Annual Plan
Our Annual Plan provides an overview of the City's budget and operational plans for the year ahead, and gives a comprehensive view of priorities, expenditure and levels of rates, fees and charges.
It is presented in 3 parts: City Budget, City Operational Plan and Annual Performance Plans.
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A fiscally responsible budget with a sustainable long-term financial outlook.
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City Operational Plan
Implementing initiatives which support the delivery of the Council Plan 2022–2027.
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Annual Performance Plans
Annual Performance Plans of Gold Coast Water and Gold Coast Waste Management.
Creating a lifestyle where people can live, work, invest and retire.
The Gold Coast is evolving into one of the world’s most desirable lifestyle destinations. We’re focused on managing growth while protecting the lifestyle that makes our city so special.
The 2025–26 Annual Plan delivers smart investment in core infrastructure, green initiatives and frontline services to support a strong and sustainable future. This includes waste-to-energy planning, improved community spaces and major transport upgrades.
Tom Tate BE (UNSW)
Mayor
Balancing growth and sustainability while uplifting core infrastructure.
The 2025-26 Annual Plan focuses on balancing growth with sustainability as we continue to deliver the best services for our community in challenging economic conditions.
We will deliver a once-in-a-generation uplift in the City’s core infrastructure - an investment in the future that will support a growing population, modernise ageing assets, ensure we care for our natural environment and position the Gold Coast for long-term prosperity.
Tim Baker
Chief Executive Officer
Read the full Annual Plan
Annual Plan 2025-26(PDF, 4MB)
The Annual Plan theme for 2025-26 is ‘Protecting our lifestyle, investing in the future’.
It supports the implementation of Our City Vision 'Inspired by lifestyle. Driven by opportunity.' and Gold Coast 2032.
Annual Plan key sections
City Budget
The 2025–26 City Budget was adopted by Council on 6 June. It is a responsible, future-focused budget that protects the lifestyle we love while building a more connected, liveable and sustainable city.
For more information visit City Budget.
City Operational Plan
Our annual Operational Plan supports the Council Plan 2022–2027 by outlining the specific actions required to deliver on its outcomes. It also includes Performance Plans for our Commercialised Business Units—Gold Coast Water and Gold Coast Waste Management. This satisfies our legislative reporting requirements under the Local Government Act 2009 and the Local Government Regulation 2012.
City progress
Progress against the Operational Plan is reviewed and published on a quarterly basis. To see how we're tracking, view the latest City Operational Plan and Council Plan progress report at City progress.
Previous Annual Plan
Annual Plan 2024-25(PDF, 5MB)