Tourism is one of Gold Coast’s main industries. Its population of about 600,000 makes it the second and sixth most populated city in the state and the nation respectively. There are two areas of endeavour worth focusing on:
Industry
The Gold Coast began as a quiet seaside holiday destination several decades ago, but it has grown rapidly in population and economically. The unemployment rate is below the average unemployment rate for Australia, with an average of 5.6 per cent compared with the 5.9 per cent average for the nation.
In the past, the main industries on which the economy of the city were based were tourism, construction and retail businesses. This is no longer the case. The city has diversified, with many industries enhancing the economy. There are several major industries in the city:
- Tourism
- Marine related
- Information and communication technology
- Food
- Sports
- Film production
- Environment
- Education
Tourism
Gold Coast has an estimated population of 600,000 but it hosts more than 10 million visitors annually (see table).
International visitors |
Domestic Overnight Visitors
|
Daytrip Visitors
|
|
849, 114
|
3, 468, 000
|
5, 366, 000
|
The city generates more than $4.4 billion a year from tourism. The tourism boom has also generated considerable employment. It is estimated that one in four residents is employed directly or indirectly in the tourism industry. Tourism also brings additional attention in other sectors. The Gold Coast has a number of tourist destinations, many national parks and numerous other leisure attractions.
Film production
This is a major industry contributing to the growth of the Gold Coast’s economy. About 75 per cent of all film production in Queensland takes place on the Gold Coast. It is the major film production centre of the state and the third in the nation after Sydney and Melbourne. The city has a number of film studios, including:
- Warner Brothers
- Village Roadshow Studios
- Dreamworld Studios
Many major films in the state and the nation have been produced on the Gold Coast, including:
- Scooby Doo
- Singh is King
- House of Wax
- Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
A number of Australian TV shows are also produced on the Gold Coast. These include:
- The Strip H2O: Just Add Water
- Big Brother Australia
- The Mole
Tourism has positively affected the city’s economy and employment in general. It has also contributed to the growth of trade in other sectors. For example, the leisure boat and yachting industries have experienced substantial growth. They are also providing additional employment opportunities.
Education
Education has also contributed to the growth of the economy of the city and is providing jobs for many people - locals and overseas visitors. There are three types of schools (similar to other Australian cities) including:
- Universities
- TAFE (Technical and Further Education)
- Primary and secondary schools.
Universities
The Gold Coast has three main universities:
- Bond University
- Southern Cross University
- Griffith University
These universities provide education in different undergraduate and postgraduate courses to both local and overseas students.
TAFE
There are five TAFE institutions located at Ridgeway, Southport, Benowa, Coolangatta and Coomera.
Primary and Secondary Schools
The Gold Coast has more than 100 public and private primary schools. The number also includes denomination schools and some special schools such as:
- Queensland Academy for Health Sciences
- St Hilda’s School
- The Southport School
Leisure
The Gold Coast is a lively city with a number of attractions and things to do and see. There are many national parks as well as beaches, canals, 40 golf courses, 500 restaurants and six major theme parks.
The Gold Coast is a city that can meet the needs of every holiday maker. If you are interested in sports, there are numerous sporting facilities, including:
- Carrara Indoor Sport Centre
- Carrara Stadium
- The Sports Super Centre
- Nerang Velodrome
- Skilled Park
- Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
A number of different sports are played in the city such as football, ice hockey, basketball, netball, rugby and others. Some of the recreational and leisure activities include surfing, boating, fishing and golf.
Conclusion
Holidaymakers and locals alike enjoy the city’s friendly and relaxed atmosphere. With its excellent educational facilities and numerous employment opportunities in a variety of industries, it is a place worth keeping an eye on.
