Growth core issue

MAJOR development and a fast-growing population is set to be the main battleground for election candidates in Division 3.

The new division, made up of Coomera, Maudsland, Wongawallan and Willow Vale, contains one of the fastest growing areas in the country.

Coomera’s population is tipped to reach 75,606 by 2041. Two candidates will contest the seat, Deputy Mayor Donna Gates and former environmental manager Wayne Purcell.

Coomera Conservation Group spokeswoman Karina Wattman said her organisation was not “anti-development”, but wanted a sustainable City Plan amid the influx of people.

“It’s really important to have a City Plan that we adhere to, and that we have some smart planning,” she said.

“It’s not about being anti-development but about having the sort of development that’s kind not only to wildlife and the environment, but also the people who live there.

“The thing we’d like to see is more sustainable development, more allowances for things like footpaths so people can get from A to B without having to use their cars.

“We want to see planning that incorporates the retention of more green areas and corridors for connectivity, and that we have more green suburbs for people to enjoy.”

City Plan changes remain a controversial issue particularly in the city’s north.

The Boat Works owner and CEO Tony Longhurst said he also wanted more support for the region’s growing marine precinct.

“We’ve just finished building our Superyacht Yard, there’s 5000 people working here now and over the next few years that will increase to 10,000,” he said. “The whole of Gold Coast is getting a bottleneck for our roads but let’s plan ahead (for congestion) and try to improve things a bit.”

Future development projects including the planned Coomera Civic Hub, set to be built next to Westfield Coomera shopping centre, are expected to be a drawcard causing more population growth.

Stroud Homes Gold Coast director Nathan Dunn said it was also about building “necessary community support venues” in the area.

“Sure, it will entice people to come into an area by having these projects in the pipeline but they are essential services that (will) add to the quality of life of the community,” he said.

“They will add to building a sense of social belonging and offer ways to engage with the local citizens and what they need to increase the liveability of their neighbourhoods.”