On the Gold Coast, not everyone needs to own a drill, a hedge trimmer or a sewing machine. The Gold Coast Tool Library in Robina exists for exactly that reason — to make tools and equipment accessible to everyone, while cutting down on waste and unused gear sitting in garages.
It’s part of a small but growing movement across Australia that’s challenging the idea of ownership. Instead of buying something you might use once, you borrow it.
How it Works
The Tool Library runs much like a traditional library, except instead of books, it lends out tools, appliances and recreational gear. Members can borrow items for up to a week, return them, and borrow again when needed.
Its inventory includes everything from power drills and gardening equipment to camping gear, surfboards and sewing machines. Items are donated by locals or purchased through grants, and the collection grows as the community contributes.
Membership costs $75 per year, or $50 for concession holders, with a limit of five items borrowed at a time. Nonprofits can also join for $125 per year. The library operates from a small space at 201 Ron Penhaligon Way, Robina, supported by volunteers who manage inventory and assist borrowers.
What It’s Achieved So Far
The Gold Coast Tool Library began in 2019 and has already had a measurable impact. Its most recent report recorded:
- Over $84,000 in collective savings for members who borrowed rather than bought new items
- Around 1.3 tonnes of waste avoided through reuse and repair
- More than 3,000 volunteer hours contributed
- Over half of members borrowing monthly, indicating regular use
- 63% of members learning a new skill as a result of access to tools and workshops
These figures show that the model works — not just environmentally, but socially and economically. It helps people save money, learn practical skills, and reduce the amount of material that ends up in landfill.
Repair Cafés and Skill Sharing
The library also runs Repair Café events, where residents bring in broken items — from lamps to bicycles — and learn how to fix them with help from volunteer repairers. The aim is to extend the lifespan of everyday objects and promote hands-on learning.
Repair Cafés have become a community fixture, with many attendees coming not just to fix things but to connect with others. This social side of the initiative is often overlooked but forms an important part of its success.
Why It Matters
Most households own tools that gather dust for 95% of their life. According to Planet Ark, the average power drill is used for less than 15 minutes total before it’s retired or lost. Shared-use systems like the Tool Library make better use of existing resources and reduce the demand for new manufacturing.
This has a direct environmental benefit. Every item shared means less extraction of raw materials, less packaging waste, and fewer products ending up in landfill. It’s a local example of the circular economy in action — where value is kept in circulation rather than thrown away.
For individuals, it also makes practical sense. Borrowing avoids storage problems, especially for renters or apartment dwellers who lack sheds or garages. It’s also a way to try new hobbies, like woodworking or camping, without committing to expensive gear.
A Local Model with Broader Potential
While other cities like Brisbane and Melbourne have established “libraries of things,” the Gold Coast Tool Library remains one of the few of its kind in Queensland. Its success suggests this model could expand across the region, helping neighbourhoods pool resources and reduce duplication.
There’s also an equity angle. By lowering the cost barrier, it ensures that access to tools and learning isn’t limited to those who can afford to buy new equipment. For community groups and small nonprofits, the ability to borrow instead of buy can make the difference between running a project or shelving it.
The People Behind It
The library runs entirely through volunteers — people who catalogue items, help with repairs, maintain the website, and manage day-to-day operations. It’s supported by local partners and small grants but relies heavily on community involvement.
As part of its long-term vision, the team hopes to expand into a makerspace where people can use tools on-site, and develop a reuse hub similar to Reverse Garbage in Brisbane — a creative space for repurposing materials.
How to Get Involved
Joining is straightforward:
- Visit toollibrary.org.au to sign up for membership.
- Browse the online catalogue to see what’s available.
- Pick up items from the Robina site during open hours.
- Return them when you’re done and borrow again.
If you don’t need to borrow tools, you can still contribute by volunteering, donating equipment, or attending a Repair Café. Even spreading the word helps the library stay sustainable.
A Quietly Transformative Idea
The Gold Coast Tool Library isn’t flashy or high-tech. It’s a simple idea — but one with practical impact. It helps people fix, share and connect, while saving money and reducing waste.
In a city that’s often defined by growth and consumption, it’s refreshing to see a community-led project focused on resourcefulness and collaboration. The shed in Robina might be small, but its message is big: we don’t need to own everything to have access to what we need.
