City Plan amendments for Labrador, Biggera Waters and Southport

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Jenna Schroeder
PO Box 182
BIGGERA WATERS QLD 4216
Total Signatures - 1,230
Sponsoring Member: Mr Sam O'Connor MP
Posting Date: 19/3/2021
Closing Date: 23/5/2021
Tabled Date: 25/5/2021
Responded By: Hon Dr Steven Miles MP on 21/6/2021
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the impact the substantial City Plan amendments being undertaken by the City of Gold Coast will have on Labrador, Biggera Waters and Southport West through their classification as 'Targeted Growth Areas'. The amendments will significantly change their nature and have a high impact on the whole community. Mayor Tom Tate acknowledged "city hall had got it wrong in selecting Biggera Waters, Labrador and Southport”. They don't satisfy the State Government's guidelines on growth areas in regards to high frequency public transport, employment rates and opportunities, unlike suburbs like Helensvale and Robina, as outlined in the SEQ Regional Plan. There is no evidence why these suburbs have been chosen. We believe City of Gold Coast has failed to have regard for state guidelines for community engagement, having used the lesser 'consult' level as opposed to 'involve' or 'collaborate'.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to investigate the appropriateness of the level of community engagement undertaken by the Gold Coast City Council before signing off on the City Plan amendments. The State Planning Policy and Queensland Government's Community Engagement Toolkit makes clear the level of community engagement required when proposing changes in zoning and increases in density should 'involve' (work directly with the public throughout the process) or 'collaborate' (partner with the public in each aspect of the decision). This e-petition proposes the Minister investigate whether the City of Gold Coast has correctly and thoroughly engaged residents in the proposed amendments.