THE ENVY OF THE COUNTRY

IT should come as no surprise that Australians in the southern states are looking upon the Gold Coast right now as their lockdown destination of choice.

According to demographer Bernard Salt the increasing shift of Melburnians to the GC was already occurring but now it is gathering steam thanks to the new perspective on life – and focus on lifestyle – the pandemic crisis is giving to those in Victoria who are hardest hit.

It applies to Sydneysiders too, with Gold Coast agents reporting not just a surge in inquiry but also rental and purchase deals, many sight unseen or based purely off a video tour or second-hand visit done by Gold Coast-based family and friends.

Such is the demand for getting out of a place awash with COVID-19, in Victoria’s case, and escaping the straitjacket that’s been applied to life their right now.

The Gold Coast has always been among the fastest-growing places in the country, such is its unique appeal and growth trajectory, but that will no doubt accelerate even more so.

It is an unintended but perhaps happy consequence of the coronavirus crisis but one that needs attention paid to it.

This city’s growing pains and need for further infrastructure – both transport and tourism based – have long been clear.

The increasing awareness of this incredible city and its enviable position both from a lifestyle point of view where the climate is hard to top but also right now its dearth of coronavirus cases is a magnetic combination.

The Gold Coast needs to be increasingly nimble and play to these strengths, in a world where working from anywhere you please is entirely possible and an approach many are adopting.

The Gold Coast will do well to embrace and roll out the welcome mat to the talent that comes its way and must ensure its liveability and what it is envied for is not lost along the way.