The Local Growth Management Strategy: a 20-year guide to responsible, sustainable growth

The Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS) seeks to provide a framework to guide how we respond to growth over the next 20 years.

It considers how to support jobs, economic activity and business opportunities alongside housing, and supports us to advocate to the State and Federal governments for investment in critical infrastructure, including transport, health and community facilities.

We’ve been developing the LGMS over the last 18 months, using:

  • technical analysis; and
  • extensive community input through multiple consultation phases.

What’s in the LGMS

The LGMS has 9 underlying principles called the Directions for Growth. These were developed in consultation with the community and are embedded throughout the strategy. They are:

Direction 1: Well-planned and distributed growth

This means adding more homes in areas that already have good services and infrastructure, instead of spreading into natural or rural areas.

Direction 2: Natural environment network

By strengthening the city’s natural systems and focusing growth in the right places, we can protect wildlife, waterways and landscapes while creating greener, cooler neighbourhoods.

Direction 3: Infrastructure that services a growing city

To support a growing population, we need infrastructure that is planned, delivered and upgraded in the right places at the right time to ensure essential services keep pace with growth.

Direction 4: Movement and transport choice

By locating more homes and businesses near good public and active transport, and improving walking and riding connections, we can create neighbourhoods where people have multiple transport choices every day. This helps reduce congestion, supports healthier travel and keeps communities connected.

Direction 5: A network of connected open space

The maintenance and enhancement of a connected network of parks, reserves, beaches, waterways and green corridors, will support healthier, more active communities and protect the natural character people value.

Direction 6: Building on our economic strengths

By protecting key employment areas and supporting the industries we already do well – construction, tourism, health and wellbeing, and education – we can create more local jobs, attract investment and build a resilient economy that benefits communities as the city grows.

Direction 7: Well-designed buildings and places

Through the creation of buildings, streets and public spaces that are comfortable, safe, climate‑responsive and reflective of local culture and heritage, we can support active lifestyles, strengthen identity and help communities adapt as the city grows.

Direction 8: Celebrating Traditional Owners aspirations, values and places, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and our heritage

Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are heard in planning for the future growth of the city, and heritage places are valued and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Direction 9: An inclusive and accountable planning and development process

By communicating how growth is planned, involving people early and delivering on commitments, we create shared ownership of the city’s future and support more confident, informed decision‑making.

You can find out more about the 9 directions in the LGMS document on this page.

What’s not in the LGMS

The LGMS does not determine specific zoning, building heights or development outcomes. That is the role of the City Plan.

We’re working on the new Planning Scheme (NPS) which will replace the existing City Plan which we have had since 2016. The NPS will be the statutory framework that determines and regulates those issues. The LGMS will inform the NPS to ensure community priorities are considered throughout the plan making process.


How you can be involved now

Help us refine the LGMS and share your feedback by taking the survey below.

The survey is open until 31 July 2026.

Sign up to GC Have Your Say to stay informed.

The Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS) seeks to provide a framework to guide how we respond to growth over the next 20 years.

It considers how to support jobs, economic activity and business opportunities alongside housing, and supports us to advocate to the State and Federal governments for investment in critical infrastructure, including transport, health and community facilities.

We’ve been developing the LGMS over the last 18 months, using:

  • technical analysis; and
  • extensive community input through multiple consultation phases.

What’s in the LGMS

The LGMS has 9 underlying principles called the Directions for Growth. These were developed in consultation with the community and are embedded throughout the strategy. They are:

Direction 1: Well-planned and distributed growth

This means adding more homes in areas that already have good services and infrastructure, instead of spreading into natural or rural areas.

Direction 2: Natural environment network

By strengthening the city’s natural systems and focusing growth in the right places, we can protect wildlife, waterways and landscapes while creating greener, cooler neighbourhoods.

Direction 3: Infrastructure that services a growing city

To support a growing population, we need infrastructure that is planned, delivered and upgraded in the right places at the right time to ensure essential services keep pace with growth.

Direction 4: Movement and transport choice

By locating more homes and businesses near good public and active transport, and improving walking and riding connections, we can create neighbourhoods where people have multiple transport choices every day. This helps reduce congestion, supports healthier travel and keeps communities connected.

Direction 5: A network of connected open space

The maintenance and enhancement of a connected network of parks, reserves, beaches, waterways and green corridors, will support healthier, more active communities and protect the natural character people value.

Direction 6: Building on our economic strengths

By protecting key employment areas and supporting the industries we already do well – construction, tourism, health and wellbeing, and education – we can create more local jobs, attract investment and build a resilient economy that benefits communities as the city grows.

Direction 7: Well-designed buildings and places

Through the creation of buildings, streets and public spaces that are comfortable, safe, climate‑responsive and reflective of local culture and heritage, we can support active lifestyles, strengthen identity and help communities adapt as the city grows.

Direction 8: Celebrating Traditional Owners aspirations, values and places, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices, and our heritage

Traditional Owners and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are heard in planning for the future growth of the city, and heritage places are valued and protected for future generations to enjoy.

Direction 9: An inclusive and accountable planning and development process

By communicating how growth is planned, involving people early and delivering on commitments, we create shared ownership of the city’s future and support more confident, informed decision‑making.

You can find out more about the 9 directions in the LGMS document on this page.

What’s not in the LGMS

The LGMS does not determine specific zoning, building heights or development outcomes. That is the role of the City Plan.

We’re working on the new Planning Scheme (NPS) which will replace the existing City Plan which we have had since 2016. The NPS will be the statutory framework that determines and regulates those issues. The LGMS will inform the NPS to ensure community priorities are considered throughout the plan making process.


How you can be involved now

Help us refine the LGMS and share your feedback by taking the survey below.

The survey is open until 31 July 2026.

Sign up to GC Have Your Say to stay informed.

  • Council Supports Growth Direction and Next Steps for Planning

    On 10 March 2026, Council considered the Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS) and provided in-principle support, confirming the overall strategic direction for how the Gold Coast will plan for future growth.

    As part of this decision, Council also endorsed the Directions for Growth, which gives a clear vision for how and where the city will grow.

    Further work will now be undertaken throughout 2026 to ensure the LGMS aligns with the final policy positions of the new planning scheme. A refined version of the LGMS will be presented back to Council for endorsement before the new planning scheme is submitted to the Queensland State Government for a First State Interest Check.

    What this means for the community

    Community feedback has played a central role in shaping the LGMS. Over 18 months and several rounds of engagement, nearly 4000 Gold Coasters shared their views on growth and urban change – how we live, how we connect and the kind of city we want to become.

    From these consultations, we know your key priorities are:

    • Housing diversity and affordability.
    • Timely and coordinated infrastructure.
    • Access to a diverse range of industries and jobs.
    • Protection of the natural environment.

    We listened to your feedback, and the LGMS sets our direction. Importantly, it’s a strategic planning document, it does not regulate development or determine specific zoning, building heights or development outcomes.

    Instead, it:

    • Provides direction on where and how the City will prioritise planning for growth.
    • Is informed by technical analysis and community input.
    • Helps guide long-term decisions about housing, infrastructure and land use.


    What happens next

    The LGMS will inform the preparation of the City’s new Planning Scheme, which is the statutory framework that regulates development across the Gold Coast.

    The new Planning Scheme will regulate zoning and land use rules, building height, and density.

    We look forward to continuing the conversation with community throughout 2026, including details of the LGMS and preparing a new planning scheme.

    On 10 March 2026, Council considered the Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS) and provided in-principle support, confirming the overall strategic direction for how the Gold Coast will plan for future growth.

    As part of this decision, Council also endorsed the Directions for Growth, which gives a clear vision for how and where the city will grow.

    Further work will now be undertaken throughout 2026 to ensure the LGMS aligns with the final policy positions of the new planning scheme. A refined version of the LGMS will be presented back to Council for endorsement before the new planning scheme is submitted to the Queensland State Government for a First State Interest Check.

    What this means for the community

    Community feedback has played a central role in shaping the LGMS. Over 18 months and several rounds of engagement, nearly 4000 Gold Coasters shared their views on growth and urban change – how we live, how we connect and the kind of city we want to become.

    From these consultations, we know your key priorities are:

    • Housing diversity and affordability.
    • Timely and coordinated infrastructure.
    • Access to a diverse range of industries and jobs.
    • Protection of the natural environment.

    We listened to your feedback, and the LGMS sets our direction. Importantly, it’s a strategic planning document, it does not regulate development or determine specific zoning, building heights or development outcomes.

    Instead, it:

    • Provides direction on where and how the City will prioritise planning for growth.
    • Is informed by technical analysis and community input.
    • Helps guide long-term decisions about housing, infrastructure and land use.


    What happens next

    The LGMS will inform the preparation of the City’s new Planning Scheme, which is the statutory framework that regulates development across the Gold Coast.

    The new Planning Scheme will regulate zoning and land use rules, building height, and density.

    We look forward to continuing the conversation with community throughout 2026, including details of the LGMS and preparing a new planning scheme.

  • 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.

  • Urban Change readiness

    We’ve listened

    To respond to the needs of our community, we have commenced preparation of a new Planning Scheme, Local Growth Management Strategy and Housing Strategy.

    The Urban Change Readiness project is the first opportunity for our community and stakeholders to get involved and have a say on the city’s future growth.

    Communities input has helped us identify and address challenges and opportunities associated with growth, and how it translates to planning for our neighbourhoods.


    We conducted community consultation on Urban Change Readiness in October 2024 to measure our community’s preparedness for urban change and identify community growth priorities, we received a combined 3,000 responses.

    Full survey results are available in the Community Engagement Report.

    Your feedback has helped shape the future of the Gold Coast.

    We’ve listened

    To respond to the needs of our community, we have commenced preparation of a new Planning Scheme, Local Growth Management Strategy and Housing Strategy.

    The Urban Change Readiness project is the first opportunity for our community and stakeholders to get involved and have a say on the city’s future growth.

    Communities input has helped us identify and address challenges and opportunities associated with growth, and how it translates to planning for our neighbourhoods.


    We conducted community consultation on Urban Change Readiness in October 2024 to measure our community’s preparedness for urban change and identify community growth priorities, we received a combined 3,000 responses.

    Full survey results are available in the Community Engagement Report.

    Your feedback has helped shape the future of the Gold Coast.

Page last updated: 29 May 2026, 03:44 PM