Council Update: What’s Happening in Our Backyard

As we welcome 2025, it’s clear the start of the year has been far from ideal for residents in Division 14 and across the Gold Coast. In the wake of three serious weather events, including the devastating impact of Cyclone Alfred, our community continues to face significant challenges. The clean-up effort remains ongoing, and I am deeply grateful to everyone who has come together to support each other during this difficult time.

Cyclone Alfred brought with it some of the most severe conditions we’ve experienced in decades, some of the stats below are truly mind blowing:

• Peak Wave Height: 12.3m (highest recorded in 38 years of measurements)
• Scarping: 6m high at some beaches with 500 truckloads of sand delivered for replenishment
• Wind Gusts: Coolangatta 100kph (highest in 21 years)
• SES Task Requests: 2,092
• Sandbags Issued: 45,500
• Power Outages Customers Affected: 230,510 (at peak)
• Traffic Signal Outages: 225 (at peak)

Some good news, the Currumbin Seawall Renewal and Oceanway Upgrade is in its final stages, with works due to be completed by mid-April—just in time for Easter and Anzac Day. The newly constructed 240m seawall has already proven its resilience, withstanding recent storm surges and significantly improving the area’s protection against coastal erosion. This upgrade has been crucial in preserving Currumbin’s iconic coastline for future generations.

Looking ahead, our next major project is the Currumbin Training Wall Upgrade, set to begin in May. This essential renewal will strengthen and protect our waterways while maintaining safe navigation through Currumbin Creek. Some of the benefits for the community will be:

• Improved resilience to coastal erosion
• Improved safety and access for lifeguards, pedestrians, and beach users
• Improved beach access, viewing areas, shading and amenities
• Extensive dune revegetation and tree planting.

The works are due to be completed early 2026 (weather and conditions permitting).

In May the 2025 Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro is coming back to Snapper Rocks from the 3rd to 13th!

Snapper Rocks has been the spot for the Gold Coast Pro for over 20 years, and it never disappoints. The waves are some of the best around, and it’s always amazing to see the best surfers in the world compete right here in our backyard.

Whether you’re a big surf fan or just love the buzz of a major event, make sure to come down and enjoy the vibe during the 2025 Bonsoy Mobile Gold Coast Pro. It’s one of those events that really showcases what makes our coastline so special!

I’m also excited to be sponsoring Bowlapalooza this Sunday, 6 April, at Betty Diamond Skate Park in Tugun from 12pm to 4pm. It’s set to be a fantastic event celebrating our vibrant skate culture, with special guest Chloe Covell who at just 15 has already made significant waves in the skateboarding community, having competed in the women’s street event at the 2024 Summer Olympics and securing multiple X Games medals. Be sure to check out more details at Bowlapalooza

Finally, as we move further into the Autumn months let’s hope Mother Nature is a bit kinder to our city and we get some of that beautiful sunshine to dry it out ready for Cooly Rocks On in June!

Warm regards

Gail O’Neill