The Gold Coast’s New Planning Scheme: Why the 2046 Growth Strategy Matters Now
The City of Gold Coast is quietly laying the groundwork for one of the most significant planning shifts the region has ever seen. With a new Planning Scheme and Local Growth Management Strategy (LGMS) in development, the decisions being made today will determine where housing, jobs, infrastructure and investment flow for the next 20+ years.
For property owners, developers and investors, this is not background noise — it’s a forward signal.
Planning for a City of Over One Million Residents
By 2046, the Gold Coast is preparing for a population of more than one million people. That equates to hundreds of thousands of new residents, homes and jobs that must be accommodated without compromising liveability.
To manage this growth, City of Gold Coast is developing a new Planning Scheme supported by the Local Growth Management Strategy — a long-term framework that identifies how and where the city should grow.
This strategy isn’t about short-term approvals. It’s about:
Directing population growth to suitable locations
Supporting diverse housing choices
Coordinating infrastructure, transport and employment hubs
Protecting environmental and lifestyle assets
What Is the Local Growth Management Strategy?
The LGMS is the strategic backbone of the upcoming Planning Scheme. It uses population forecasts, housing demand modelling, employment projections and infrastructure planning to guide future zoning and land-use decisions.
Rather than reacting to growth as it happens, the strategy is designed to be proactive — identifying priority growth corridors, centres and investigation areas well before change is formalised.
In simple terms, it answers one critical question:
Where should the Gold Coast grow — and how?
Key Themes Emerging from the Strategy
While community consultation is ongoing, several clear planning priorities are already emerging:
Housing diversity and density
Greater emphasis on medium-density housing, mixed-use precincts and infill development near centres and transport.
Transport-led growth
Aligning development with existing and future public transport corridors to reduce congestion and improve connectivity.
Stronger economic centres
Reinforcing key business and employment hubs to support long-term job creation.
Liveability and environment
Balancing growth with green spaces, coastal protection and community infrastructure.
These themes will directly influence future zoning changes, redevelopment opportunities and land values across many suburbs.
Why This Matters for Property Owners and Investors
Planning strategies like this often move quietly — until they don’t.
History shows that early identification of growth areas and investigation zones often precedes rezoning, infrastructure upgrades and value uplift. By the time changes are widely understood, much of the opportunity has already passed.
For owners considering selling, holding or repositioning property, understanding how the LGMS may affect:
allowable density
future redevelopment potential
buyer demand profiles
can be the difference between reacting to the market and positioning ahead of it.
Looking Ahead
The new Planning Scheme will shape the Gold Coast’s urban form well beyond 2046. Whether you’re a homeowner, developer or investor, now is the time to understand how your suburb fits into the city’s long-term vision.
At Norton’s Real Estate, we monitor strategic planning changes closely and help property owners interpret what they mean in real-world terms — not just policy language.
If you’d like insight into how future growth strategies could impact your property or suburb, we’re happy to talk.
Speak with Norton’s Real Estate for strategic, suburb-specific advice before the market moves.
Disclaimer: This article is general information only and does not constitute planning, legal or financial advice. Planning controls, strategies and growth directions are subject to change through consultation and statutory processes. Property owners should seek professional advice tailored to their individual circumstances before making decisions based on future planning outcomes.