Finalising our directions for growth

By 2046, the Gold Coast will be home to more than one million people. That means almost 390,000 new residents and 185,000 new homes over the next 20 years.

Nearly 1000 Gold Coasters recently shared their views on 8 directions to guide how we grow - where we live, how we connect, and the kind of city we will become.

Their feedback told us there is:

  • Strong support for long-term, planning-led growth, housing diversity and affordability
  • Calls for timely, coordinated infrastructure
  • Backing for economic diversification
  • And a resounding emphasis on protecting the environment.

Take a closer look at the findings below or read our reports (summary report or full report).

We’ve listened

This feedback has sharpened our focus on housing choice, infrastructure, and protecting the places we value. We’re also splitting one of directions (A network of connected green spaces) into two — one focused on the environment and one on open space.

To safeguard our lifestyle while meeting future housing needs, we need more than just high-rises on the coast or detached homes in every suburb. These directions highlight the need for a greater mix of homes and a clear vision for where and how our city grows.

Suburban neighbourhoods will see gentle residential growth with more duplexes, townhouses, and small-lot detached homes. This means planning for homes that fit well within existing streetscape and community feel.

Those living live near a major public transport corridor such as the light rail or future rapid bus routes, will likely see more mid-rise and some high-rise housing grow around stations and key nodes. These homes will make it easier to walk, cycle and catch public transport.

In our larger centres, there will be more medium to high-rise apartments and commercial buildings, alongside townhouses and other housing types. These developments will create vibrant, mixed-use hubs with homes, shops, offices, and community spaces all within easy reach.

What’s next

The Directions for Growth give us a clear vision for how and where our city will grow. They set the foundation for the Local Growth Management Strategy and the new Planning Scheme.

The Directions Paper will help finalise our Local Growth Management Strategy as we continue our growth conversations with the community.

By 2046, the Gold Coast will be home to more than one million people. That means almost 390,000 new residents and 185,000 new homes over the next 20 years.

Nearly 1000 Gold Coasters recently shared their views on 8 directions to guide how we grow - where we live, how we connect, and the kind of city we will become.

Their feedback told us there is:

  • Strong support for long-term, planning-led growth, housing diversity and affordability
  • Calls for timely, coordinated infrastructure
  • Backing for economic diversification
  • And a resounding emphasis on protecting the environment.

Take a closer look at the findings below or read our reports (summary report or full report).

We’ve listened

This feedback has sharpened our focus on housing choice, infrastructure, and protecting the places we value. We’re also splitting one of directions (A network of connected green spaces) into two — one focused on the environment and one on open space.

To safeguard our lifestyle while meeting future housing needs, we need more than just high-rises on the coast or detached homes in every suburb. These directions highlight the need for a greater mix of homes and a clear vision for where and how our city grows.

Suburban neighbourhoods will see gentle residential growth with more duplexes, townhouses, and small-lot detached homes. This means planning for homes that fit well within existing streetscape and community feel.

Those living live near a major public transport corridor such as the light rail or future rapid bus routes, will likely see more mid-rise and some high-rise housing grow around stations and key nodes. These homes will make it easier to walk, cycle and catch public transport.

In our larger centres, there will be more medium to high-rise apartments and commercial buildings, alongside townhouses and other housing types. These developments will create vibrant, mixed-use hubs with homes, shops, offices, and community spaces all within easy reach.

What’s next

The Directions for Growth give us a clear vision for how and where our city will grow. They set the foundation for the Local Growth Management Strategy and the new Planning Scheme.

The Directions Paper will help finalise our Local Growth Management Strategy as we continue our growth conversations with the community.

Page last updated: 19 Nov 2025, 02:47 PM