Development millions, projects and jobs attributed to Gold Coast council program

MORE than three quarters of a billion dollars worth of development has been brought into the Gold Coast in the past three years according to new figures.

More than $750 million in development brought to the Gold Coast has been attributed to council’s Construction Kickstart program

MORE than three quarters of a billion dollars in development has been brought into the Gold Coast in the past three years, according to new figures.

The $785 million injection into the region’s economy has been attributed to the council’s Construction Kickstart program which wrapped up five weeks ago.

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A report, which went before councillors yesterday, revealed the program which slashed infrastructure charges for developments between 2012 and April 30 this year, had led to:

● 416 development applications,

● 272 approved projects,

● 6600 construction jobs, and

● 2000 operation jobs.

More than $750 million in development brought to the Gold Coast has been attributed to council’s Construction Kickstart program

A further four applications are awaiting assessment and approval which will feature a further 170 dwellings.

City planning boss Cameron Caldwell said the figures confirmed a strong and renewed interest in the Gold Coast market.

“In recent years there has been a cautious optimism in the city’s economy which is backed up by these development figures,” he said.

“This data supports the fact that council’s Construction Kickstart initiative had the desired effect in triggering development activity and creating jobs.

“This has been a signature policy of the current council and something we are all proud of.”

Council figures show the slashing of infrastructure charges meant that developers received discounts of more than $31.8 million in exchange for fast-tracking their work.

The first phase of the program ran between October 1, 2012 and April 30, 2013 and offered a 100 per cent discount on transport, recreation facilities and stormwater infrastructure charges for projects completed by April 30, 2015.

Phase two ran between May 1, 2013 and September 30, 2015 and offered a 50 per cent discount.

According to documents, most of the new projects are in the city’s north.

Of the top five council divisions where projects have been approved, four are north of Southport, with the remaining area taking in Surfers Paradise and Main Beach.

Division 3, with takes in Paradise Point, Coomera, Hollywell, Hope Island and parts of Pimpama has the highest number of approvals, at 49.