The economy is built on a diversified knowledge and strong export-base

What we will do to achieve this

Encourage the development of knowledge-based centres of excellence in the city that target specific industry sectors including creative, education, environment, film, health and medical, information and communication technology, marine, sport and tourism sectors

Support local business development and attract new business and investment to the city

Identify and encourage industry diversification to support population growth and local employment

Increase export revenue in the Gold Coast economy through greater education and the increased competitiveness of local business 

Promote the continued development of the city’s research and learning capabilities by fostering life long learning and working with educational institutions and business

Performance area we will evaluate

The economic growth of the city, including business diversification, export growth and employment rates

Our infrastructure supports globally competitive business development and growth

What we will do to achieve this

Ensure development of infrastructure that promotes the sustainable economic growth of the city, working with other agencies

Implement citywide branding (Business GC and other city branding programs) to promote the capability and capacity of the city

Performance area we will evaluate

The capacity of city infrastructure to support and attract global business initiatives

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The supply of skilled labour meets local business requirements

What we will do to achieve this

Attract skilled residents to the city by positioning and maintaining it as a recognised and vibrant destination

Implement initiatives that will encourage greater post-secondary school and tertiary qualifications among city residents, working with schools, universities, vocational, education and training sector and other levels of government

Performance area we will evaluate

The capacity of our workforce to meet the needs of the business sector through unemployment rates, job vacancy rates and educational attainment

The lifestyle and opportunities are seen as advantages

What we will do to achieve this

Promote the city globally as a destination recognised for its business opportunities, lifestyle, liveability, sustainability and its natural and built environment

Support the business community to adopt renewable energy options, achieve high standards of environmental compliance and reduce adverse affects on the natural environment

Promote the provision of a range of alternative holiday accommodation options which preserve the environmental values and amenity of open and built space

Attract and support events that produce economic and social benefits for the city and enhance the city’s image

Performance area we will evaluate

The growth of the city, including new business development, international and domestic visitors, special events and accommodation rates

Regional collaboration and pro-active representation enhance the city

What we will do to achieve this

Actively participate in regional organisations and peak bodies, including economic development and industry organisations to promote the city’s interests

Achieve investment in the city, by working with State and Federal Governments to advance the interests of business nationally and internationally

Position and maintain the city as a recognised and vibrant destination for business, tourism and residents, highlighting major points of difference from competing cities and regions

Promote Gold Coast City nationally and internationally as an ideal place for public/private investment in key physical and community infrastructure

Performance area we will evaluate

Council’s participation in regional collaboration and the financial and non-financial benefits it delivers to the city

Triple Bottom Line (TBL) - Council is committed to the principles of sustainable development (triple bottom line) which are represented by the following symbols.

Environment - Social - Economic -

What we will do to achieve this - These actions need to be undertaken to meet the desired outcome.

Performance area we will evaluate - Each performance area will be supported by a series of specific performance measures.

A city with a thriving economy

Ensuring a wide range of employment and business opportunities with a focus on education, research and development to support aspirations and quality of life

In 2014 we will have a city where...

• the economy is built on a diversified knowledge and strong export base
• our infrastructure supports globally competitive business development and growth
• the supply of skilled labour meets local business requirements
• the lifestyle and opportunities are seen as advantages
• regional collaboration and pro-active representation enhance the city

Our targets for 2014 will include progress towards:

• recovery of the Gold Coast economy from the global financial crisis with the Gold Coast having an average growth rate of between 1.5 and 2% per annum
• 25% of all new jobs being created in the knowledge-based and export-oriented industries

Read more about our Bold Future vision