The Gold Coast has long been the envy of southern neighbours for its sun, surf and sand, however with the expanding industry base, commercial sector and increased work opportunities, there is even more reason for multi-national and international companies to establish a Gold Coast base.
Stereotypical perceptions aside, Gold Coast City is the fastest growing municipality in Australia for a reason.
And with some $15billion worth of infrastructure projects currently in the pipeline, the city is working hard to meet the demands of more than 480,000 residents who live there and the 10 million visitors who converge on the shores each year.
For BusinessGC, Gold Coast City Council’s Economic Development Branch and essentially the city’s investment champion, it all adds up to a healthy challenge said director, Darren Scott.
“Through BusinessGC we’ve created an entity to provide investors considering locating on the Gold Coast with a range of services to make the transition as easy as possible,” Mr Scott said.
“We aim to provide a one stop shop by offering access to facilities that will assist business planning, which might include facilitating State and Federal Government assistance programs, providing local business intelligence, or introductions to key players in local industry networks.
“It’s free, confidential and comprehensive advice that helps businesses tap into Gold Coast City markets quickly and efficiently.”
The economic development branch is the largest of its type in Australia and is focused on broadening the economic base of the city through investment attraction strategies and development initiatives across nine industry sectors.
In a relatively short period of time, it has become a successful strategy with several significant companies now established on the Gold Coast, such as Minter Ellison, KPMG and Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB).
Gold Coast City’s Gross Regional Product grew from $9.7billion in 2001 to $14.2billion in 2006, an increase of some 46 percent, and is forecast to grow to $17.3billion by 2011, a further increase of 22 percent.
“This is a pretty good indication that the Coast’s economy, prior to the current global turmoil, was in great shape,” said Mr Scott. “Big business has really followed the economic and population growth.
“As Australia’s fastest growing large city, there is a growing consumer market on the Coast which provides opportunities for business well into the future.”
Success breeds more success, he said.
“For a long time the Gold Coast was thought of as just a holiday destination. I don’t think people realise that behind that we have strong industry here, including offices for some quality global brands.
“These companies not only create great employment opportunities on the Gold Coast, but help position the city well in a competitive global market. This helps to show that the Gold Coast is more than just a holiday destination – it is also a place where big business can come to prosper.”
Gold Coast best for PB
For international infrastructure design company, Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB), creating a Gold Coast base was an easy decision and came down to one factor alone – lifestyle, said Steve Wilson, PB’s regional market executive for community development.
“At PB we pride ourselves on being a values based organisation. We are committed to our people, their ongoing development, training and well-being,” Mr Wilson said.
“So when we started to lose good staff for no other reason than because they were relocating to create a better lifestyle for themselves and their families, we decided to do something about it.”
PB opened its Varsity Lakes doors in July 2007 with a mere six staff. The company now boasts a staff base of 40 and continues to grow. One of the world’s leading planning, environmental, engineering and project management firms, PB employs 700 staff throughout Australia.
“While we weren’t driven by local project demand, there’s no doubt it is emotionally satisfying to work on local projects where you can see the immediate benefits to the surrounding community,” Mr Wilson said.
“The Gold Coast therefore enables our staff to be involved at a grassroots level on a local road improvement or stormwater drains, for example, while also having the opportunity to work on a major infrastructure projects such as Brisbane’s Airport Link.
“This means our people have the best of everything – lifestyle and career opportunities. I’ve found the work ethic on the Gold Coast is as good as you’ll find anywhere. Our people are dynamic, innovative and driven,” said Mr Wilson.
Mr Wilson said the services offered through BusinessGC assisted the company with its expansion, and continues to provide valuable connections through the EnviroIndustry forum, which provides networking opportunities and access to large projects in the region.
“EnviroIndustry Gold Coast has provided a great support base for PB and our people,” Mr Wilson said. “Through the forum we’ve created strong links with other local organisations and undertaken joint research initiatives which benefit the city as a whole”
Greater opportunities
Director of Economic Development Darren Scott said companies like PB play a significant role within Gold Coast City, by contributing to the local economy and providing career opportunities for future generations.
“There’s no doubt that attracting international companies like PB is a major coup for the city.
“Their foresight demonstrates to industry peers that the Gold Coast can cater for the needs of big business.”
Mr Wilson, meantime, has no complaints.
“It just made sense,” he said. “Varsity Lakes was the best location for us. It’s new, vibrant, central, access is good and we have all the facilities we need in terms of IT and communication amenities.” ♦
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