The City of Gold Coast has released plans for a major revitalisation of the Burleigh Heads foreshore, centred on the renewal of an underground seawall that has protected the coastline for around 40 years.
Alongside the essential infrastructure works, the proposal reviews how public space across the precinct could be reconfigured to address facilities, safety and increasing foot traffic—and the Council wants to hear your thoughts.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s currently proposed across the four key areas of the Burleigh Heads foreshore.
John Laws Park and Burleigh Pavilion Plaza
According to the City of Gold Coast, high visitor numbers around John Laws Park and the Pavilion Plaza have prompted a review of pedestrian movement and shared space safety.
Plans include relocating car parks from directly in front of the Burleigh Pavilion to create a more open plaza, with new seating, shade and landscaping. The Oceanway would be widened and realigned, and John Laws Park would see upgrades to its deck, lookout, picnic facilities and lighting.
Justins Park and Mowbray Park
Image Credit: Burleigh Heads Foreshore | Supplied
Proposed works in this area are closely linked to the renewal of the buried seawall between Justins and Mowbray Park. Associated upgrades include a widened Oceanway, a new pedestrian promenade beneath the Norfolk Pines, improved beach access via stairs and ramps, upgraded picnic facilities and public amenities, and additional lighting and CCTV. The existing Norfolk Pines are planned to be retained.
Rudd Park
Two options are being explored for Rudd Park, which is currently less utilised than other parts of the precinct. Option A proposes a family-focused space with a new playground, bike and scooter track and upgraded picnic facilities, with the existing playground at John Laws Park removed.
Option B proposes a public swimming lagoon with lap lanes and a children’s pool, while retaining the current John Laws Park playground. Both options include new car parking, with no overall reduction across the precinct.
Burleigh Hill
Image Credit: Burleigh Heads Foreshore | Supplied
Undoubtedly one of the Gold Coast’s most recognisable lookout points (and picnic spots), proposed changes at Burleigh Hill focus on increasing open green space and improving safety and access. This includes relocating car parks from the top of the hill to Goodwin Terrace and Rudd Park (with no overall loss of parking across the precinct), improving pedestrian paths, upgrading picnic shelters, and installing additional lighting and CCTV. The surf monument would remain.
Community consultation on the Burleigh Heads Foreshore Revitalisation Project is now open, allowing you to provide feedback until 24 February before plans are finalised.
Get more info and have your say here.
Image Credit: Burleigh Heads Foreshore | Supplied
