Good morning Robina. The Esplanade in Surfers Paradise is now permanently closed to cars after a knife-edge 9–6 council vote, the biggest shake-up to the strip in decades. But that wasn't the only fight in the chamber. A new homelessness compliance strategy has split councillors down the middle, with some calling it compassionless and others saying locals have waited long enough for action. On the upside, Mother's Day weekend is here too, with proper local options if you haven't sorted Mum yet.
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THIS WEEK IN ROBINA
URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Surfers Paradise Esplanade closed permanently after tense council vote
The Gold Coast City Council has voted 9–6 to permanently close a 250-metre stretch of the Surfers Paradise Esplanade, following a trial aimed at creating a pedestrian-friendly zone.
Supporters say it will boost tourism, safety, and public space as part of a $138 million revitalisation. Critics warn it will worsen traffic and hurt local businesses. A proposal for weekend‑only closure was rejected.
The major change to one of Australia’s most iconic beachfront areas will now proceed.
COUNCIL
Council Divided on City-Shaping Projects
Gold Coast councillors went head-to-head this week over three major projects that could shape the city for years to come.
The Surfers Paradise Esplanade closure passed 9–6 despite fierce debate. Supporters say it will create a more walkable, people-focused beachfront, while critics argue council is risking traffic chaos without properly testing the impacts first.
Palm Beach was also back in the spotlight, with councillors approving a controversial height increase at 440–442 The Esplanade in a 10–5 vote. Opponents fear it’s another step towards turning medium-density areas into future high-rise strips.
Meanwhile, the proposed Springbrook cableway scraped through 10–5. Supporters see it as a major tourism opportunity, but critics say the project’s ballooning $500 million-plus price tag is becoming harder to justify, especially through World Heritage-listed land.
The heated votes show a council increasingly divided over how fast the Gold Coast should grow, and what kind of city it wants to become.
Watch the full meeting here.
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(Dave Hunt/AAP PHOTOS)
Titans hammered 28-12 at home as Raiders make Cbus their playground
Cbus Super Stadium is meant to be a fortress. Tell that to Canberra. The Raiders rolled into Robina last Saturday night, scored 16 points inside the first 23 minutes, and walked away 28-12 winners. That's nine straight wins for them at Cbus. They are officially the most successful visiting team at the venue.
Simi Sasagi crossed twice in 12 minutes. Halfback Ethan Sanders directed the injury-hit visitors with composure beyond his years. The Titans, despite some flashes from Tino Fa'asuamaleaui and Moeaki Fotuaika, were undone by poor set completion and missed tackles. Phillip Sami's 150th NRL game milestone was overshadowed by the loss.
Crowd was 14,913. Coach Josh Hannay reportedly delivered some "home truths" in the sheds afterwards. Fans will want to see a response, fast.
| 1 Saint Andrews Glade, Robina | $2,200,000 |
| 5 Kuranda Drive, Robina | $1,871,000 |
| 1 Julatten Drive, Robina | $1,775,000 |
| 7 Nypa Close, Robina | $1,710,000 |
| 5 Beecroft Place, Robina | $1,700,000 |
| 159 Easthill Drive, Robina | $1,425,000 |
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Things Happening Around Robina This Weekend
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Where Robina locals can play social games without having to travel far. Bingo, trivia, board games and cards.
Quiz Meisters Trivia at Robina Pavilion
A reliable weekly option with good turnout, structured format, and prizes. Easy to make part of a routine and right in the centre of Robina.
quizmeisters.comTrivia at The Sporting Globe Robina
Free general knowledge trivia night. Popular with the younger crowd and uni students. 19 Robina Town Centre Drive.
insidegoldcoast.com.auThemed Trivia at TGI Fridays Robina
Themed nights (Harry Potter, Shrek, Disney) hosted by Grape Vine Events. Free entry - reserve via Eventbrite. Prizes and themed cocktails. Shop 4132/19 Robina Town Centre Drive.
eventbrite.com.auTrivia at Southport Surf Lifesaving Club
Located on the northern end of the beautiful Gold Coast, their iconic surf lifesaving club is located in Main Beach and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. With huge glass sliding windows and breath taking views it's one of the most beautiful quiz venues in the country.
quizmeisters.comClub Deals And Cheap Eats Worth Knowing About
Real deals at Robina venues this week. Save the email and use it Friday.
$15 Friday Steak Night
Club Robina
Ron Penhaligon Way
A 250g rump with chips and salad for $15 (members price). About as honest a Friday night deal as you'll find within walking distance of the Town Centre.
Taco Tuesday
Currumbin RSL
165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Taco Tuesday - two tacos for $15 (beef, chicken, fish, or cauliflower) with Coronas and margarita specials (members only, dinner 5-8pm). Wednesday $2.50 oysters lunch & dinner.
currumbinrsl.com.au
Free Dessert for Mum
TGI Fridays Robina
Robina Town Center 1005B
Book a Mother's Day table by Friday 8 May at TGI Fridays Robina Town Centre and Mum gets a free dessert on the day.
Robina Tradies Locals Recommend
Names that come up when locals ask around. Not a paid listing. Do your own checks before you book anyone.
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Know a local tradie who should be listed here? Reply to this email with their details.
DEBATE OF THE WEEK
Should council take a harder line on homelessness in public parks?
Councillor Hamill says the new place-based compliance approach gives officers the flexibility to move quickly on antisocial behaviour, and that locals in parks like Highland Park have put up with enough. Councillor Toer calls it "compassionless," arguing homelessness is a state problem and council should stick to misbehaviour, not rough sleeping. The vote was 13–1, but the argument isn't settled.
What do you reckon? Reply to this email and have your say.
LEGEND OF THE WEEK:
⭐ This Week's Legend: Wayne Holmes - Agents 4 Change
The Robina real estate agent has been quietly leading "Agents 4 Change", an initiative that uses the local property industry to back community charities and events. Less talk, more doing. Good on him.
Know someone quietly doing good things in Robina? Reply to this email and nominate them for next week.
Grow your business with Robina Locals
To keep this newsletter going and the coverage improving, we are opening a small number of paid features to local businesses. If you offer something genuinely useful to Robina residents, we would like to hear from you.
Reply to this email to find out more.
That’s it for this week, Robina! If you’ve got a tip, a local story, or something worth knowing about, just reply to this email. This newsletter gets better the more locals contribute.
Have a good weekend, and don’t forget Mum.
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