Public invited to comment on Southport city centre

Plans to boost the region’s economy through the commercial transformation of Southport as the Gold Coast’s central business district have been released for public consultation today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said the draft development scheme sets out the Queensland Government and local council’s joint vision to establish Southport Priority Development Area (PDA).

“Our government is committed to growing the economy of the Gold Coast and a key strategy to achieve this is building on the potential of Southport as the CBD,” Mr Seeney said.

“We are also achieving this goal through a number of other initiatives including the Gold Coast Light Rail and investment in the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, which will bring in an estimated $2 billion to the coast.

“In October 2013, the Government declared the Southport PDA giving responsibility for plan preparation and assessment of development in this area to Gold Coast City Council.

“The PDA covers 195 hectares of land and includes the Southport CBD, Broadwater Parklands and some residential areas.

“Development will include opportunities for residential and non-residential development and the draft scheme was prepared by council with assistance from Economic Development Queensland.”

Member for Southport Rob Molhoek said progression of the Southport PDA would enable the important precinct to come of age.

“Southport has long been recognised as the historic CBD of the Gold Coast,” Mr Molhoek said.

“In the lead up to the Commonwealth Games and coincidently Southport's centenary, the declaration of this PDA ensures development and investment proposals have every chance of success.

“My number one priority is to work with local business leaders to facilitate the reinvigoration of Southport as a centre for health, knowledge and business. I want to see new jobs created and opportunities maximised and this PDA will deliver that.”

Gold Coast City Mayor Tom Tate said council wanted to work with the community and business to revitalise Southport as a vibrant and dynamic Gold Coast CBD.

“The CBD will be the definitive centre of commerce for the Gold Coast,” Mr Tate said.

“It has already attracted a large amount of investment and the proposed development scheme aims to attract more through a streamlined and facilitated approach to planning and development.

“Southport is already a hub for commercial activities and community services, but the proposed development scheme wants to shape an appealing and active urban lifestyle for local residents as well.”

The final scheme is expected to be in place later this year and will replace the interim land use plan which currently covers development within the PDA. 

Residents can make a submission on the draft scheme until 22 May 2014. To view the draft scheme visit www.dsdip.qld.gov.au/infrastructure-and-planning/southport.html

[ENDS] 5 April 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744