Gold Coast development: Developers back City Plan changes
The Gold Coast’s development industry has backed proposed changes to the City Plan but say the approvals process must be streamlined.
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THE Gold Coast’s development industry has backed proposed changes to the City Plan but say the approvals process must be streamlined.
Major changes to the plan, which governs development in the city, are expected to come into effect in mid-2020 after community consultation.
The council’s focus will be on increasing higher-density development in areas such as Labrador and Biggera Waters to cope with a significant population increase.
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Developer and UDIA Gold Coast immediate past president Stephen Harrison said the proposed changes made it clear where future construction would occur.
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“There is very little greenfill land left on the Gold Coast so we need to have plenty of infill development,” he said.
“Council has signalled it wants it in these locations and it makes sense because there is lots of existing infrastructure.
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“But if council wants to focus on these areas it must be reflected in the assessment process and if developers can get their projects through with more certainty and in a streamlined manner, this will help.”
The city’s rate of development remains consistent despite a national economic slowdown.
Latest council data shows more than 4400 development applications were made in the past year and 27,000 overall since 2012.
Chevron Island has been a particular focus for developers, with eight proposed towers put forward in recent years.
Under the revised plan, towers would be limited to heights of 33m or up to 12m.
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However, towers which have already been approved under unlimited height restrictions will not be affected by any proposed changes.
Leading Real Estate Institute of Queensland (REIQ) figure John Newlands said changes were logical as the city grappled with population growth.
“Places like Labrador are where there are still a lot of the older-style weatherboard properties and they lend themselves to development, so logically there is a lot of opportunities there,” he said.
“They have the support of existing infrastructure and have close links to light and heavy rail.
“Capping height limits on Chevron Island is something I like the idea of — it lets it keep the boutique village feel.”
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However, industry heads do not expect a rush of applications to beat any City Plan modifications because developers will have a year after the changes come into effect to make applications under existing rules.
City planning boss Cr Cameron Caldwell said changes would continue to be made to the City Plan.
“It is a living document which responds to the needs of our growing city,” he said.
“Where appropriate it will be used to control development outcomes to ensure they reflect our community expectations.
“This amendment will have the greatest level of public consultation allowing everyone to have their say.”
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