This page answers some frequently asked questions about dealing with decisions made by the Gold Coast City Council. If you have a question that is not answered here, please direct them to the Department's Hotline (1800 030 114) or email address (goldcoast@dlgpsr.qld.gov.au).
What should I do if I have a concern with a decision made by Gold Coast City Council?
You should contact the Council and advise them of your concern.
Gold Coast City Council has a General Complaints Process in place to make sure that all complaints it receives from the community are impartially reviewed.
You can make your submission online at www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/t_complaints.aspx or by telephoning Council’s toll free number, 1300 130 854.
What should I do if I am dissatisfied with Gold Coast City Council’s response to my concerns?
If you are dissatisfied with Council’s handling of your complaint, the complaint can be elevated to the Complaints Review Coordinator within the office of the Council CEO.
The Complaints Review Coordinator will analyse the complaint and provide you with a written report on the result of the investigation.
If you are still dissatisfied with the response, there are a number of alternative options available:
- If your concern relates to a planning or development decision...
Contact the Department via telephone (freecall 1800 030 114), email (goldcoast@dlgpsr.qld.gov.au) or mail (Mr Des O’Shea, Independent Advisor, c/o PO Box 15031, City East, Queensland 4002).
Your concern will be passed on to the independent advisor to follow up.
- If your concern relates to official misconduct...
Contact the Crime & Misconduct Commission via telephone (freecall 1800 061 611) or mail (GPO Box 3123, Brisbane, Queensland 4001).
- If your concern relates to council maladministration...
Contact the Queensland Ombudsman via telephone (freecall 1800 068 903) or mail (GPO Box 3314, Brisbane, Queensland 4001).
- If you are unsure about where to direct your complaint...
Contact the Department (using the contact details listed above) and we will direct you to the appropriate agency.
When am I likely to receive a response to my submission?
You can expect to receive a written response within six to eight weeks from the date your initial submission is received.
However, this can vary depending on the type of submission and the agency handling your submission (Crime & Misconduct Commission, Queensland Ombudsman or independent advisor).
Who is Des O’Shea?
Des O’Shea is the former deputy director-general of the Department of Justice and was Queensland’s first Electoral Commissioner from 1991 to 2001.
He has presided over four State elections and has a proven track record in managing high-level Queensland Government projects independently.
What is the role of the independent advisor?
The role of independent advisor was created in response to recommendations from the Crime & Misconduct Commission following its investigation into Gold Coast City Council.
In this role, the appointee Des O’Shea will monitor and assess the general flow, pattern and compliance of planning and development decisions made by Council.
For example, where a development application is approved or rejected by Council, the independent advisor may consider:
- Whether such a decision was different from the recommendation of a council committee or council officer, and
- Whether donors to councillors’ election funding have had any involvement in the application.
The independent advisor will not be dealing directly with the public. Rather, he will respond to public concerns about Council decisions based on information received by the Department.
Are my legal rights affected by this process?
No, you are still entitled to seek legal advice relating to your complaint.
For example, the independent advisor Des O’Shea is not able to overrule a decision made by Gold Coast City Council in regard to a development application.
If you disagree with the Council’s decision on a development application, you are entitled to seek legal advice about whether you have a right to appeal the decision to the Planning and Environment Court.