Growth
The Tweed is the new “hot spot” for major industries looking to relocate, expand and invest.
Rapid population growth and the trend to coastal living, driven by the “sea change” and “tree change” phenomenon’s of the “baby boomer” generation, have had a significant impact on the region, generating unprecedented residential and tourism development. The Tweed currently has a population of 86,833 residents, which is expected to increase to 118,760 by 2031 – an increase of 37% on current levels.
Population driven economic growth is providing significant opportunities for investors and businesses looking to establish or relocate to this evolving, maturing growth region.
The Tweed and Northern Rivers Economic Modelling Tool confirms the Gross Regional Product (GRP) of the Tweed at $1.154 billion in 2007/08. New and emerging industries are changing the traditional economic structure, away from the historic dependence on agricultural industries, to a broader and more diverse base, including growth in the areas of food and marine manufacturing, technology, education, health, transport, aviation, creative industries and home based businesses.
Recent construction and development figures by Colliers International (October 2007) indicate that almost $11 billion in development is planned or under construction in the Tweed Shire. These figures are reflective of the increased interest by individuals and businesses who now view the Tweed as a desirable location to Live, Work & Play.
The $11 billion in development includes coastal tourism and residential development, redevelopment of the Tweed Heads Central Business District (CBD), and commercial, industrial and retail development.
Major developments currently underway in the Tweed include:
- Apartments Projects - $ 878.5 million
- Residential Projects - $ 6,116 million
- Land Projects - $ 1,480 million
- Retirement Projects - $ 89 million
- Commercial/Industrial/Retail Projects - $ 554 million
- Resort/Hotel/Tourist Projects - $ 220 million
- Refurbishment/Renovation/Expansion - $ 158.7 million
- Infrastructure - $ 1,422.9 million
The Tweed offers a competitive option for new investment opportunities, generating significant interest from businesses and investors.
The predicted growth is supported by investment in infrastructure in the areas of transport connectivity with South East Queensland and southern states, including the Tugun by-pass, planned rail extension to Gold Coast Airport and improved links with the sea and air ports of Brisbane.
Planned $3 billion to be spent on the upgrading of the Pacific Highway between Sydney and Brisbane.
Planned upgrading of road and highway connectivity between Queensland and New South Wales to significantly improve inter-regional and regional traffic flow between Tweed and Gold Coast.
Ready access to two of the busiest and fastest growing airports in Australia – Gold Coast and Brisbane - for airfreight import/export opportunities nationally and internationally.
The recently completed extension of the Gold Coast Airport runway to provide increased direct international flights, catering for business, tourism and airfreight opportunities.
Speedy and excellent access to the Australia Trade Coast, developing as one of the major inter-modal transport hubs in Australia
Assured water supplies to meet the needs of the region
245 hectares of zoned enterprise (industrial) land including 40 hectares which is nearing completion and a further 400 hectares under investigation.
