FAQs - The LGMS
where new homes and jobs could occur
how infrastructure should support growth
how the environment and natural areas are protected.
Well-planned and distributed growth
Natural environment network
Infrastructure that services a growing city
Movement and transport choice
A network of connected open space
Building on our economic strengths
Well-designed buildings and places
Celebrating Traditional Owners aspirations, values and places, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and heritage
An inclusive and accountable planning and development process.
zoning
building heights
density
setbacks.
small lot homes
duplexes
terraces
townhouses
small apartment buildings (typically 2 or 3 storeys).
provide more housing choice
support smaller households and downsizers
make better use of land in well located areas.
centres
public transport
shops and services
jobs and community facilities.
provide more homes in well located areas
support housing diversity and different household types
make better use of land near services and transport.
close to public transport and walking or riding paths
near open space, shops, schools and health services
supported by essential infrastructure
away from high-value environmental areas or major hazard risks
able to connect with existing centres and neighbourhoods.
What is the LGMS?
The Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS) is the city’s long-term framework for where and how growth could occur. It sets 9 directions for growth that guide planning for the next 20 years. The strategy draws on technical studies and community engagement to help the city plan for housing, jobs and infrastructure.
What does the LGMS do?
The LGMS helps the city plan for growth in the right places.
It guides decisions about:
The LGMS is strategic. It does not regulate development or set detailed planning controls.
What are the ‘directions for growth’?
The LGMS includes 9 directions for growth. These directions guide how the city plans for a population of around one million people.
They focus on:
The directions were determined through detailed technical studies and extensive community consultation and reflect the evolving needs, values and aspirations of our community.
Why do we need a LGMS? Isn't that what the Planning Scheme is for?
The LGMS and the Planning Scheme do different jobs. The LGMS sets the long-term direction for how the city could grow. The new Planning Scheme is the statutory planning document.
It regulates land use and development through controls such as:
The LGMS helps guide preparation of the new Planning Scheme.
What does ‘gentle residential’ mean?
“Gentle residential” describes small, low-scale housing that fits within existing neighbourhoods. These homes are usually similar in height and scale to nearby houses. They provide more housing choice without major change to the look and feel of a suburb.
Examples include:
Gentle residential housing helps:
Detailed rules about where these homes could occur will be set through the new Planning Scheme.
What does ‘mid-rise residential’ mean?
“Mid-rise residential” describes apartment buildings that are taller than townhouses but smaller than high-rise towers.
These buildings are typically around 4 to 8 storeys, although on the Gold Coast they can be up to about 32 metres, which may accommodate up to around 10 storeys depending on design.
Mid-rise housing is usually located in places that can support more homes, such as areas close to:
This type of housing helps:
Council has asked officers to review how mid-rise housing is defined in the LGMS so it aligns with the South East Queensland Regional Plan, which generally describes medium-rise buildings as around 4 to 8 storeys.
The new Planning Scheme will ultimately confirm building height definitions and where different housing types may occur across the city.
Can I see the zoning of my property on the LGMS maps?
No.
The LGMS maps are strategic and conceptual. They show where growth could occur over the long term. They do not determine zoning or development outcomes for individual properties. Detailed planning decisions will happen through the new Planning Scheme.
What is a ‘well-located’ area?
A well-located area is a place that combines several advantages.
These areas are typically:
Planning growth in well-located areas helps create more connected and liveable communities. On the conceptual map in the LGMS document, darker orange areas indicate a higher concentration of attractors, highlighting locations best placed to support liveable, sustainable communities.