At a time when the Gold Coast is growing rapidly, the protection of public open space has never been more critical. Parks and environmental reserves are not simply vacant land waiting for development; they are essential community assets that support biodiversity, provide recreational space, and contribute to the well-being of residents.
For decades, safeguarding these spaces has been a core focus of Gecko’s advocacy.
A Concerning Proposal for Tugun and Miami
Gecko, alongside Friends of Currumbin and the Tugun Progress Association, is raising serious concerns about proposals to repurpose Tugun Environment Park and Frank Murray Park in Miami for works depot facilities.
These proposals would introduce industrial-scale operations into land designated for public open space. The impacts, noise, dust, lighting, and heavy vehicle movement operating close to 24 hours a day, would be felt directly by surrounding communities.
At a time when green space is already under pressure, this raises a fundamental question: how do we value our natural assets?
A Pattern, Not an Isolated Decision
This is not a one-off decision. It reflects a broader pattern where public open space is increasingly treated as a convenient option for infrastructure, often with limited community awareness until plans are already underway.
Residents in both Tugun and Miami only became aware of these proposals late in the process, raising concerns about transparency and consultation.
This is not just about two parks. It is about how decisions are made and who is included.
Tugun Environment Park: A Vision Yet to Be Realised
Tugun Environment Park spans over 8 hectares and was established in 2009 as part of the Boyd Street Precinct Area Plan. It is formally designated as an Environmental Park and zoned Open Space, intended to protect it for public and ecological use. Yet consultation materials do not clearly acknowledge this status, assess alternative sites, or provide a comprehensive ecological or amenity impact assessment.
While underutilised, the park has significant potential. It provides habitat for native wildlife and forms part of an important ecological corridor. Repurposing it for industrial use would contradict both its intent and its planning framework.
Frank Murray Park: Real Impacts
In Miami, Frank Murray Park, a small but important neighbourhood space, is also under consideration.
Technical assessments indicate depot operations are likely to exceed acceptable noise levels at nearby homes and a neighbouring childcare centre. With operations extending from early morning into night shifts, these are not low-impact facilities. They fundamentally change the character of the surrounding neighbourhoods.
These are measurable, not hypothetical, impacts.
Environmental Value in Urban Areas
Even where vegetation is classified as “non-remnant,” urban green spaces remain critical. They provide canopy, support biodiversity, reduce heat, and maintain habitat connectivity.
Tugun Environment Park contributes to a broader wildlife corridor and provides ecological buffering for surrounding homes. Once lost, these functions cannot simply be replaced.
Community Voices Are Clear
A community meeting on 17 March confirmed strong local opposition. Residents are calling for:
- Extended consultation
- Rejection of rezoning
- Relocation to a suitable industrial site
- Rehabilitation of Tugun Environment Park
These are not unreasonable requests. They are practical, forward-looking, and aligned with good planning principles.
Works Depots Belong in Industrial Areas
The Gold Coast does not have an abundance of parkland relative to its population growth. Every hectare of public open space matters. Industrial uses belong in appropriately zoned areas, not in parks.
The path forward is clear:
- Identify suitable industrial land
- Apply transparent planning processes
- Protect and enhance public open space
Standing Up for Our Parks
This is about more than land use. It is about how we plan our cities, how we value nature, and whether community voices are genuinely part of decision-making, or an afterthought.
Gecko will continue to work alongside community groups and residents to advocate for outcomes that reflect the long-term interests of both people and the environment.
Because once public open space is lost, it is rarely regained.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE PROPOSED CHANGES: https://gchaveyoursay.com.au/lgid26/surveys/tugunlgid26
