Our Coastal Lifestyle Strategy 2050
Our Coastal Lifestyle Strategy 2050 aims to enhance the Gold Coast's coastal places, support sustainable city growth and safeguard our unique coastal lifestyle through continued management of coastal hazards.
Over the next 25 years, this strategy aims to enhance the elements that make the Gold Coast a popular place to live and visit, transforming the places we love to complement our coastal lifestyle and maintain it for future generations. It sets a holistic strategic intent for the management and planning of our beaches, canals, lakes and foreshore parks.
The intent of the Our Coastal Lifestyle Strategy is to:
- leverage our coastal places to offer enriched lifestyle experiences through nature-based tourism and recreation
- support healthy ecosystems and improve our resilience to coastal hazards
- foster a place-based approach that strengthens the connection between water and people.
With the population of the Gold Coast projected to grow significantly into the future, it is critical to effectively plan to protect and enhance our coastal environment and lifestyle.
To learn more, visit our Coastal management and Constructed lakes and canals pages
"This strategy captures not only our beaches but the city's canals, lakes and waterways. Importantly, it has been developed through strong partnerships with other agencies, volunteer groups and not-for-profit organisations."
Mayor Tom Tate
Council Plan alignment and outcomes
Our Coastal Lifestyle Strategy 2025–2050 is a direct deliverable of two of the Council Plan's themes: 'Connected Community' and 'Liveable Places'.
CONNECTED COMMUNITY
Our city is accessible, connected and convenient, supporting our lifestyle.
LIVEABLE PLACES
Our city is well-planned and designed, growing with future generations in mind.
The following table outlines the Our Coastal Lifestyle Strategy 2025–2050 focus areas: Coastal Connections, Coastal Experience and Coastal Future.
These will guide the outcomes, measures and actions over the next 25 years and beyond. Our strategic intent is to make sure our city continues to value its coastal places to preserve our unique coastal lifestyle.
Key focus areas of the strategy
COASTAL CONNECTIONS
OUTCOMES
We have beaches, parklands, waterways and natural places that are accessible and enjoyed by everyone*
We design and connect our foreshores to facilitate leisure and movement
We have lively marine precincts and a thriving boating network
MEASURES OF SUCCESS
- Accessible outdoor environments.*
- Coastal pathway connectivity
- Boating facilities
COASTAL EXPERIENCE
OUTCOMES
We have vibrant coastal places that elevate our unique lifestyle
We have diverse water-based opportunities and comprehensive lifeguard coverage
We are a world-class surfing destination
We inform and educate our community and visitors about our coastal environment
MEASURES OF SUCCESS
- Satisfaction with coastal places
- Safe swimming areas
- Surf break variety and amenity
- Community and visitor engagement
COASTAL FUTURE
OUTCOMES
We have a prepared community and a natural and built environment resilient to hazards*
We have healthy and clean coastal places
We are recognised as a world leader in coastal science and engineering, research and innovation
We ensure our coastal planning and management is informed by evidence
MEASURES OF SUCCESS
- Beach erosion protection*
- State of the beaches, waterways and foreshores
- International recognition and awards
- Coastal monitoring coverage
* Council Plan 2022-2027 outcomes and measures of success
This strategy is a key component of our Council Plan 2022–2027 and will help us deliver our measures of success.
Subscribe to Our Beaches Newsletter
Subscribe for the latest news and updates.
View our Privacy notice.
Published: 8 April 2025