Gold Coast development flashback: Billions of dollars of projects planned for Coast in 1988 report card

MORE than $4 billion of development was unveiled for the Gold Coast as new data made it clear just how big the Glitter Strip’s population would become within 15 years.

THE development industry means a lot to the Gold Coast.

From the supertowers under construction in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach to the smaller unit blocks, building is big business for the city.

The faltering of the Jewel development in recent weeks has left subcontractors out of work and questions surrounding what is currently the city’s biggest project.

Gold Coast - destination shot

But there remains some positivity surrounding the industry, with Sydney based developer William O’Dwyer, whose Ruby development is about to open its doors, saying tourism for the city is the nation’s ‘next iron ore story’.

It comes 30 years after the Gold Coast celebrated success in its development field, then valued ta a stunning $4 billion.

This 1988 prediction, made three decades ago this week, gave locals a picture of a city which was growing rapidly.

Development remains a major industry on the Gold Coast

In 1984 the Gold Coast had been called sleeping giant ready to awaken but by 1988 it had emerged from hibernation, shaken off the cobwebs and taken its first strides to the world of international tourism.

It was said that the Gold Coast was ‘undoubtedly one of Australia’s’ most vibrant and prosperous economic regions’, with an underlying strength and resilience that had seen it through recessions and cyclones.

The urban infrastructure which had been established in the Gold Coast city area and Albert Shire was massive, capable of supporting a permanent population of around 250,000 and a visitor population of some three million people annually.

The Surfers Paradise skyline in the 1980s. Supplied by Gold Coast City Council

Growth estimates for the region varied, but it was certain the population would double by 2003 and facilities were being planned to ensure it was capable of supporting such a huge population.

The huge investment in the region pointed to the fact that the Gold Coast was no longer regarded as a simple holiday anomaly or a development ‘freak’ with an uncertain future.

There was around $4 billion worth of major resort and tourist projects under way or planned, backed by around $1 billion in commercial projects.

A further $2.5 billion was earmarked for development or residential projects to house the future population while $1.5 billion worth of land developers were planned to provide ‘the real estate of the 1990s’.

Surfers Paradise had fewer high-rises in the 1980s but there were cranes in the sky. Supplied by Gold Coast City Council

Major infrastructure works, excluding substantial spending on roadworks, came to an estimated $750 million.

The sophistication of the city and Shire had also made great strides, with international hotels and shopping facilities being hailed as ‘world standard.

Gold Coast Mayor Lex Bell hailed the city’s success, saying it had ‘matured to much more than just a tourist destination.

1988 - Mayor Lex Bell was excited for the future of the Gold Coast.

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“A record $1.6 billion has been committed to retail expansions on the Gold Coast in nine major developments,” he said.

“Most of those developments have incorporated leisure-themed outlets destined to encourage impulse shopping, citing as one of the highest activities of all tourist and day visitors.

Among the major projects occurring on the Coast at the time was Bond University, Australia Fair, Sanctuary Cove and the Village Roadshow Studios.

Bill Laver, Albert Shire Chairman

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Albert Shire Chairman Bill Laver said there was ‘little denying the shire is one of the best places in Australia to live’.

“The Shire offers possibly the best selection of lifestyles to be found within one local authority are anywhere in Australia,” he said.