Oxenford to get more than 1000 new homes under new Gold Coast City Council plans

A Gold Coast suburb is about to get a huge population boost under new City planning changes.

A Gold Coast suburb is being recommended for a major population boost with City planners hitting the green light on more affordable housing options.

Officers in a report to council’s planning committee on Tuesday will recommend councillors back plans for the Riversdale Precinct within the Oxenford Investigation Area.

Mapping shows the area would be located west of the Pacific Highway and south of the retail precinct.

City planning chair Mark Hammel said the Riversdale Precinct would be reflected within the new planning scheme.

A map showing plans for the Oxenford Investigation Area and how Gold Coast City Council planners propose increasing housing.

The remainder of the investigation area is to be assessed through the development of the Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS).

But Mr Hammel said the proposal was “by no means a foregone conclusion”.

“As planning chair, I welcome the upcoming discussion in the chamber, particularly with input from the local divisional councillor, before any decision is made,” Mr Hammel said.

“This is not about rushing into development. It’s about ensuring thatany future growth in Oxenford is properly planned and backed by infrastructure, including roads, schools, flood mitigation and community facilities.”

The entire Oxenford Investigation Area has the capacity to allow for around 1739 dwellings and an estimated 4385 residents — a clear step up from the current City Plan.

“I want to be clear — the area proposed to be reflected in the new planning scheme, which is

Riversdale Precinct A, is significantly smaller at approximately 2226 people and 1032 dwellings,” Mr Hammel said.

Mark Hammel — wants smarter planning to meet population growth targets. Pic: Annette Dew,

“But it’s not just about more homes — it’s about the right mix of homes to suit the way Gold Coast families live today.”

A subdivision of larger home blocks would enable duplexes and townhouses to be built.

City officers had conducted an extensive consultation strategy with the community, interviewing thousands of residents.

Unlike other “investigation areas” in the city, Oxenford residents backed the plans.

“That (consultation) strategy tells us the community supports a diversity of new homes being built in areas that already have services, infrastructure and good transport links,” Mr Hammel said.

The Oxenford "investigation area" being considered by the Gold Coast City Council for population increases, and infrastructure needed.

“In my opinion, Oxenford is one of those established suburbs.

“It’s close to major road corridors like the M1 and future Coomera Connector, and well connected to the future Hope Island train station.

“But any growth needs to reflect what locals value — a liveable neighbourhood, with green space, amenity, and a strong sense of community.”

The Gold Coast would be home to a million people in the next two decades and the City must plan for that huge amount of growth at the right locations, Mr Hammel said.

“This process is about planning smarter now so we avoid poor outcomes down the track,” he said.

Area councillor Naomi Fowler will wait for the committee debate before commenting.

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Originally published as Oxenford to get more than 1000 new homes under new Gold Coast City Council plans