Update on Kirra Hill renovation, Kirra eagle replica, Tugun Oceanway, Coolangatta masterplan, Greenmount headland renewal
Residents have labelled a vital upgrade to a headland on the southern Gold Coast “a mess” and say the works have “stripped” the area of vegetation and “covered it in shotcrete”.
Gold Coast
Don't miss out on the headlines from Gold Coast. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Residents have labelled a vital upgrade to a stunning headland on the southern Gold Coast “a mess” and say the works have “stripped” the area of vegetation and “covered it in shotcrete”.
Stage one of the Kirra Hill slope upgrade is underway as council continues to fix damage from a series of rockfalls four years ago.
Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) have just completed stage one of the Kirra Hill slope stabilisation which included removing large unstable rocks, clearing vegetation “as required”, installing a custom rockfall catch fence and replanting 700 native plant species.
The need for the upgrade was brought to council’s attention after rockfalls in 2020 and 2021 which showed the steep slope of the headland was “unstable”.
On June 18, Division 14 councillor Gail O’Neill shared an update which alerted residents traffic would be reduced to one lane.
“Thank you for your patience whilst these works are being completed,” she said.
Some residents labelled the works as a “mess” while local Jo Wagner commented on Ms O’Neill’s post and said he hoped the hill would be restored to “look like it used to”.
“Kirra Hill is becoming a total terraced dirt mound whilst being stabilised and destroying the hill look, feel and vibe,” he said.
Resident Paul Lynch said in response to Ms O’Neill: “Where does it say, ‘headland to be stripped of all vegetation and covered in shotcrete (sprayed concrete)’”.
Ms O’Neill said she was confident the native vegetation would be replanted considering the new plants on the nothern side from stage one of the hill were “growing well”.
A GCCC fact sheet said the stabilisation would reduce the risk of future landslides, rockfall and erosion.
“Stabilising the slope will improve safety for pedestrians and road users,” it said.
Southern Gold Coast visitors and residents will be faced with single-lane closures on Marine Parade from mid-June onwards.
Other disruptions include: construction noise, temporary closure of R T Peak Memorial Park (including the car park) and temporary closure of car parks and the bus stop on Marine Parade.
“We will do our best to minimise disruptions and thank you in advance for your patience,” a GCCC fact sheet said.
The project was scheduled to be completed in December 2024.
COOLANGATTA - SEA EAGLE SCULPTURE RENEWAL
WHERE AND WHEN: Kirra Hill, Kirra. Design and construction July 2023 to late-2024
Southern Gold Coast residents are breathing a sigh of relief as their iconic ‘rusty chook’ will be perched back on Kirra Hill within the next six months.
Last year the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) announced they would be replacing the sea eagle sculpture on top of Kirra Hill with a replica, two years after they removed the original due to safety reasons.
Engineering experts deemed the sculpture was beyond repair and that it could “no longer be displayed in the open air due to the gradual decay and corrosion”.
A GCCC fact sheet said the original eagle was removed and placed in storage when construction on the Kirra Hill renovation began in March 2021.
“(It was) one of my ‘punch in the air moments’,” she said.
Ms O’Neill said the tender process for the replica was “exhausting” but wanted to make sure the “iconic” sculpture would return to the top of the hill.
“Kirra Boardriders club and many local surfers always saw the eagle as a guardian watching over them in the surf,” she said.
“The good news is the manufacturing process has been underway for several months with the eagle to be installed in the exact same position on Kirra Hill mid-year.
“That will be a great day for Kirra and Coolangatta.”
Gold Coast resident Mark Rowe said the replica was “fantastic news” and would “bring a lot of happiness to the community to know the iconic eagle” will be back soon.
A GCCC fact sheet said the design and construction of the replica would take approximately 12 months and the installation would be scheduled for late-2024.
COOLANGATTA - COOLANGATTA KIRRA BUSINESS CENTRE PLACE MAKING MASTER PLAN
WHERE AND WHEN: Tweed Heads, Bilinga, Gold Coast Airport, Currumbin, and Currumbin Valley. Review in 2024
A southern Gold Coast suburb, which has recently seen a development boom, has undergone several upgrades in a bid to make it a business and tourism hotspot.
Division 14 councillor Gail O’Neill said she had seen rapid growth across the southern Gold Coast in recent years, but particularly Kirra, Coolangatta and Rainbow Bay.
Ms O’Neill shared two major concerns for Coolangatta as the area continues to transform.
“On the upside it is great to see small businesses in these areas do better as more people come to live in and visit,” Ms O’Neill said.
“Of course development gives the opportunity for more employment.”
“(However, this is) more traffic and parking needs (which) are probably two of the main issues.”
Ms O’Neill said council was introducing timed parking at beachside and main street car parks to address Coolangatta’s need for extra parking.
She confirmed there was no intention of metered parking.
Over the past 12 months in Coolangatta, Kirra and Tugun there has been an influx of developments and new eateries including Kirra Beach House, Kirra Beach Hotel, Pipi’s, Awaken Cafe, Black Dingo Cafe and more.
Ms O’Neill said a masterplan which was adopted by the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) for Tweed Heads, Bilinga, Gold Coast Airport, Currumbin, and Currumbin Valley in 2019 was proving valuable.
The masterplan included projects such as the upgrade of R T Peak Memorial Park on Kirra Hill, Coolangatta Centre Improvement Project, the replacement of the Kirra Eagle Sculpture and the beautification of Scott Street.
A GCCC fact sheet said: “Through well-engaged place making, analysis and urban design, we have produced a master plan to meet the needs of the local community, improve public spaces and enhance and protect what is valued in Coolangatta and Kirra”.
GREENMOUNT - HEADLAND RENEWAL
WHERE AND WHEN: Design: 2024-2026. Construction 2027
A popular Gold Coast beachside suburb is in the process of getting a facelift in a bid to keep the area up to date for “generations to come”.
The Gold Coast City Council announced they are updating several features and the pathway around the Greenmount headland, connecting it to Rainbow Bay Beach and Coolangatta beach.
Community engagement and early concept design for the project are taking place until mid-next year.
A GCCC fact sheet said the upgrade was crucial for “one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic natural landmarks”.
“We are working to enhance this area so it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
“We also want to make travelling through Coolangatta and nearby beaches safe and accessible so everyone can enjoy a beach experience.”
Community engagement for the renewal would take place until mid next year.
Some of the other projects would include improved beach and surf access via upgraded beach accessways, improved viewing spaces and improved public safety and accessibility for mobility impaired, elderly users and parents with prams.
A detailed design process will be made following the community consultation and construction was scheduled to begin in 2027.
COOLANGATTA - GRIFFITH STREET STAGE 2 REVITALISATION PROJECT
WHERE AND WHEN: Griffith Street from 2022 to 2024
HOW MUCH: $4,562,874
Before and after photos of a southern Gold Coast suburb show how a $4.5 million project will transform the area.
Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) began their Griffith Street stage 2 revitalisation project in 2022 and were scheduled to complete it by late September 2024.
The $4.5 million project included feature planting, landscaping, lighting upgrades, public artwork curation, improved footpaths, outdoor dining spaces, active travel opportunities and an upgrade to John Orbansen (OAM) park.
A GCCC spokesperson said the “refresh” of Griffith Street was crucial for the suburb.
“It will improve walkability access, appeal and safety in the area,” they said.
“Griffith Street plays a pivotal role in the greater Coolangatta business precinct and forms an important connection to the border and beyond.”
The project - a part of the Coolangatta and Kirra Business Centre Place Based Master Plan - was aimed to target restaurants and eateries who have street-side dining areas.
The public art section of the upgrade was a way for the council to acknowledge local, young and emerging artists.
“(It will) represent the unique culture and history of Coolangatta, to celebrate its diverse identities, share its stories to connect and give the community a strong sense of place and pride,” a GCCC fact sheet said.
The new footpath and landscaping was completed early this year and the finishing touches on the installation of public art works were due to be completed at a later date.
COOLANGATTA - GARRICK STREET RETAINING WALL
WHERE AND WHEN: Garrick St, Coolangatta. April to June 2024
HOW MUCH: $784,000
The Gold Coast council has put $780,000 towards fixing a retaining wall and protecting a Norfolk Pine in the city’s south.
The Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) announced they would be replacing the retaining wall underneath the Kirra Hill Community Centre on Garrick St in Coolangatta.
The works were scheduled to take three months and be completed by June however due to the Christmas night ‘tornado’ resources were reallocated.
A GCCC spokesperson said the works were now scheduled to be completed by the end of August, weather permitting.
A GCCC fact sheet said workers would protect the Norfolk Pine which was embedded in the retaining wall.
“(Works will include) protecting the Norfolk Pine and its root system with a raised garden bed which will require one car space,” it said.
The fact sheet said they would construct a new 70-metre long stone wall which would be further back from the curb to make it easier to open car doors.
Council warned some on-street parking spaces would be temporarily unavailable during construction.
“We will be working to minimise disruptions to the community surrounding Garrick St,” A GCCC fact sheet said.
“Cyclists and pedestrians may be affected during the construction works.”
TUGUN - GOLD COAST OCEANWAY
WHERE AND WHEN: April to May 2024
HOW MUCH: $446,000
A large section of a southern Gold Coast pathway has been upgraded, connecting it to the Gold Coast Oceanway.
Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) finished work on upgrading the Oceanway between Wagawn and Elizabeth Street in Tugun in May.
The 100 metres of shared path was widened to 3.5 metres and would connect it to the existing path and road network.
Tugun residents and visitors were faced with temporary lane closures on Pacific Parade.
Division 14 counillor Gail O’Neill said: “I love the fact that I can access our Oceanway paths from Tugun through to Point Danger.”
A GCCC fact sheet said the project would “improve the active transport network with a wider shared path for pedestrians and cyclists”.
PACIFIC MOTORWAY M1 VARSITY LAKES TO TUGUN UPGRADE
WHERE AND WHEN: Varsity Lakes to Tugun, to open progressively from 2024
HOW MUCH: $1.5 billion
Southern Gold Coast residents have endured nearly four years of major traffic delays courtesy of M1 roadworks, but authorities say a critical section is due to finish this year.
TMR began work on the M1 Varsity Lakes to Tugun upgrade in 2020.
The project is widening a 10km stretch to a minimum of three lanes in both directions.
The upgrades consist of three stages: Package A: Varsity Lakes (exit 85) to Burleigh (exit 87), Package B: Burleigh (Exit 97) to Palm Beach (Nineteenth Ave) and Package C: Palm Beach (Nineteenth Ave) to Tugun (Exit 95).
In November it was revealed the project was hit with a major cost blowout and the state government was forced to commit half a billion dollars to keep the upgrade on track.
At the time then Transport Minister Mark Bailey responded to comments made by residents that said the works were taking too long to complete.
“The Varsity Lakes to Tugun (VL2T) upgrade has navigated a number of unprecedented issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent supply chain delays and nationwide cost escalations,” Mr Bailey said.
TMR said works on Packages B and C were expected to be finished in 2024.
GOLD COAST LIGHT RAIL STAGE FOUR
WHERE AND WHEN: 13km extension from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport. Yet to be approved.
HOW MUCH: $4.467 billion to $7b-plus estimated (business case costing $10.6 million).
Arguably the most controversial project on the southern Gold Coast, Light Rail Stage 4 would take the tram from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta and Gold Coast Airport.
In November, Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) announced the preliminary study into the project was completed and was sent to the state Department of Transport and Main Roads for review.
In April, the project was forecast to cost at an upper-end estimate $7.6 billion, $4.9 billion more than anticipated, in a giant blowout on what council expected - but with a lower figure over $4b.
The State Government will progress to a detailed business case to be completed in late 2025. The LNP state opposition has said it will “review” the light rail extension south if elected.
In September last year, Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the light rail project was “always intended” to connect the heavy rail at Helensvale to Coolangatta, via the Gold Coast Airport.
“To not complete the fourth stage before the 2032 Olympic Games would be a betrayal of the Gold Coast and in direct contrast to Infrastructure Australia’s elevation of the project to priority status,” he said.
More Coverage
Authorities quizzed on stiff penalties for crude vandals
Authorities have been pressed on what consequences await the vandals behind the shocking defacement of trees along Burleigh’s Oceanview track, which drew a larger-than-usual crowd on Sunday morning.
‘The last of the method artists’: Tributes to renowned Coast painter
Tributes are being paid after the death of a Gold Coast artist whose works were collected by the likes of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and former PM Sir Robert Menzies.