is not really a dwelling but rather short-term accommodation.
Encroachment of structure/s into neighbour’s property – this is a civil matter.
Multiple complaints regarding unapproved structures, shed being used as unapproved rental dwellings, sub-standard condition of rental property, asbestos, tree clearing, unlawful land use (Eagle Heights, Gallery Walk and Main Western Road), wild dogs/dingoes, unregistered dogs, dog attack resulting in hospitalisation, drainage issues, graffiti Gallery Walk toilets (again), seven complaints regarding overgrown allotments, potholes, parking issues, speeding, green waste bins and for good measure, bunya nuts!
Gallery Walk Carpark Project – Until early January, Councillors were told that the project was on time and on budget.
This was not correct as there has been a massive blow-out in the total cost from $4.2m (increased to $4.4m mid 2025) to a whopping $6m, of which all but $2.1m is to be funded from ratepayer funds.
In the Special Meeting on February 4 I reluctantly voted to reallocate funds as the alternative would be the carpark would remain uncompleted and inaccessible from Gallery Walk.
I stated that I was concerned about the project management deficiencies (in fact I am disgusted) and that it is important that approval be tempered with some attempt to recover costs by way of paid parking.
This is only Stage one of the project.
Community consultation – I will be available at the Councillor’s office (first glass door near the Post office) from 10am to 4pm on Monday, February 16. Drop in to discuss your issues or have a chat. Budget suggestions welcome.
Good news – the Dapsang Dr public toilet block will soon be replaced (with much greater scrutiny of this project by Councillors).
