MEETING THE CITY MARKET

DEVELOPMENT is one of the Gold Coast’s largest industries and lifeblood of a city built on realising the future.

As Australia’s fastest-growing city, we’re a vibrant metropolis with population rapidly increasing at a rate of about 14,600 annually, according to data last month.

With the population to reach one million people by 2045 it is clear the Gold Coast needs a veritable cornucopia of housing. From units to townhouses, expect to see plenty more cranes to meet the demand.

But coupled with this massive influx of interstate expats is the need for improved infrastructure to cope with our swelling ranks and appropriate accommodation for the city’s ageing population.

Today’s news the Gold Coast is the state’s downsizer capital, as cashed-up homebuyers snap up luxury units in socalled “skyhomes”, gives context to where many of these people want to live.

Instead of traditional two-bedroom units, which have characterised our skyline, they are instead drawn to high-end, spacious apartments with all the features of a new house and none of the maintenance issues.

The market has proven so lucrative some of our biggest developers are changing their modus operandi to cater to them.

Given fears of a post-Commonwealth Games collapse in the development industry, it is heartening that this lucrative market is adding buoyance to the city’s economy at a time when capital cities are experiencing shaky markets.

It would be naïve for development opponents to take a head-in-the-sand approach to the need for more buildings and housing. But it is essential this development be appropriate and our infrastructure be sufficiently upgraded and accessible to provide relief from the southeast’s longrunning gridlock and congestion.

As the tourism capital and an economic engine room, it is critical the Gold Coast continues to be a magnet for those who want to live and prosper here.