GOLDCOASTCITYAustralia

INVESTMENT ATTRACTION PROGRAM

With a strong regional economy valued at A$18.2 billion, Gold Coast City remains one of the fastest-growing in Australia.

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This publication has been prepared as an information source only. Gold Coast City Council makes no statements, representations or warranties about

the accuracy or completeness of, and you and all other persons should not reply upon, any information contained in this publication. Any reference

to any specific organisation, product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Gold Coast City Council.

Gold Coast City Council disclaims all responsibility and all liability (including without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, losses,

damages and costs you might incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason.

GOLDCOASTCITY

Abu Dhabi

Kuala lumpur

Singapore

Bangkok

Denpasar Bali

Hong KongTaipei

Taiwan

SeoulTokyo

Los Angeles

Auckland

Hobart

Melbourne

AUSTRALIA

AdelaidePerth

Darwin

Honiara

Sydney

Wellington

Christchurch

Mumbai

Within the span of 50 years, Australia’s Gold Coast City has grown from a small beachside holiday destination to the sixth largest city in the country.

Gold Coast City is located in the middle of the booming South East Queensland corridor, with a population of more than 527,000 people and a catchment area of almost three million.

With a strong regional economy valued at A$18.2 billion, the region remains one of the fastest-growing urban development areas in Australia.

This growth has consolidated Gold Coast City’s three key industries - construction, tourism and retail - and boosted expansion of the city’s economic base across a diverse range of industries.

These industries include creative (fashion, film and music), education, environment, food and beverage, health and medical, information communication technology, marine and sport.

Population-driven economic growth is providing significant opportunities for investors and businesses looking to establish, expand or re-locate.

A combination of lower costs, a highly-skilled local workforce, world-class infrastructure and a supportive business environment offer an ideal location conducive to achieving business success

Gold Coast City is home to an array of natural attractions along with well-established tourism facilities, including theme parks, restaurants, wineries, shopping and international golf courses.

Gold Coast City invests more in tourism than any other city in Australia and is one of the leading tourism destinations, welcoming more than 11 million visitors every year. It enjoys a warm temperate climate year-round and with beautiful beaches, waterways and rainforests. The Gold Coast is one of the most bio-diverse cities in the country.

INTRODUCTION

GOLD COAST INFORMATION

MAIN BEACH

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Abu Dhabi

Kuala lumpur

Singapore

Bangkok

Denpasar Bali

Hong KongTaipei

Taiwan

SeoulTokyo

Los Angeles

Auckland

Hobart

Melbourne

AUSTRALIA

AdelaidePerth

Darwin

Honiara

Sydney

Wellington

Christchurch

Mumbai

GOLD COASTFAST FACTS

Five-year annual average population growth rate of 3.2%, compared to 1.8% for Australia

A population of over 527,000 within the booming South East Queensland catchment of approximately three million

A strong regional economy valued at A$18.2 billion, which has more than doubled over the past decade

One of Australia’s leading tourist destinations, with over 11 million visitors per year

Tourist expenditure of A$4.3 billion per year

Household expenditure of A$11.3 billion

Exports totalling A$8.6 billion

Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics, Regional Population Growth, Australia, 2009-10; Gold Coast City Council Input

Output Tables 2007-08; Tourism Research Australia Domestic and International Visitor Surveys, December 2010.

Gold Coast

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Yatala

Oxenford

Ormeau

Helensvale

Southport

NerangBundall Surfers Paradise

NORTHERNREGION

CENTRALREGION

SOUTHERNREGION

COASTALREGION

Broadbeach

Robina

Varsity Burleigh Heads

Coolanga�a

Coomera Coomera Marine Precinct

Southern Cross Uni

Bond University

Griffith University / Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct

Central Queensland University

Principal Activity Centres

Major Activity Centres

Industrial Enterprise Area

Knowledge Hubs

Pacific Motorway

Railway/Railway Station

Gold Coast International Airport

WHY GOLDCOAST CITY?

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PACIFIC INNOVATION CORRIDORThe Pacific Innovation Corridor (PIC) identifies a number of key geographical precincts which represent areas of substantial economic activity within the Gold Coast economy. The program aims to produce a clustering of like-minded businesses and entrepreneurial opportunities. The benefits of locating your business in one of the Pacific Innovation Corridor Key Economic Precincts can include:

THE NORTHERN REGIONThe Northern Region of the Gold Coast contains the majority of large-scale industrial development. It will also accommodate the majority of future broad hectare residential development in Coomera and will continue to be the focus of large land use activity with the theme parks, marine industry development and film industry.

The Northern Region incorporates South East Queensland’s premier industrial address, the Yatala Enterprise Area (YEA). The planning intent for the YEA is to “create a dedicated area that will be a market leader in terms of innovative industrial development that will facilitate growth in long-term employment”.

Gold Coast City Council’s YEA Local Area Plan has allocated areas for future development which encourage a sequential development of business and industry. The development focus of the YEA is on attracting businesses in advanced manufacturing in food and beverage, construction materials, machinery and equipment, plastic and chemicals as well as warehousing, transport and distribution. On reaching full capacity, the YEA will employ nearly 40,000 workers with a variety of skilled labour to support the functions of the area.

THE CENTRAL REGION The Central Region is characterised by government and professional services, commercial activity, and high value and knowledge industries such as health and medical, information and telecommunication and educational facilities.

THE COASTAL REGIONThe Coastal Region is the focus of tourism-related industry such as accommodation, restaurants, leisure, entertainment and retail, supported by professional and business services. The first stage of the Gold Coast Rapid Transit system will link Griffith University to Broadbeach, then ultimately along the coast to Burleigh, providing a great opportunity to support infill development and tourist movement.

THE SOUTHERN REGION The Southern Region of the Gold Coast offers a diversity of business and tourism opportunities. The Gold Coast Airport provides a direct link to international destinations and the connection with northern New South Wales will provide growth opportunities for this region.

• synergies and efficiencies resulting from the clustering of related firms

• access to knowledge, innovation, research and development

• support for start-up companies through new technologies

• export and trade opportunities support

• access to skilled personnel and a diversity of employment opportunities

• provision of high-speed communications infrastructure at cost effective prices

• local government support for capacity building activities

• dedicated and targeted investment attraction activities to support existing industries and supply chain development

YATALA ENTERPRISE AREA

BROADBEACH

GREENMOUNT

GOLD COAST AIRPORT

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STRATEGIC LOCATIONStrategically located at the edge of the Asia Pacific region, Gold Coast City is situated in the middle of the booming South East Queensland corridor, a catchment of almost 3 million people.

Gold Coast City has excellent access to major air and sea ports which includes Gold Coast Airport, Brisbane Airport and the Port of Brisbane, whilst the M1 corridor and the Brisbane-Gold Coast passenger rail line, link the major South East Queensland trading markets of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Accessible from both the Brisbane and Gold Coast airports, its location puts some 3 billion people from the Asia Pacific region within a direct flight radius.

AVAILABILITY OF SKILLED STAFFGold Coast City education providers are at the leading edge of teaching and training, adopting new and innovative systems to provide flexibility and focus on specialist needs. The availability of skilled staff is ensured through the city’s 400 education and training providers located here.

Gold Coast City’s location provides the area with access to skilled staff from Northern New South Wales, Logan, Ipswich, Redlands and Brisbane.

Courtesy Gold Coast TourismSURFERS PARADISE

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Population Growth and Projections

City 2001 2010% growth per year 2001 to 2010 2021

% growth 2010 to 2021

Gold Coast 387,102 527,828 4.0% 681,447 2.9%

Brisbane 1,663,120 2,043,185 2.5% 2,459,100 2.0%

Perth 1,393,002 1,696,065 2.4% 2,075,900 2.2%

Darwin 106,842 127,532 2.2% 152,800 2.0%

Melbourne 3,471,625 4,077,036 1.9% 4,712,500 1.6%

Canberra 318,939 358,222 1.4% 397,200 1.1%

Sydney 4,128,272 4,575,532 1.2% 5,133,000 1.2%

Greater Hobart 197,282 214,705 1.0% 236,300 1.0%

Adelaide 1,107,986 1,203,186 1.0% 1,384,500 1.5%

Source: ABS 3218.0 & 3222.0 (series b)

ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S FASTEST GROWING CITIESGold Coast city is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia, with an average annual population growth rate higher than all Australian capital cities.

The Gold Coast has grown to be the sixth largest city in Australia and is now larger than the Australian capital cities of Canberra, Hobart and Darwin.

Over the next 10 years the Gold Coast is forecast to grow faster than any capital city in Australia with projections for an additional 153,000 residents by 2021.

SOUTHPORT BROADWATER PARKLANDS

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COMPETITIVE BUSINESS COSTSGold Coast City is a cost-competitive location when compared to other Australian cities and international locations.

Gold Coast’s cost-competitive advantages include:

Office and Industrial Rental Costs – The cost of office and industrial space on the Gold Coast is competitive in comparison to other cities in Australia. Average gross face rents for office space start at just $190/sq m pa, whilst average gross face rents for prime grade industrial space start at just $80/sqm pa. Both have average incentives on offer from 10-25%.

Infrastructure Charges - In June 2011, Gold Coast City Council introduced new charges for residential and non-residential development with Gold Coast City and a simplified method for calculating those charges.

Charges for residential development have been set lower than the State Government’s maximums, and has adopted the standard charges for non-residential development, which is estimated to be approximately 65% of previous Priority Infrastructure Charges for Council networks on average.

Additionally, the amending act allows Gold Coast City Council to decide matters about charges for infrastructure which may include setting charges below the maximums advised in the State Planning Regulatory Provision.

Office Rental Costs

Location Average gross face rents ($/sq m pa)

Gold Coast $190 - $425

Brisbane $300 - $525

Sydney $220 - $680

Melbourne $205 - $340

Adelaide $245 - $430

Source: Colliers International Research and Forecast Report*Data as at March 2011

Industrial Rental Costs

LocationAverage gross face rents for prime grade space ($/sq m pa)

Gold Coast $80-$110

Brisbane $100-$120

Sydney $95-$185

Melbourne $65-$160

Adelaide $70-$160

Source: Colliers International Research and Forecast Report

*Data as at Q1 2011

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“Uniline Australia relocated to Yatala in 1987 to take advantage of what the Yatala area offered to growing companies. After over 20 years in the area, Uniline has experienced significant growth and is now located in one of the fastest growing corridors in Australia, with access to well developed transport infrastructure and a constant influx of people who are available for employment. Although Yatala has expanded, the area still has a sense of countryside meeting the city. It’s this community spirit which has limited security risk and enables business owners to talk freely and support each other when needed.”

Gilbert Da Silva, Chief Executive Officer - Uniline

Payroll tax – Queensland has the lowest payroll tax rate of any state or territory in Australia. Additionally, companies are not required to pay any payroll tax until total wages and salaries exceed $1 million per annum.

Payroll Tax

StateBasic Flat Rate (%)

Tax scales and small business concession (exempt amount)

Gold Coast 4.75 $1,000,000

Victoria 4.9 $550,000

South Australia 5.45 $600,000

New South Wales 5.45 $678,000

Western Australia 5.5 $750,000

Northern Territory 5.9 $1,250,000

Tasmania 6.1 $1,010,000

Australian Capital Territory

6.85 $1,500,000

Source: Office of State Revenue by state* All calculations are made

on single marginal rate with the exception of Queensland which

uses the deduction system* Figures are current as at 1 July 2011

Corporate Tax Rate – Australia’s Corporate Tax Rate of 30% is internationally competitive in comparison to other locations around the world.

Corporate Tax Rates

Country Rate (%)

Australia 30

India 33.99

Japan 40.69

New Zealand 30

United Arab Emirates 55

United States 40

Source: Corporate and Indirect Tax Rates Survey 2010.

Labour Costs – Gold Coast City offers a capable workforce at comparative remuneration rates than other Australian cities.

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SUPPORT SERVICESGold Coast City Council provides a range of business support services for local businesses including:

Enterprise Connect - Enterprise Connect is an Australian Government initiative that provides comprehensive support to eligible Australian small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs). Enterprise Connect can help SMEs develop the skills, tools and knowledge needed to improve their competitiveness and productivity and to maximise their growth potential.

Core services include business reviews for eligible businesses delivered at no cost and matching grant assistance of up to $20,000 to implement recommendations flowing from the business reviews.

Gold Coast City’s dedicated Enterprise Connect Officer works with manufacturing, manufacturing services, mining technology, creative, tourism, clean energy, defence and remote and regionally-based businesses.

Tradestart – Gold Coast City Council has entered into a partnership with the Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) to provide Tradestart extension services to the Gold Coast region.

A dedicated Tradestart Export Adviser works with identified businesses throughout the region to help develop their capabilities and provide opportunities for growth in export markets.

International Trade and Investment Program – Every year Gold Coast City Council runs an International Trade and Investment Program designed to assist Gold Coast City’s export ready businesses to generate export sales through international markets. Over the past five years Council’s International Trade and Investment Program has assisted approximately 230 local companies expand and move into export markets and has assisted local firms generate $88 million in export related sales.

Listed to the right is a calendar of the outbound trade missions we will be supporting over the next twelve months, which includes events in the Asian, Middle East & European Markets.

Each trade mission event is coordinated and supported by a range of local and overseas contacts, including Austrade, Trade QLD and International Connections.

SURFERS PARADISE

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2011/12 Gold Coast International Trade and Investment Program

Dates of Event Industry Name of Event Market Region

8 - 10 September 2011 Sport Surf Expo Trade Mission AMERICAS Orlando & Fort Lauderdale, USA

20 - 23 September 2011 Food FHM 2011 – Malaysian Premier Food and Hotel Show SOUTH EAST ASIA Kuala Lumpur,

MAYLAYSIA

22 - 30 October 2011 Film

Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFCOMM) & visit program to Kanagawa Prefecture & Korea

NORTH EAST ASIATokyo & Yokohama, JAPAN Busan, KOREA

25 - 27 October 2011 Food The Speciality Food Festival MIDDLE EAST AFRICA Dubai, UAE

15 - 17 November 2011 Investment Attraction

MIPIM Asia & Southern China Trade and Investment Roadshow

SOUTH EAST ASIAHong Kong Guangzhou & Zhuhai, CHINA

23 - 26 January 2012 Health & Medical Arab Health Trade Mission MIDDLE EAST AFRICA Dubai, UAE

13 - 16 April 2012Information, Communication & Technology

Hong Kong Trade Development Council ICT Expo NORTH EAST ASIA Hong Kong

March 2012 Multi-SectorMiddle East Trade & Investment Roadshow. Including Gulfood

MIDDLE EAST AFRICAUnited Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, India

May 2012 Building & Construction Project Qatar MIDDLE EAST AFRICA Doha, QATAR

June 2012 Investment Attraction

World Forum for Foreign Direct Investment and European Trade Show

EUROPE London, UK

June 2012 Film AFCI Locations Expo AMERICAS Los Angeles, USA

Courtesy Queensland Health GOLD COAST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

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INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONSThrough our long established international profile and strong international connections Gold Coast City Council aims to foster international understanding and goodwill between cities and also to increase business and cultural opportunities for residents and businesses.

The Gold Coast City maintains 12 Sister City relationships and one friendship agreement, and is also a signatory to an international network called Global Digital City Network (GDCN). These relationships are successful in fostering closer business and cultural ties.

CLUSTERING OPPORTUNITIESGold Coast City Council’s Pacific Innovation Corridor provides opportunities for business to cluster with similar or related businesses. This creates a completive environment where businesses can access a network of suppliers and related firms to facilitate further business efficiencies and long term sustainability.

TIME ZONEGeographically, Gold Coast City is ideally placed to attract global business. It is situated on the edge of the Asia Pacific Rim and has a similar time zone to that of the major trading nations in Southeast Asia.

LOCAL MARKET SIZELocating in Gold Coast City provides your business with access to a local market population of almost 3 million people within a two hour radius. This market is the fastest growing in Australia and its population is expected to nearly double in the next twenty years.

DIVERSE RANGE OF BUSINESS LOCATIONSGold Coast City has a range of both Greenfield and Brownfield developments which cater for a range of companies from big to small. The Yatala Enterprise Area has enough land capacity to sustain development until 2046, so companies can expand without changing postcode.

AUSTRALIA’S LEARNING CITYWith over 400 education and training providers located here, Gold Coast City is a growing knowledge base strengthened by the presence of four universities, several research centres and a number of internationally recognised training institutions.

GOLD COAST INNOVATION CENTREFunded in partnership with Griffith University and State Government, the Gold Coast Innovation Centre is a technology-focused business incubator within the Southport Griffith University campus designed to support the growth of new knowledge-based industries. Successful incubates will provide direct economic benefits to the region from commercialisation activities within health and medical, biotechnology, ICT, energy and environmental industries.

WELL-ESTABLISHED COMMUNICATIONS INFRASTRUCTUREGold Coast City has a range of high speed communications infrastructure and the Gold Coast City Council has recently started a program to encourage National Broadband Network (NBN) investment in the Gold Coast to ensure that we position our city to get the maximum benefit from the high speed broadband technology being delivered by the NBN.

“Gold Coast City is a superb location – sun, surf and resources. Since migrating from Ireland I couldn’t think of a better place to live and work. We have such outstanding talent on our doorstep with fellow companies and local universities, what more could you ask for when running a business?”

Bridget Dickson, Managing Director – Caradata

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Australian Cities Median House Prices ($)

Sydney $637,000

Melbourne $601,500

Brisbane $450,000

Adelaide $407,500

Perth $480,000

Darwin $559,500

Canberra $510,000

Hobart $382,500

Gold Coast $490,000

Source: Real Estate Institute of Victoria, Capital City Median

House Prices, Real Estate Institute of Queensland, Queensland

Market Monitor, Issue 10.* Prices are for December quarter 2010

Quality of Life

Austria 1st

Norway 2nd

Switzerland 3rd

Australia 4th

Singapore 16th

USA 18th

UK 22nd

Hong Kong 31st

India 39th

China 40th

0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Quality of Life Score (10 being the highest)

Source: IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2010

ENVIOUS LIFESTYLEGold Coast’s lifestyle entices people to visit and migrate from all over Australia and the world. As the lifestyle capital of Australia, Gold Coast City boasts a fantastic year-round temperate climate and over 300 days of sunshine per year. Gold Coast City is home to stunning beaches, waterways and rainforests and includes theme parks, shopping centres, award winning restaurants, casino and vibrant nightlife. In addition to this, the cost of housing on the Gold Coast is competitive when compared to other Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.

WHO ELSE IS HERE?Strategic competitive advantages, including the political stability of the second largest local government authority in Australia, have attracted large multi-nationals to Gold Coast City such as:

Visy Industries IBM Parsons Brinckerhoff Air AsiaX Surf Stitch Eco-Kinetics Opmantek PricewaterhouseCoopers

Riveria CuDECO Retail Food Group Village Roadshow Minter Ellison Billabong Aldi KPMG

Courtesy Gold Coast Tourism COOLANGATTA

SOUTHPORT CENTRAL

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The following key industries have been identified by Gold Coast City Council as being crucial to the vitality and diversity, competitiveness and strength of Gold Coast City’s economy and future prosperity.

GOLD COAST KEYINDUSTRY SECTORS

CREATIVE

FOOD AND BEVERAGE

SPORT

EDUCATION

HEALTH AND MEDICAL

MARINE

ENVIRONMENT

TOURISM

ICT

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CREATIVEINDUSTRIES

Gold Coast City creative industries comprise the following sectors:

• film, television and entertainment software

• music composition and production

• performing arts

• writing, publishing and print media

• architecture, visual arts and design

• advertising, graphic design and marketing

As one of Australia’s most popular locations for film and television production, Gold Coast City maintains a strong commitment to furthering education and training in the creative arts, especially in the areas of multimedia, graphic design and film and television. With high quality courses available from a diverse range of providers, our city offers a broad skill base for the creative industries.

Industry SNAPSHOT

Contributes $3.4 billion a year to the Queensland economy

Adds $1.96 billion to the value of Queensland’s services and manufacturing sectors each year

Employs more than 67,000 Queenslanders, and adds $1.1 billion in exports to the Queensland economy

More than 1000 businesses operate in Gold Coast City’s creative industry

78% of Gold Coast City creative businesses are engaged in selling services

16.7% of Gold Coast City creative businesses report exporting goods or services. The most significant export markets are North America, Europe, North Asia/Japan, South East Asia, and New Zealand / Pacific Islands.

The median age of business in the Gold Coast City creative industry is 11 years.

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EDUCATION INDUSTRY

Gold Coast City education industry comprises of the following sectors: childcare and preschool

• private, and government funded primary and secondary schools

• vocational education and training

• universities

• private training providers

• group training organisations

Gold Coast City’s “learning city” concept enjoys a strong commitment from all levels of Government, business and community, developing a whole-of-city leaning culture.

Gold Coast City education providers are at the leading edge of teaching and training, adopting new and innovative systems to provide flexibility and focus on specialist needs.

With over 400 education and training providers located here, Gold Coast City is a growing knowledge base strengthened by the presence of four universities, several research centres, and a number of internationally recognised training institutions.

Gold Coast City Council is working closely with industry through the TechGC Program, which is a long term strategic program to support the growth and development of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based industries on the Gold Coast. The TechGC Program focuses on two core projects including STEM industry development and STEM education development. The TechGC program aims to increase the numbers of students undertaking maths, science, engineering and technology subjects.

Industry SNAPSHOT

International education contributes $1.2 billion in annual expenditure to Gold Coast City’s economy

Gold Coast City education exports total approximately $491 million and account for approximately 23% of Queensland’s market

Gold Coast City attracts students from more than 100 countries

Over 400 education and training providers, including four universities

There has been a 125% increase in university qualifications over the last decade, compared with 35% population growth over the same period

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ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRY

Our city’s idyllic natural environment is protected by Gold Coast City Council’s more than 40 environmental policies and procedures - intended to safeguard the city’s environmental future.

Over 400 companies operate within Gold Coast City’s environment industry providing various capabilities and world-renowned expertise.

The industry’s capabilities are exported globally including expertise in construction and project management, coastal and marine consulting, urban planning and design, marine development, water treatment technologies, emissions monitoring, and professional services in the carbon market and emissions trading industries.

Gold Coast City Council is committed to the environment industry through a range of programs including:

Bold Future – Gold Coast City’s Bold Future Vision sets out ambitions to inspire the city’s leaders and the community to achieve social, environmental and economic sustainability into the future. The headline target for the environment industry is that by 2040, native vegetation covers a higher proportion of Gold Coast City than any other major city in Australia.

Eco-Efficiency Program – Gold Coast City Council’s Eco-Efficiency Program gives Gold Coast City businesses access to leading tourism sustainability experts to identify and implement measurable cost savings and incorporate sustainable best practice into their decision making.

Industry SNAPSHOT

Queensland has over 1400 environment businesses and 52 research and development establishments

Employs over 10,000 Queensland workers

Generates more than $1.3 billion in revenue per annum for the State of Queensland

The median age of Gold Coast City environment businesses is 10 years

66.7% of Gold Coast City businesses report being mostly or very satisfied with business stability

63.2% of Gold Coast City businesses report being mostly or very satisfied with industry leadership

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FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

Gold Coast City’s food industry has been internationally recognised for its quality and diversity, with capabilities ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables, seafood and meat, to value-added foods including confectionery, dairy foods and ready-made meals.

Our city’s diverse climate and production regions combine to produce an unequalled range of food products, counter-seasonal to the northern hemisphere and the southern states of Australia.

Producers have taken advantage of this environment to develop quality export-ready goods for national and international consumption. Local production is maximised through relationships with Gold Coast City’s burgeoning restaurant scene. Our food producers have access to a large pool of talented food processing employees, whose skills are enhanced by training from a variety of world-class institutions.

Industry SNAPSHOT

Contributes $13 billion annually to the Queensland economy through domestic and international sales

Employs more than 43, 000 Queenslanders

The median age of business is 10 years

25% of businesses were involved in manufacturing/developing, 23% wholesale, 17% retail

68.9% of Gold Coast City food businesses described being mostly or very satisfied with business stability

“Clancy’s Pies has moved from start-up to 60 employees in six years and now distributes nationally. Gold Coast City is the perfect place to do business; we have a very supportive government and city council”

Mr Patrick Clancy, Managing Director - Clancy’s Pies

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HEALTH AND MEDICAL INDUSTRY

Gold Coast City’s health, medical and wellness industry is supported by strong infrastructure from across South East Queensland.

World class research, training and education facilities, large hospitals and numerous medical and research institutes provide a vast pool of world-class scientists, engineers, and technical staff.

Gold Coast City’s universities and training providers offer internationally recognised healthcare, natural sciences and medical programs.

Within commuting distance to Gold Coast City are a variety of research institutes including the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Queensland Bioscience Precinct, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Australian Genome Research Facility, and the Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology

Industry SNAPSHOT

1,674 actively trading businesses identified

Median business age of 11 years

Estimated annual revenue of $1,506.6 million

Estimated 6,989 full time equivalent employees

5.0% of businesses exporting

Major exporting regions include Europe, Southeast Asia, New Zealand, the Pacific and North America

Research SNAPSHOT

The city’s universities are home to various world-renowned research capabilities including:

Griffith University Gold Coast

Ranked among the top ten universities in Australia for research

The Institute of Glycomics – the only facility of its kind in Australia

$18 million Smart Water Reseach Facility

The School of Denistry – the first to be established in Australia in 60 years

The Griffith Centre for Medicine and Oral Health ($36 million)

Headquarters of the Australian Cooperative Research Centre in sustainable tourism

Queensland Academy for Health Sciences

Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct

Gold Coast Innovation Centre

Developing one of only two University teaching hospitals in Australia (completion due for December 2012)

Bond University Gold Coast

$20 million Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine

Australia’s first six-star carbon neutral sustainable building houses the Mirvac School of Sustainable Development

Bond University Institute of Sport

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TOURISM INDUSTRY

Tourism is fundamental to Gold Coast City - our economy, lifestyle and community. From theme parks to international resorts and golf courses, the city has attracted tourism entrepreneurs the world over, to capitalise on the sunny days and excitement of Australia’s leading tourism destination.

The city’s vast tourism infrastructure is underpinned by an unrivalled array of natural and built attractions. Sixty kilometres of magnificent coastline is bounded by the largest sub-tropical rainforest in the world, including 100,000 hectares of nature reserves and World Heritage listed sites. This pristine rainforest region is home to mountain trails, health retreats, wineries, art galleries and craft shops, awaiting visitors seeking a relaxing green escape from the gold of the city’s world famous beaches. The Gold Coast boasts almost 300 days of sunshine each year and an average water temperature of 22 degrees.

Industry SNAPSHOT

Gold Coast City receives over 11 million visitors annually who spend a combined $4.3 billion

The majority of international visitors are from New Zealand (24.0%), Japan (12.4%), China (15.5%) and the UK (8.0%)

Approximately 35,300 people are employed in the Gold Coast tourism industry (direct and indirect, FTE)

Tourism on the Gold Coast provides a $3.0 billion value add to the economy (direct and indirect), contributing about 16% to gross regional product

“Gold Coast City Council’s support for tourism within our city is unprecedented. It’s because of this, and the confidence it instils in investors, that our city remains virtually unrivalled amongst tourism destinations within Australia. The industry will continue to grow, confident in the knowledge that a strong partnership, founded on delivering economic growth, will yield significant benefits for the entire city.”

Martin Winter, Chief Executive Officer – Gold Coast Tourism

Courtesy Gold Coast Airport21

SPORT INDUSTRY

The sport industry is a significant driver of Gold Coast City’s growing economy and Sport Gold Coast, an initiative of Gold Coast City Council’s Economic Development Branch, Business Gold Coast, is helping to position the city as a hub of professional sporting activity.

Gold Coast city is a first-class sports destination and supplier of world-class sports goods and services. The city has a strong sporting infrastructure with world-class training and competition standard facilities suitable for most sports with over 33 facilities located throughout the city. A range of auxiliary services also exist including health centres, retreats and alternative therapies with services such as sports massage, acupuncture, yoga, pilates, mediation and conventional sports coaching.

Industry SNAPSHOT

Estimated annual revenue of $582 million

Employs an estimated 4,495 full time employees

Equipment manufacturers make up the majority of the industry (18.3%), followed by equipment retail (16.7%) and sports clubs (16.7%)

Other core activities of significance include coaches/instructors (15%), fitness/personal training (13.3%)

Sports management/consulting (8.3%) and clothing retail (6.7%)

1,164 registered sport businesses identified

SKILLED PARK, ROBINA

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MARINE INDUSTRY

Gold Coast City is Australia’s premier location for recreational boat building, maintenance and refits. The Gold Coast Marine Precinct, located on the Coomera River, houses the one of the most advanced and highly respected marine industry cluster development in the southern hemisphere.

The Gold Coast Marine Precinct covers an area of 250 hectares, of which 90 hectares has been developed to date. The remainder is planned for future expansion.

The marine precinct facilitates provide all aspects in relation to boat building and service. Most of Australia’s successful boat manufacturers and industry supply companies have chosen to locate their businesses within Gold Coast City.

Industry SNAPSHOT

Gold Coast boat builders manufacture in excess of 65% of all boats built in Australia

769 actively trading businesses identified

Median business age of 10.5 years

Estimated annual revenue $769.0 million

Estimated 4,541 full time equivalent employees

28% of businesses exporting

Major exporting regions include New Zealand / Pacific, South East Asia, Europe and North America

“Gold Coast is a great place to do business, its an environment where you can combine work life and family life, there’s a real balance between to two. For business we have access to an international airport that’s only minutes from the office. Rail; we can get to Brisbane and our staff can come down without any trouble. So there isn’t anything that were missing out on that would be available to us anywhere else”

Shane Davis, Founder and CEO – Intrepica

GOLD COAST MARINE PRECINCT

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ICT INDUSTRY(INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY)

The ICT industry is a significant driver of Gold Coast City’s growing economy, with a wide range of small to medium enterprises, and a number of large national and multi-national companies.

Gold Coast City has a growing knowledge base strengthened by the presence of four universities, several research centres and a number of internationally recognised training institutions. Gold Coast City maintains a strong commitment to furthering education and training in the ICT sector, with high quality courses available from a diverse range of providers; our city offers a broad skill base for the ICT industry.

Gold Coast City Council is committed to the ICT industry through a range of programs including:

Submarine Cable Feasibility Study - Gold Coast City Council is currently investigating the feasibility, cost and benefit of connecting to the current submarine optical fibre linking Sydney to Guam.

The cable would reduce the cost of data transmission to and from the rest of the world, reduce latency or delay on international transmissions and increase the resilience of the Queensland telecommunications network. It is argued that the use of a Gold Coast link to the cable would enable new business opportunities for the Gold Coast as an international data hub.

National Broadband Network – Gold Coast City Council has engaged an NBN expert to help to prepare for the NBN and to work with the NBN company to start the rollout as soon as possible within the ten year program.

ICT Capability Study - Gold Coast City Council in collaboration with the IT Forum Gold Coast (and support from QLD Government) are currently undertaking an extensive ICT capability study. The project aims to recognise the ICT landscape and identify opportunities to assist in the growth and development of the ICT industry on the Gold Coast.

Industry SNAPSHOT

778 actively trading businesses identified

Median business age of 10 years

Estimated annual revenue $389.0 million

Estimated 2,029 full time equivalent employees

10% of businesses exporting

Major exporting regions include North America, New Zealand / Pacific and South East Asia

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GOLD COAST CITY– ALWAYS GROWING

SIGNIFICANT PROJECTS

Gold Coast City Council is working collaboratively with the Queensland Government, Australian Government and the private sector to provide infrastructure to meet needs of future growth.

GOLD COAST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

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2011/12 will see progress on a number of key developments including:

GOLD COAST RAPID TRANSIT PROJECT (GCRT)Gold Coast City Council with the Queensland and Federal Governments is a partner in the Gold Coast Rapid Transit (GCRT) project, a one billion dollar light rail project, operational from mid 2014. Stage One runs for thirteen kilometres, from Southport to Broadbeach and is designed to catalyse future development and investment in the corridor.

Light rail is a transforming technology and it is expected that the GCRT will be a catalyst for change in the string of coastal centres, maximising accessibility and transforming the urban environment. This is guided by strategic planning ideas such as Transit Oriented Development (TOD) that is high quality, higher density, mixed use hubs in an attractive, accessible walkable environment. At a higher level the GCRT is a City Building project.

The GCRT will be an economic driver in the city. It will provide new opportunities in the corridor which is expected to accommodate about one fifth of future employment growth and a quarter of non industrial employment growth in the city over the next twenty years. Employment is expected to increase from 50,000 jobs in the corridor to over 77,000 jobs by 2031 substantially in the health, education and public service areas. Light rail enables urban and economic agglomeration benefits based on cost efficiency, knowledge sharing and spillovers and the improved interaction and communication between like businesses. These qualities are associated with the success of the growing economy sectors such as knowledge, creative and information industries.

GOLD COAST UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL The new $1.76 billion, 750 bed Gold Coast University Hospital is the largest public health infrastructure project currently underway in Australia, with completion due in December 2012. Located on the corner of Parklands Drive and Olsen Avenue, Southport, the hospital will be one of Queensland’s largest clinical teaching and research facilities, providing specialised health services that meet the needs of patients and the learning requirements of students. The facility is State Government owned and operated and forms part of the Government’s exciting new plans for the Health and Knowledge Precinct for the area.

HEALTH AND KNOWLEDGE PRECINCTThe Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct is a fully integrated health, medical, technology, research and innovation centre for Gold Coast City.

The precinct includes Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus, the Gold Coast Innovation Centre and the new Gold Coast University Hospital. It will become home to a number of organisation representing technology-based industry, research, academia, government and support services.

Easily accessible via the region’s new Rapid Transit system, the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct will ensure Gold Coast City is prepared to confront future challenges and exploit future trends in the areas of health, climate change, water and coastal management.

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The table below highlights major development activity on the Gold Coast ($10 million +). Projects are at different stages including approved, planning, under construction and completed.

Project/Development Status Cost Location

Cobaki Lakes Approved $2.5 billion Tweed

Cypress Central project Approved $370 million Gold Coast

Gold Coast Airport Extension Completed $120 million Gold Coast

Carrara (Metricon) Stadium Completed $144 million Gold Coast

Southport Broadwater Parklands (Stage 2) Completed $17 million Gold Coast

Surfers Paradise Foreshore Redevelopment Completed $25 million Gold Coast

Oracle development Completed $850 million Gold Coast

Southern Cross University (Stage 1) Completed $20 million Gold Coast

Robina Town Centre expansion Completed $400 million Gold Coast

Hinze Dam extension Completed $395 million Gold Coast

Salacia Waters (Stage 1) Completed $650 million Gold Coast

Pacific Motorway (M1) upgrade: Coomera Interchange (Exit 54) improvements Completed $19 million Gold Coast

Yarrabilba Planning Stage $4 billion Logan

Southport–Nerang Road upgrade Planning Stage $54.5 million Gold Coast

Ridong – Jewel project Proposed $900 million Gold Coast

Extension of rail line to Coolangatta Proposed $1.2 billion Gold Coast

Green Heart Project Proposed $100 million Gold Coast

Coomera Town Centre Proposed $1 billion Gold Coast

Commonwealth Games Proposed $1.7 billion Gold Coast

Gold Coast International Marine Precinct Proposed $390 million Gold Coast

Pearls Australasia EdgeWater Project (Varsity Lakes) Proposed $75 million Gold Coast

Gold Coast Turf Club Proposed $35.4 million Gold Coast

Southern Cross University expansion (2nd stage) Under construction $50 million Gold Coast

Robina Hospital Upgrade Under construction $316.3 million Gold Coast

Robina Health Precinct Under construction $36.1 million Gold Coast

Gold Coast University Hospital Under construction $1.76 billion Gold Coast

Gold Coast Rapid Transit System Under construction $1 billion Gold Coast

Soul development Under construction $800 million Gold Coast

Hilton Surfers Paradise Hotel and Residences Under construction $700 million Gold Coast

Pacific Motorway (M1) upgrade: six-lane widening Nerang to Worongary Under construction $158 million Gold Coast

Robina Interchange (Exit 82) Under construction $60 million Gold Coast

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BUSINESS GOLD COAST – OUR ASSISTANCE TO YOUBusiness Gold Coast is Gold Coast City Council’s Economic Development Branch that facilitates the growth of key industries through its 2020 Economic Development Strategy.

Committed to diversifying the city’s economy, facilitating industry growth and supporting business expansion and relocation, the Investment Attraction Program incorporates a suite of services to assist companies with relocating or expanding to Gold Coast City. These complimentary services include but are not limited to:

Financial assistance – financial assistance may be available to influence the location of strategic projects and the attraction of leading companies to Gold Coast City. Please refer to the Investment Attraction Program guidelines and eligibility criteria for further information

Streamlined development applications – in certain cases, streamlined development applications, reduced development application fees and fast-tracked approvals subject to IDAS requirements may be available to assist businesses through Gold Coast City Council’s development application process

Business case – a tailored package of comparative information from our in-house research team is available for companies and investors considering Gold Coast City

Site selection – the provision of potential site options and the facilitation of site visits allow you to explore the multiple opportunities Gold Coast City has on offer

Introductions – partnering with the right people is key to success in any business location. Business Gold Coast can facilitate introductions with local industry networks, suppliers, service providers and supply chain contacts

Government facilitation – Business Gold Coast can facilitate meetings with both Federal and State Government to assist with your project

Education and training – with over 400 education and training providers in Gold Coast City, Business Gold Coast can connect companies with contacts needed to assist with required skills and capabilities

International Trade and Exports - through the facilitation of both outbound and inbound trade delegations in collaboration with Austrade’s TradeStart program, Business Gold Coast also works to assist local business partners enter into international markets through a range of services under an International Trade and Investment Program

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Invest Gold Coast

Gold Coast City Council Level 1 Waterside West 9 Holden Place Bundall, Qld 4217 Australia

Phone +61 7 5581 7528 Fax: +61 7 5581 7838 Mobile +61 414 180 251

invest@goldcoast.qld.gov.au www.businessgc.com.au/invest

CONTACT INFORMATION