Gold Coast development: Hinterland residents don’t want it subdivided for population boom

A shock survey has found the overwhelming majority of residents in one part of the city do not want it to be subdivided for development despite a predicted population boom.

THE overwhelming majority of rural residents do not want the Gold Coast hinterland subdivided for houses to accommodate the population boom, according to a council survey.

Strong opposition from the residents means development between the Mudgeeraba Road and the Pacific Motorway — a key investigation area for council — will now not occur until at least 2040.

In face-to-face polling at least 76 per cent of rural property owners said they were not supportive at all or had reservations about low-medium density development.

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An aerial showing the Mudgeeraba Investigation Area.

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Another online survey found 57 per cent of the property owners in the area did not support any change, or only after another 25 years.

Area councillor Glenn Tozer said council had conducted the consultation to determine the financial risk to ratepayers of funding infrastructure earlier than required.

“It was concluded that based on the survey responses, the financial risk is unacceptable and the city will prioritise further planning to unlock growth opportunities in other parts of the city,” he said.

Cr Tozer acknowledged the survey findings revealed the strong desire by residents “to retain the green behind the gold”.

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Hinterland-based Councillor Glenn Tozer is supportive of resident views. Photograph: Jason O'Brien

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“Residents in the hinterland love their lifestyle and want to maintain it. Of course, many also want to realise the best value for their property in the future and are open to future consideration of that matter,” he said.

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Destination Gold Coast chairman Paul Donovan said he was in favour of more tourism activity in the Hinterland including boosted walking track networks: “We need to appreciate how good the Hinterland is from a tourism point of view.

“I want to see it opened up with walking tracks and natural experiences. That’s what people want to see. I’m not so sure about housing developments.

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Plans for the Mudgeeraba Investigation Area.

“There is a balance we have to find. We need to grow this city and take advantage of the fact everyone is coming here.”

The survey findings and council recommendations puts the spotlight again on greenfield sites in the Coast’s fast growing northern M1 corridor and high rise redevelopment along the tourist strip.

“Other locations throughout the city will meet the need, perhaps the release of up to 3500 dwellings at Pacific View Estate just north of Mudgeeraba in Worongary,” Cr Tozer said.

“This project is estimated to have an economic impact exceeding $3 billion. I’ve worked closely with the applicant to ensure the State approval they have aligns with the expected application to start work in the coming year.”

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The Mudgeeraba retail area.

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The Mudgeeraba investigation area included 53 properties in a rural residential zone and identified the potential for between 328 and 504 new dwellings in the area.

The Coast’s population has just tipped 600,000, and by 2041 expected to reach 943,686 residents, second to Brisbane with 1,551,149.

New figures released by Treasury and viewed by councillors at a meeting in January predicted the Coast would grow by 14,670 people annually for the next 25 years, up from the average 10,000 per year.

The report predicted the biggest growth will be in Coomera, Pimpama, Surfers Paradise, Southport North and the Upper Coomera-Willowvale areas.

Molendinar, Currumbin Waters and Broadbeach Waters had the lowest growth reflecting the lack of land supply.

The latest council report says two investigation areas — Eggersdorf Road, Ormeau, and Courtney Drive, Upper Coomera — which would facilitate about 1000 new dwellings was being progressed through City Plan amendment packages.

Two other investigation areas — Parkwood and Oxenford — are being assessed to determine future potential urban development opportunities.