Gold Coast CBD is open for business


The Queensland Government has declared Southport a Priority Development Area (PDA), in a major boost for the City of Gold Coast’s plans to revitalise Southport as the Gold Coast’s Central Business District (CBD).

The City recently made the PDA request to the Minister for Economic Development Queensland, under the provisions of the State’s Economic Development Act 2012.

The announcement paves the way for a streamlined approach to planning and development of the CBD, bringing new economic, infrastructure and lifestyle opportunities to Southport.

Mayor Tom Tate said the PDA declaration means Southport CBD is now open for business..

“Having a PDA means that we can really start to make things happen in Southport, support new ideas and cut red tape. We want to create a vibrant and dynamic CBD that offers more jobs, better services and a great urban lifestyle. If you’re a developer or investor, we want to hear your ideas, come and talk to us,” he said.

“I’d like to thank the Southport PDA Sub-Committee, our partners and members of the community who have all worked hard together to help achieve this declaration.”

Southport (Division 6) Councillor Dawn Crichlow, Chair of the Southport PDA Sub-Committee, said today’s announcement marks a turning point for Southport.

“Southport has historically been the city’s hub. It was one of the first coastal resort towns in South East Queensland, later becoming the administrative and commercial centre of the Gold Coast, so it makes sense to build on that role as we develop the CBD,” she said.

“Everything’s now coming together for Southport. It’s a Priority Development Area, the first trams are on the tracks for testing, Chinatown is being developed and we’re getting ready to play centre stage for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth GamesTM. It’s an incredibly exciting time.”

Now the PDA is in place, an Interim Land Use Plan (ILUP) will guide planning and development while the City of Gold Coast prepares detailed policies for the Southport CBD. A public notification period is anticipated to commence in March 2014, with the final Southport PDA Development Scheme expected to be in place by mid 2014.

Find more or download a copy of the Southport Interim Land Use Plan on our Southport CBD web page, or call us on 07 5582 8083.