Gold Coast local news briefing: Monday, November 2, 2026 - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Here's what's making news in the Gold Coast region today.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has begun inquiries into a grandstand collapse that disrupted a sold-out music festival on the southern Gold Coast.

The Red Hot Summer festival at Coolangatta Beach was paused about 2pm on Sunday when a tiered seating stand collapsed.

Three people were taken to Robina Hospital with minor injuries.

Organiser Face to Face Touring has been contacted for comment.

A key invoice from the Gold Coast Mayor's resort-stay with the Trump Organization has not been supplied in a Freedom of Information request.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate visited the Mar-a-Lago estate in February.

He later faced conflict of interest concerns after a local developer announced plans for a $1.5 billion Trump Tower at Surfers Paradise, which have since been shelved.

The mayor had since doubled back on his original statement that the Trump Organization funded the accommodation for his stay, with Mr Tate now saying he paid out of his own pocket and always intended to do so.

No other copies were reportedly made and the four-term mayor had declined to provide the invoice, now proclaiming the trip was "private".

Bond University associate professor Terry Goldsworthy says Australian agencies should intervene to close a nearly two-year investigation into the stabbing death of Gold Coast man Jason Rigby in Fiji.

The family of the 40-year-old said they had received little communication from Australian or Fijian authorities since 2024.

Mr Goldsworthy said the family deserved answers.

"It's incumbent upon DFAT, the Foreign Minister to go and ask their counterparts in Fiji, 'Where's this at, what's going on, please give us an update so we can tell the family'." 

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it regularly contacts Fijian authorities and offers the family consular support.

Gold Coast councillors will today consider a proposal to trial artificially lighting beaches at night to extend surfing time.

A report to the Transport and Infrastructure Committee recommended trialling the lights during next year's World Surf League Championship Tour at Snapper Rocks.

But Bond University associate professor of environmental science Daryl McPhee said the lights could increase shark activity.

"It certainly does heighten the risk of shark bites, particularly from tiger sharks, which are traditionally nocturnal," he said.

He said the lights would attract fish and squid that are prey for tiger sharks.

Green waste recovery across the Gold Coast has increased in the past financial year, helping divert waste from the city's overburdened landfills.

A report to council's Waste Water and Energy Committee showed kerbside green organics services and drop-and-go facilities helped boost recovered materials.

Almost 4,000 more tonnes of organic waste was recovered from residential rubbish collection in 2025/26 than the year before.

The report said household education on separating green organics contributed to lower contamination rates.

More businesses using the commercial food organics (CoFO) service led to a 50 per cent rise in recovery, from 410 to 619 tonnes.

Two Gold Coast residents have been recognised for community support and domestic violence awareness with Queensland Australian of the Year nominations.

Joan O'Keefe OAM, 76, has volunteered in the Gold Coast community for more than 50 years and received a 2026 Australia Day honour.

Her efforts earned her a Queensland Senior Australian of the Year nomination.

Ruby Allen, 19, who founded youth domestic violence service Kids of Purple, was named a Queensland Young Australian of the Year finalist.

She said the recognition was huge and more awareness was always needed.

Each category's winner will be announced later this month and progress to the national final in Canberra.