As the Gold Coast City Council prepares ‘The Local Growth Management Strategy’, which will provide the overarching strategic guide to managing population and employment growth over the coming decades. This is now in the final stages of completion and the overview of results will be released later this year.
Community engagement plays a critical role in Town Planning, this has been proven once again with the Gold Coast City Council’s Directions for Growth Paper – outlying the direction in which the city will grow to accommodate one (1) million people.
Gold Coast Residents, through public surveys, community workshops, insight panels and industry workshops, highlighted their desire to ensure the Council considers:
- long-term, planning-led growth with diverse and affordable housing,
- timely, coordinated infrastructure,
- stronger economic opportunities, &
- protection of the natural environment.
With a particular emphasis on green spaces and improved transport and movement options, as seen below:
Further, the Council has identified some key themes applicable across all of the above Directions, considered “Essential for our future”:
- Calls for timely and coordinated infrastructure delivery,
- Support for housing diversity and affordability,
- Consistent emphasis on environmental protection,
- Stronger expectations for fairness, transparency and trust,
- Implementation and delivery remain critical concerns,
- Backing for economic diversification, and
- Strong support for long-term, planning-led growth
As a result of this feedback, we can expect to see the following planning trends emerging across the city:
🏡 Neighbourhoods: Gentle growth through duplexes, townhouses, and small-lot homes that respect existing character and streetscapes.
🚈 Transport Corridors: Mid-rise and some high-rise housing focused along light rail and future rapid bus routes, close to shops and services.
🏙️ Centres: More medium to high-rise apartments and commercial buildings within key hubs, supporting vibrant communities with jobs, housing, and public spaces.
The Gold Coast City Plan continues to evolve — reflecting the needs, aspirations, and values of its growing community.
Be sure to check back regularly for updates, and if you’d like tailored advice on how these changes might affect your property, feel free to reach out to our team for free planning advice.
Referencing Planning and Development Alert – Closing the loop on our Directions for Growth update sent via email from City of Gold Coast on Monday, 20th October 2025 at 10.01AM
