Greenmount Headland to get upgrade as community voice concerns

One of the Gold Coast’s most iconic beach spots is headed for a makeover with residents saying they want more green space protected. Read the plans + have your say in our poll

One of the Gold Coast’s most iconic beach spots, the Greenmount Headland, is headed for a makeover with residents saying they want more green space protected.

Council started public consultation on Tuesday on pathway and beach access renewal around the headland, sparking huge community debate.

Save Our Southern Gold Coast leader Kath Down, who ran against area councillor Gail O’Neill in a brutal March election campaign, has put up a public stall next to council’s.

Cr O’Neill said the headland was attracting more than 5000 visitors each day and the pathway needed to be expanded for pedestrian access.

“I think it does need widening. There will be a lot of money spent there over the next four to five years. There will be master plan for the Snapper Rocks Road,” Cr O’Neill said.

Gold Coast City Council to open up community debate about future of Greenmount Headland.

The surf club is to be upgraded along with childrens' play area at Rainbow Bay. The surf club have lodged plans to redevelop the ageing Snapper Rocks Rd building for its nippers.

Feedback is also be sought on how to stop cyclists racing around the headland with barriers at both ends one potential solution.

“They’re (the cyclists) not following the (warning) signs, it’s a safety issue,” Cr O’Neill said.

Ms Down encouraged residents to attend pop-up information stalls and “ask the hard questions”.

Residents on both the group’s community Facebook page and Cr O’Neill’s page voiced concerns about cost blowouts on projects only to deliver more concrete infrastructure.

“Another $7 million for more cement. Main issue I have with the survey is that it doesn’t even ask if we think works are required. Sure, some stripping and repainting, but hopefully nothing major,” a resident wrote.

Another resident asked others to bring a printed list of their “hopes and concerns”.

“The current state of the headland’s infrastructure is woeful,” the resident posted.

Others have used the debate to highlight their opposition to the neighbouring tower development.

An aerial view of Greenmount Beach and Snapper Rocks at Coolanagatta on Queensland's Gold Coast in Australia on a clear blue water day. 2 July 2023 48hrs - Coolangatta Photo - iStock

“How about stopping the hideous towers being built at the Greenmount Resort site. Maybe that’s a place to start,” a resident said.

Greenmount Beach Resort will be demolished in early 2025, with three towers set to rise in its place overlooking the area’s hottest surf spot.

Developer Arium Group, headed by former Sunland managing director Sahba Abedian, has lodged plans with council for what will become the first two towers of the Greenmount Residences

The two boutique 13-level medium-rise projects, which will front Marine Parade and Hill St, will have 63 units which will be aimed at downsizers and the health-conscious.

Artist impressions of Sunland's proposed redevelopment of Greenmount Resort at Coolangatta. Pictures: Sunland

Cr O’Neill in a response to the post said an application has been lodged and was currently being assessment by City Planning.

Residents could follow the process by going to council’s PD online, she added.

Another resident questioned why council was spending money protecting the headland when the towers would impact on the green space.

Gail O'Neill — consulting with her residents. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“Spending money on Greenmount Hill is pointless if council approves that hideous proposal that looks better suited to Dubai,” a resident said.

But Cr O’Neill and officers early during consultation on Tuesday were fielding most questions about the headland upgrade rather than development.

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