The Local Growth Management Strategy: a 20-year guide to responsible, sustainable growth
The LGMS provides a strategic framework to guide how the City responds to growth over the next 20 years.
It also supports advocacy to the State and Federal governments for investment in critical infrastructure, including transport, health and community facilities.
The LGMS considers how to support jobs, economic activity and business opportunities alongside housing.
We’ve been developing the Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS) for 18 months. It provides the strategic direction for where and how the City will prioritise planning for growth, informed by technical analysis and extensive community input through multiple consultation phases. Read more about the Urban Change Readiness project and how community feedback is shaping the city’s long‑term directions for growth.
The LGMS informs the preparation of the new Planning Scheme (NPS) but does not determine specific zoning, building heights or development outcomes. The NPS will be the statutory framework that determines and regulates those issues. Work on the NPS is underway, with further opportunities for community input as it progresses. Read more about the NPS.
Council has provided in-principle support for the LGMS, confirming the overall strategic direction for managing growth. Council also endorsed the Directions for Growth, establishing the key principles that will guide how and where the city grows over time.
Further work will be undertaken during 2026 to align the LGMS with endorsed policy positions of the NPS. A refined version of the LGMS will be presented back to Council for endorsement prior to submitting the new Planning Scheme to the Queensland State Government for First State Interest Check.
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Subscribe to our GC Have Your Say newsletter to stay informed.
The LGMS provides a strategic framework to guide how the City responds to growth over the next 20 years.
It also supports advocacy to the State and Federal governments for investment in critical infrastructure, including transport, health and community facilities.
The LGMS considers how to support jobs, economic activity and business opportunities alongside housing.
We’ve been developing the Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS) for 18 months. It provides the strategic direction for where and how the City will prioritise planning for growth, informed by technical analysis and extensive community input through multiple consultation phases. Read more about the Urban Change Readiness project and how community feedback is shaping the city’s long‑term directions for growth.
The LGMS informs the preparation of the new Planning Scheme (NPS) but does not determine specific zoning, building heights or development outcomes. The NPS will be the statutory framework that determines and regulates those issues. Work on the NPS is underway, with further opportunities for community input as it progresses. Read more about the NPS.
Council has provided in-principle support for the LGMS, confirming the overall strategic direction for managing growth. Council also endorsed the Directions for Growth, establishing the key principles that will guide how and where the city grows over time.
Further work will be undertaken during 2026 to align the LGMS with endorsed policy positions of the NPS. A refined version of the LGMS will be presented back to Council for endorsement prior to submitting the new Planning Scheme to the Queensland State Government for First State Interest Check.
Stay informed
Subscribe to our GC Have Your Say newsletter to stay informed.
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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 nextThe 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 nextThe 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.
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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.
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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.
Timeline
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Urban change readiness
The Local Growth Management Strategy: a 20-year guide to responsible, sustainable growth has finished this stageOutcomes of the Vision for our Gold Coast survey (Urban Change Readiness) and Vision for Change community workshops advanced through the Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS) Directions Paper.
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Finalising our directions for growth
The Local Growth Management Strategy: a 20-year guide to responsible, sustainable growth has finished this stageThe 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.
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Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS) – In-Principle Version (March 2026)
The Local Growth Management Strategy: a 20-year guide to responsible, sustainable growth is currently at this stageCouncil provided in-principle support for the Local Growth Management Strategy on 10 March 2026.
This version reflects the document considered by Council at that time. Further work will be undertaken during 2026 to align the LGMS with the final policy positions of the new planning scheme.
A refined version will be presented to Council for formal endorsement prior to submission of the new planning scheme to the Queensland Government for First State Interest Check.
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New Planning Scheme
this is an upcoming stage for The Local Growth Management Strategy: a 20-year guide to responsible, sustainable growthDevelopment of the new Planning Scheme continues to progress, supported by Community, Industry, and State Government reference groups that provide ongoing advice and insights throughout its preparation.