Future Gold Coast: $1.7B education sector needs investment in infrastructure and jobs to thrive

The Gold Coast’s booming $1.7 billion education sector is in a class of its own, but experts say significant investment is needed to improve the future of the city’s kids.

THE Gold Coast’s booming international education sector is in a class of its own, even outstripping growth in the state’s capital.

But it comes with challenges.

Industry leaders say more infrastructure and employment opportunities are needed so the city can capitalise on the work already done and maximise its potential to become a truly global education hub.

The education sector is one of the Coast’s biggest industries.

The city’s three universities and TAFE lured 32,435 international students last year, almost 20 per cent of the Queensland market share.

Foreign students numbers on the Glitter Strip rose 15 per cent, well above Brisbane’s 11 per cent increase. The largest markets on the Coast were Brazil (5565 students), China (4671), India (1909) and Japan (1843) and Spain (1587).

STUDENTS TURNING TO ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION AFTER MAINSTREAM FAILS

Alfred Slogrove of the Student Hub in Southport. Pic Tim Marsden

Overall, the education sector contributes $1.7 billion to the Gold Coast economy.

Alfred Slogrove, the CEO of Study Gold Coast, expected the city to be a “globally recognised education city” by 2030.

However, he said significant investment in jobs, transport and housing was needed to meet demand.

“If it is a case of education quality, we have that in spades,” Mr Slogrove said.

“As a city we are also already supplying the whole package with support services, career counselling and community help through Study Gold Coast.”

“There is good solid growth for international students but we also want infrastructure to keep up with it. We need the jobs.

“By investing in infrastructure and targeting key growth drivers like healthcare and IT the city will continue to create new pathways for development and employment.”

In the past 12 months, 169,000 Gold Coast residents participated in education and training, from school to higher education, and sustained 17,509 full-time jobs.

SCHOOL SUSPENSIONS BOOMING ON THE GOLD COAST

Professor Tyrone Carlin Announced the deputy vice chancellor (academic) of Southern Cross University.

Southern Cross University Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) Tyrone Carlin said the education sector could become a victim of its own success if universities did not have room to grow.

Southern Cross University (SCU), the youngest university on the Gold Coast, is expected to have 1800 international students at its Coolangatta campus by the end of the year.

“Universities do a lot of heavy lifting in terms of bringing people here, but a lot of what will keep them here comes from the enrichment,” Professor Carlin said.

“The infrastructure is obviously an issue. The airport is a blessing, which helps with international movement, but we do need those rail options coming down to the coast to connect up with the university and allow smooth travel and more housing options for students.”

AMAZING OFFER: GET A SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB A 8.0 WITH THIS BULLETIN SUBSCRIPTION (T&Cs apply)

The university, known for its tailored and reactive offerings, plans to increase its footprint over the next decade.

“We are really focused in using the beautiful environment and investing in programs in the health space,” Prof Carlin said.

“We predict it is in Australia’s destiny that the Gold Coast will continue to be the most popular classroom.

“Where else can you study in a place as beautiful as this, with a high-quality offering and in proximity of other population centres?

“We can bring people here and educate them. It is ensuring they can stay sustainably and bring value back into the economy that must be continuously addressed.”

:

BY THE NUMBERS (2018)

• International student value to city – $1.7b.

• 32,435 foreign students from 130 countries.

• 20 per cent of Queensland’s.

• Employs 17,509 jobs.

• Gold Coast ranked Australia’s most affordable student city (2018).