Petition to Gold Coast City Council for Business Compensation Due to Ongoing Construction Disruptions

To: Gold Coast City Council
Subject: Urgent Request for Compensation & Support for Local Businesses Affected by Prolonged Roadworks

To the Honourable Members of Gold Coast City Council,

We, the undersigned business owners, employees, and residents of Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, are writing to express our deep concerns over the prolonged and repeated roadworks that have severely impacted our businesses, livelihoods, and the overall economic viability of our community.

For years, ongoing infrastructure projects, including tram expansions and roadworks, have made our area nearly inaccessible to customers. These disruptions have resulted in:
 • Severe loss of revenue for local businesses, many of which are now struggling to survive.
 • A sharp decline in foot traffic, making it nearly impossible to maintain a stable customer base.
 • Unbearable financial burdens, including rent, wages, taxes, and operational costs, while our ability to generate income has been drastically reduced.

We fully support the development of our city and recognize the importance of modernizing infrastructure. However, these projects cannot come at the cost of destroying the very businesses that contribute to the city’s economy. We have collectively invested millions into our businesses, creating jobs, paying taxes, and serving our community—yet we are now facing financial ruin due to circumstances beyond our control.

Our Demands:
 1. Immediate Financial Compensation & Rent Relief – The council must allocate funds from the project budget to support affected businesses, including rent subsidies and direct financial aid.
 2. Rate and Fee Reductions – Waivers or significant reductions on council fees, rates, and taxes for businesses impacted by the construction.
 3. Clear Timeline & Communication – Transparent updates on the expected duration of the roadworks and proactive engagement with affected businesses.
 4. Marketing & Support Initiatives – Council-backed campaigns to encourage customers to return to the area, along with additional assistance to help businesses recover.
 5. Commitment to Future Impact Assessments – Ensuring that future projects include compensation plans for businesses before major disruptions occur.

The reality is that many businesses cannot afford to pay rent anymore due to these ongoing disruptions. We have lost our customer base, and the economic damage is beyond temporary. We cannot allow small and medium-sized businesses to be sacrificed in the name of progress without adequate support.

This is not just a matter of inconvenience—it is a matter of survival. We urge the Gold Coast City Council to take immediate action to prevent further business closures and financial hardship.

 

Again 

We urge the Council to act with compassion and urgency to address our plight. The ongoing construction has already caused significant harm, and without immediate intervention, many businesses may not survive. We trust that the Council will recognize the importance of supporting local businesses and take the necessary steps to ensure our community's economic stability.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. We look forward to your prompt and favorable response.

Sincerely,

Signatures:

(Business owners, employees, and community members will sign below)

We demand urgent action. The city’s growth must not come at the cost of destroying its businesses and families.