Boom ‘burbs feel the strain

MORE shops, parking and services as well as community centres and sports fields need need to be built to cope with the northern Gold Coast’s rapidly growing population.

This is the call from community groups who are also seeking better public transport.

The city’s northern corridor is among the fastest growing areas in the state with significant housing developments already under construction.

The rapid growth has also put pressure on the region’s services to keep up.

Ormeau Progression Association president Judy Hendrikx said public transport was a cause of frustration.

“There is just no public transport, we live too far away,” she said.

“You have to drive because there is no transport.”

She said the community hall and nearby sports centres were constantly booked.

Ms Hendrikx said other services were slowly coming online including more doctors, schools and, with the planned Westfield in Coomera, shops.

Northern Gold Coast Chamber of Commerce secretary Gary Mays said it was not just the public transport woes which needed to be fixed.

“There needs to be more parking, particularly at Coomera town centre,” he said.

“I know it will be alleviated by the Westfield but judging by previous Westfields that will probably be paid parking.”

Mr Mays said more shops would also be needed.

Community members have been calling for more sporting facilities, with the local sports fields completely booked.

Deputy mayor and Pimpama councillor Donna Gates said the council was already working on providing more services in the area.

“We have the $56 million northern Gold Coast sports

THERE IS JUST NO PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WE LIVE TOO FAR AWAY

JUDY HENDRIKX, ORMEAU PROGRESSION ASSOCIATION

and community precinct at Pimpama under design and to be opened by 2020,” she said.

The centre, which will include two pools, eight netball courts and nine tennis courts, went out to tender this week.

The council also this week released a public transport plan which details how the council will lobby the state for more frequent services.

Helensvale councillor William Owen-Jones said the city was already planning to provide more social services and community centres in the area over the next five to ten years.