Council Update: What's Happening in Our Backyard

With over 80,000 businesses and a local workforce exceeding 330,000 [1], our city is undeniably a thriving entrepreneurial hub. The Southern Gold Coast, renowned for its perfect blend of business opportunities and lifestyle, is rapidly becoming an increasingly sought-after destination for those looking to enjoy the best of both worlds. As our city continues to grow, it is crucial that we adapt to the needs of our residents. That's why I am committed to improving our recreational spaces to meet the demands of an active, health-conscious community. Heading into 2025, I am taking proactive steps to ensure that as our population grows, our recreational offerings evolve accordingly, allowing everyone to enjoy the benefits of both work and leisure.

Exciting changes ahead for Division 13’s green spaces

Our public parks play a central role in the community. As part of my commitment during the 2024 Council election campaign, I made a promise to enhance and improve our local recreational spaces. I am thrilled to announce that, as a step forward, I’ve recently commissioned the ‘Division 13 Park Improvement Plan,’ a comprehensive initiative designed to revitalise and upgrade our community parks.
This ongoing initiative is set to transform parks across our division, focusing on developing amenities and creating more inviting, functional spaces. I’m pleased to share that work has already begun, with Bill Thomson Park in Elanora being the first to receive upgrades to its BBQ facilities, shade areas, seating, and basketball court. I’ll be sharing updates on the progress of this work on my social media channels, so be sure to follow along on Facebook or Instagram for the latest news on both planned and completed improvements.This marks the start of a long-term effort to improve our parks, making sure they continue to serve as inviting spaces for residents to come together, enjoy recreational activities, connect with nature, and unwind, for generations to come.

Shaping the future of Mallawa Sports Complex

As a parent, I fully understand the growing pressure on our local sporting fields and the importance of providing adequate facilities for our community. That’s why I’ve worked hard to secure funding for a comprehensive masterplan for Mallawa Sports Complex, the largest and most used community sports field in Division 13. This plan is designed to not only address the current needs of our local sports clubs but also to accommodate the increasing demand from the broader community as it continues to grow.
This is a significant and exciting project, and it’s essential that we approach it with careful planning and extensive consultation with all involved parties. By doing so, we can ensure we are creating a space that best serves the needs of everyone who relies on it, while also making sure that we preserve its potential as a key recreational hub for the Palm Beach area. I encourage you to stay tuned for updates, as I’ll be providing details about the project timeline, major announcements, and the ways you can have your say and contribute to shaping the future of this central community asset.

Councillor Josh Martin Division 13, City of Gold Coast
References: [1] Gold Coast Economic Profile, 2024