Local Issues

Staying across local government developments is important for any Gold Coast business owner — and there's plenty happening right now that could have real implications for our region's future. Here's a roundup of the key issues currently unfolding at council level.

Council Under Governance Scrutiny

Gold Coast City Council is facing significant governance scrutiny, with councillors pushing for an independent review into CEO Tim Baker and his leadership team. Baker has since sought legal advice regarding the proposed review process, adding further complexity to the situation. Separately, a newly created managerial role paying over $300,000 annually — with no direct reports — is also under investigation.

Royal Pines Towers Debate Continues

On the development front, Alitus Property Group CEO Josh Porter has defended the controversial Royal Pines towers project, arguing the 25-storey development will boost the city's economy despite strong councillor pushback. Businesses in the Mudgeeraba and Robina corridor should follow this planning debate closely, as decisions made around this project may shape the broader development landscape for our area.

These are exactly the kinds of local issues where staying informed matters. MCC will continue to keep members updated as these stories develop. If you have thoughts or concerns about how local governance and planning decisions are affecting your business, we'd love to hear from you — reach out to us or join the conversation at our next Chamber event.