The City will continue its push to protect more green and open space across the Gold Coast, with $22 million allocated towards GreenHeart over the next two years.
“This will be a signature parkland for the entire SEQ region,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
“It is a 241-hectare parcel of land that will take a decade to fully develop but will add incredible community space between Robina and Merrimac. The space will feature sporting fields, nature experiences and event sites for large outdoor concerts. In every way, this will be a huge asset for the entire SEQ region given its proximity to heavy rail and the M1.”
The $22 million ($6.6 million in 2022-23) will be allocated towards the Greenheart masterplan and Stage 1 (Robina City Parklands). Work on Robina City Parklands will start in early 2023 and includes two giant adventure play areas, wet play, event lawn, café, scooter and bike tracks.
The budget is allocating almost $31 million towards maintaining and protecting our beaches and waterways. Key projects include:
- Upgrade Tallebudgera Creek Boardwalk – $2.7 million;
- Maintain foreshores including beach sweeping, showers and boardwalks – $2.8 million;
- Maintain tidal waterways, dredging, rubbish removal, boat ramps, public revetment walls, public pontoons and swimming enclosures – $7.7 million
The budget has also allocated $5 million towards planting additional trees, restoring ecosystems, eradicating weeds and providing additional nature-based recreation experiences within the City’s existing reserves of land.
“We plant at least 100,000 trees annually as part of our push for a greener, healthier city. I thank every volunteer for their efforts,” Mayor Tate said.
“The City’s vision is that 51 per cent of the Gold Coast is covered in native vegetation, providing habitat for our iconic wildlife and improving the city’s liveability for residents. We are at 50.55 percent now which is fantastic but as the city grows in population, we must keep our focus on protecting and connecting the precious ‘green behind the gold’.”
Other initiatives in the 2022-23 Budget include:
- Federation Walk – $2.2 million for the continued restoration of the Federation Walk Littoral Rainforest project (37 hectare) as well as ongoing maintenance;
- Botanical Gardens Biodiversity Centre – $750,000 for the continued design stages of this world class facility due for completion in 2025;
- Natural environment management – an additional $838,000 towards maintaining and enhancing our natural environment, including strategic acquisition of habitat for koalas and other wildlife.
