IN GROWING NEED OF HELP

THE State Government needs to be proactive in helping to find a solution to the Gold Coast’s population woes, just as it did in establishing a master plan for The Spit.

The Gold Coast Bulletin called for a holistic blueprint for the city’s biggest asset well before Annastacia Palaszczuk came into power in early 2015.

Like city leaders, the newspaper was tired of the dithering by state politicians about bigticket items such as a cruise ship terminal.

After a decade of uncertainly, Ms Palaszczuk canned ASF’s $6.8 billion bid to build an integrated resort bn the Broadwater. Taxpayers also had to cough up millions of dollars in compensation.

The indecision cost the city time and money and threatened to cloud its reputation as a major player in the tourism sector. Soon after, Ms Palaszczuk agreed to a master plan for The Spit, so as to avoid a repeat of the ASF circus and create a community-driven legacy for its biggest jewel. The blueprint has provided certainty, focus and funding.

The same energy and enthusiasm is needed to solve the City Plan merry-go-round. As reported today, the council recommended Biggera Waters, Labrador and Southport West as hotspots to absorb the extra 350,000 people expected to flood the city by 2041.

Naturally, residents in those suburbs resisted and council officers eased growth targets. It has got to the point where councillors are questioning whether the State Government should impose a population cap.

Like it did with The Spit, Brisbane needs to get on the front foot. It seems pointless for residents and council to walk a windy road to appease State Government migration thresholds, only to be stalled or rejected later on.

Most residents are struggling to understand how and why the State Government has set such growth targets, and the consequences if they are not met.

In regards to growth, the Gold Coast is an unparalleled case. It will require a concerted approach from the community and both levels of government to find a solution so we are not wrestling with the issue 10 years from now.