Palm Beach development has residents upset on Gold Coast

Southern Gold Coast residents say development issues will be front of mind for voters in the upcoming state and local elections, as many share their displeasure about the growth of their area.

SOUTHERN Gold Coast residents say development issues will be front of mind for voters in the upcoming state and local elections, as many share their displeasure about the growth of their area.

The Bulletin yesterday revealed Palm Beach has become the newest development mecca, accounting for half the new projects across the city.

Mayor Tom Tate said the development was the only way to protect green space, but locals want to see a slower approval rate and more adherence to density plans.

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Palm Beach residents and locals angry at the building in the suburb. They say their property values are being affected. Picture Glenn Hampson

“It’s wonderful to see so many cranes in the sky across the whole Gold Coast, including Palm Beach. We are one of the fastest growing cities in the Australia so it’s only natural developers are investing here,” Mayor Tom Tate told the Bulletin yesterday.

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“The Councillors and I use the City Plan to ensure that all developments are compliant with both our expectations as a Council and what we want for our city. By going up instead of out, we are ensuring that green space is protected.”

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Palm Beach residents and locals angry at the building in the suburb. They say their property values are being affected. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Burleigh Resident Terry Goldsworthy said concerns in the southern Gold Coast were more than NIMBY (not in my backyard) whingeing.

“Light rail and development are the major issues people are considering,” Dr Goldsworthy told the Bulletin.

“There are two petitions on change.org about the issues totalling 15000 signatures, so it has become very apparent where people stand, and I think a lot will be voting with their feet.”

Dr Goldsworthy said he also had doubts about the projected population growth and wondered if it would be able to service the number of high-rises and light rail.

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Drone image of Sunland's Palm Beach development Magnoli under construction.

“The reality is, I drive from Burleigh Point to Broadbeach every week and there is no traffic chaos argument I can see in relation to putting in light rail, there is not a population for it.

“There are people living in houses in Palm Beach who must be wondering where are we going to park, there goes the retail value of my home.”

Palm Beach resident Dominique Wright, who had purchased a block of units last year, said her concern was the impact on the property value and damage that could be created by builds on the boundary.

“We moved here because of the community based family friendly village appeal and did our due diligence when looking into the area, but within six months that has all changed,” Ms Wright said.

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Artist impression of the Magnoli Apartments.

“I wonder if council takes into account the impact of one building which is being constructed when approving the next.

“I hear horror stories of damage to foundations during construction and the lengthy process to get repairs done and go through lawyers.

“I am for sustainable growth but to see a space change so rapidly in such a short time, before we don’t know the impact yet.

“An over-supply will surely impact demand.”

Long time anti-light-rail advocate and Palm Beach resident Karen Rowles said the issue is not going away.

“We want responsible developers with thoughtful designs,” Ms Rowles said.

“I know that doesn’t look like all these box-like buildings, built to the boundary lines, taking up the entire block.

“No green space, no deep planting for large trees to grow.”