This new policy permits Mayor Tom Tate, Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel, the chief executive Tim Baker, and a senior planning official to authorize projects worth over $30 million during council breaks.

The move has drawn criticism from residents who fear it will diminish public consultation and favour developers.

Kath Down of Save Our Southern Gold Coast said she was “absolutely gobsmacked”.

“I believe it’s an excessive concentration of power among a small group who are known for not heeding the views of Gold Coast residents,” Down stated.

Six of the 14 councillors voted against the plan, indicating internal division within the council.

Critics, including Down, rallied last week to advocate for the repeal of the delegation’s powers.

“We want that special delegation repealed totally,” Down said, “and if need be, we will take legal action, we’ll go to the courts.”

Hammel defended the new process.

“Rather than having the applicant wait an additional three months, we’re granting approval so construction on more homes can begin sooner,” he explained.

“It still goes through exactly the same legislative for assessment, it still goes through exactly the same public notification requirements.”

Council maintains that the special delegation will not circumvent existing checks and balances.

According to the council, major projects will still be reviewed by the planning committee before being presented to the full council.

“Our assessment officers aren’t perfect; their perspective might not always align with that of the local community, which is why the planning committee remains crucial,” Hammel mentioned.