The Experts

During 2007-08 experts in their field presented information on nine key topics to assist the Gold Coast community in making the best possible decisions about the future of our city. The expert presentations and papers are below:

Our energy future

How should the Gold Coast community respond to climate change and what are our energy alternatives for the future?

Climate change has raised the awareness in the community of the energy we use and the impact that has on our city. We need to investigate alternatives for our future energy use.

Our economic future

How can we achieve economic growth and a liveable city for everyone?

Gold Coast City competes for investment and talent based on the qualities of the city, which includes not only a great lifestyle but a community that is creative and connected.

Our beaches future

How can we balance equitable access with the preservation of our beaches?

The Gold Coast beaches are an integral part of our daily life, we use them for sport, social gatherings, tourism attractions and as a key element in the city's design.

Our cultural future

How can the Gold Coast grow a culturally vibrant city?

Our city has a strong emphasis on lifestyle, the outdoors and sport but how can we continue to foster and grow a culturally diverse city that supports art projects, interaction, stimulation and connectivity?

Our environmental future

How can we maintain a healthy environment on the Gold Coast and protect the natural assets that are a unique part of the city?

Gold Coast City has an enviable environment with minimal heavy industry. Keeping that clean environment, natural assets and open space will be important to our future as an appealing place to live, work and visit.

Our transport future

How can we achieve a connected Gold Coast for everyone?

The connected city is an appealing city in which to live since it is one where people get around easily and meet face to face using an integrated, and efficient public transport system as well as roads.

Our land use future

As one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, how can the Gold Coast design a city that will make living here better in 2037?

As our population grows, Gold Coast City will need to look at housing stock, higher density living, the design of buildings, public spaces and recreational amenities as underpinning the decisions that will impact the future image of the city.

Our community future

How can we make the city more affordable, accessible and fair for everyone to live in?

It is the community spirit, networks and relationships of a city's people that offer a place to belong in a community. Will Gold Coast City have a future that offers access, equity and provide an enriching city environment for all?

Our water future

How will we achieve the right balance between our traditional planning and innovative new ways to manage our precious resource – water?

Diversity of water sources and sustainable solutions will become a way of life to ensure water supply is adequate for the needs of our growing population and our environment – achieving the right balance of supply and demand as we grow as a city.