News & updates
What's happening, in order
This page is the record — replace each placeholder entry with your own campaign updates as they happen, most recent first.
LEHR Committee recommends a permanent, staffed library
Council's Lifestyle, Environment, Heritage & Resilience (LEHR) Committee has recommended retaining a permanent, staffed library service at the Burleigh Heads site — including books available for borrowing, library staff on site, family programs, free Wi-Fi, printing services and community spaces. The recommendation would see the library operate alongside the proposed Level Up Arts Hub within the same building. Notably, this recommendation goes against council officers' own advice, which had recommended closing the library — the committee sided with the community over staff advice. Cr Josh Martin, who voted against the original closure, credited the advocacy of State Member Hermann Vorster (who launched the petition, now at 3,498 signatures) and the wider community. Campaigner Linda Daley called it "a HUGE shift" but cautioned the fight isn't over — the committee's recommendation still needs to be considered and adopted by Full Council on 15 September.
Petition report complete — council dates set
Confirmation that the report on the 3,000+ signature petition has been completed and will come back before councillors. Two dates to save: the LEHR Committee on Thursday 3 September at 9am, and Full Council on Tuesday 15 September at 10am, both at Council Chambers, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise. It's not yet confirmed the report will be heard at these specific meetings, but the campaign is asking residents to save both dates and show up in person.
Petition tabled, closure delayed, review opened
Cr Josh Martin tabled the 3,000+ signature petition to council. Council confirmed the Burleigh Heads branch — due to close that day — will stay open until the Burleigh Waters refurbishment finishes in September, and opened a formal review of the closure decision. Interim funding was approved to keep a "Library Lounge" running at Burleigh Heads in the meantime. It's a delay and a review, not a reversal.
Petition passes 3,000 signatures in 10 days
Burleigh MP Hermann Vorster's community petition, circulated at local clubs, schools, childcare centres and markets, attracted more than 3,000 signatures in ten days. Organisers pushed back on suggestions that community anger was linked to aggressive behaviour toward library staff.
Signage removed, residents hold final protest
With closure set for 24 July, signage was removed from the front of the building. Hundreds of residents rallied outside the library, including many local schoolkids, as Cr Josh Martin — who voted against the closure — voiced his opposition publicly.
Closure announced, services cut immediately
Council formally announced the closure and began winding services back straight away: hours cut by 32% (44 to 30 hours a week), Saturday opening scrapped, collections reduced, and the children's literacy program replaced with occasional arts activities elsewhere.
Council resolves to close the library
Gold Coast City Council decided, in a closed session during budget deliberations and with no community consultation, to close Burleigh Heads Library permanently and convert the site into a temporary arts and creative hub.
Library refurbished under the Master Plan
Burleigh Heads Library was refurbished, consistent with the 2023 Burleigh Heads Business Centre Master Plan's recommendation to develop the site as a community asset — the same site council would vote, just over two years later, to close.
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