Gold Coast City Research Articles

A micro‐level indexing model for assessing urban ecosystem sustainability

PurposeAs a consequence of rapid urbanisation and globalisation, cities have become the engines of population and economic growth. Hence, natural resources in and around the cities have been exposed to externalities of urban development processes. This paper introduces a new sustainability assessment approach that is tested in a pilot study. The paper aims to assist policy‐makers and planners investigating the impacts of development on environmental systems, and produce effective policies for sustainable urban development.Design/methodology/approachThe paper introduces an indicator‐based indexing model entitled “Indexing Model for the Assessment of Sustainable Urban Ecosystems” (ASSURE). The ASSURE indexing model produces a set of micro‐level environmental sustainability indices that is aimed to be used in the evaluation and monitoring of the interaction between human activities and urban ecosystems. The model is an innovative approach designed to assess the resilience of ecosystems towards impacts of current development plans and the results serve as a guide for policy‐makers to take actions towards achieving sustainability.FindingsThe indexing model has been tested in a pilot case study within the Gold Coast City, Queensland, Australia. This paper presents the methodology of the model and outlines the preliminary findings of the pilot study. The paper concludes with a discussion on the findings and recommendations put forward for future development and implementation of the model.Originality/valuePresently, there is a few sustainability indices developed to measure the sustainability at local, regional, national and international levels. However, due to challenges in data collection difficulties and availability of local data, there is no effective assessment model at the micro‐level that the assessment of urban ecosystem sustainability accurately. The model introduced in this paper fills this gap by focusing on parcel‐scale and benchmarking the environmental performance in micro‐level.

Modelling sustainable urban growth in a rapidly urbanising region using a fuzzy-constrained cellular automata approach

This article presents an application of a fuzzy-constrained cellular automata model to simulate the spatio-temporal processes of urban growth in the rapidly growing Gold Coast City in Southeast Queensland, Australia. Urban growth has been captured in the model as a continuous process in space and over time, which has been affected by a set of primary and secondary transition rules. The primary transition rules deal with the propensity of a local area for development and the impact of its neighbouring cells on such development, while the secondary transition rules reflect the influences of environmental and institutional factors on urban growth. Application of the model demonstrates its re-applicability to different regions and the effectiveness of the cellular automata technique in studying urban dynamics. It also provides tools to explore sustainable urban growth options under different socio-environmental and planning control factors. A sustainable urban future of the region is achievable if development is managed to maintain a balance amongst ecological conservation, economic growth and the contemporary Australian lifestyle.

Quantifying the influence of environmental and water conservation attitudes on household end use water consumption

Within the research field of urban water demand management, understanding the link between environmental and water conservation attitudes and observed end use water consumption has been limited. Through a mixed method research design incorporating field-based smart metering technology and questionnaire surveys, this paper reveals the relationship between environmental and water conservation attitudes and a domestic water end use break down for 132 detached households located in Gold Coast city, Australia. Using confirmatory factor analysis, attitudinal factors were developed and refined; households were then categorised based on these factors through cluster analysis technique. Results indicated that residents with very positive environmental and water conservation attitudes consumed significantly less water in total and across the behaviourally influenced end uses of shower, clothes washer, irrigation and tap, than those with moderately positive attitudinal concern. The paper concluded with implications for urban water demand management planning, policy and practice.

Gold Coast City Council's Vegetation Community Representation Project, Queensland

Gold Coast City Council's Vegetation Community Representation Project, Queensland

Antecedents of residents' city brand attitudes

City branding is a relatively new area of academic research in marketing. Earlier research focuses on city brand images and particularly the contrast in brand image between cities. Essentially that attention reflects the interest of policy makers in developing sound competitive brand positions, with the aim of achieving a competitive advantage. The current paper shifts the focus to explaining the brand attitudes that residents have of a particular city. What are the key antecedents (city attributes) influencing city brand attitudes? The paper reports on a quantitative survey of a sample of 878 residents of the Gold Coast City. The findings show that the major antecedents are social bonds, a sun and surf brand personality, and creative business. Safety, nature and cultural activities are also influential attributes. Apart from insight into how city brand attitudes are shaped, the paper provides a framework for public policy intervention to improve the urban environment.

Modeling seawater desalination powered by waste incineration using a dynamic systems approach

This paper presents a supply and demand model for seawater desalination powered by incineration of municipal solid waste to complement the freshwater supply in a drought-affected area. The model follows a dynamic systems approach with control theory as a basic discipline. This approach aims at developing an efficient model in a simpler understandable way to reduce efforts required for modeling complex multi-domain problems. The modeling approach is complemented with other modeling techniques such as artificial neural networks (ANN) to overcome a number of modeling difficulties. In this paper, the model is applied to the city of Gold Coast, Australia, and simulation results are presented as an application case. Our model is designed in such a way that it can be adapted to other local conditions by changing the local parameters and data for whatever the regional case.

Regional activity centre surveys gold coast, Queensland

The Strategic Planning section of the Gold Coast City Council with the assistance of Trimap Pty Ltd have developed a GIS‐based system which enables urban planners and economists to assess the performance of major retail/ commercial centres in the city This approach to centre evaluation has provided Council with vital information in its preparation for the new Activity Centre Strategy but it has also received a very positive response from various external stakeholders, such as local business operators and marketing professionals, to improve their competitiveness and business strategies. This paper will present readers with the methodology used in this project and provide examples how this GIS application is currently being utilised for activity centre planning.

Investigating the Social Dimensions of Transport Disadvantage II: From Concepts to Methods through an Empirical Case Study

This article is the second of two papers that review the field of spatially sensitive social scientific research into the links between social status and transport disadvantage. The first paper undertook a comprehensive review of the social scientific and transport planning literature to mark the level of development in the field and identify conceptual and methodological issues and constraints in this field of inquiry. The present article supports the advancement of socially and geographically sensitive transport research by opportunities for the development of more sophisticated spatial analytical methodologies. The approach we present is able to account for factors not previously addressed in either social or transport planning research, in particular the temporal dimensions of transport service accessibility. The article articulates the methodology through an empirical case study of socio-spatial transport disadvantage within the Gold Coast City. The article demonstrates that there are important theoretical and practical lessons to be gained for researchers and policy makers in addressing the social dimensions of transport and infrastructure provision. Further, the article argues that an attentiveness to new ways of combining and representing social and transport data-sets can promote policy relevant empirical social inquiry. The article also contributes in a productive way to the empirical knowledge of Australia's sixth-largest metropolitan area, which is often overlooked by urban scholars.

The Convergence Potentials of Collaboration & Adaptation: A Case Study in Progress

The Convergence Potentials of Collaboration & Adaptation: A Case Study in Progress

Using Risk Analysis to Prioritize Intelligent Transport Systems: Variable Message Sign Case Study in Gold Coast City, Australia

With perpetual strains on resources, road agencies need to develop network-level decision-making frameworks to ensure optimum resource allocation. This is especially true for intelligent transport systems (ITS) and, in particular, variable message signs (VMSs), a key component of incident management services. The objective for VMSs is to minimize the safety, efficiency, reliability, and environmental impact of incidents on the operations of the transport system. This may be achieved by travelers being informed of the incidents so they can adapt their behavior in a manner that reduces community impact, such as lateness and the associated vehicle emissions, unreliability of travel times, and secondary accidents due to incidents. Generally, road authorities carry out needs assessments, but qualitatively in many cases. Therefore, a framework is presented that is systematic, quantitative, and relatively easy to implement. A risk management approach that focuses on minimizing the impact on and costs to the community was taken to prioritize VMS infrastructure deployment. In the presented framework and case study, safety, efficiency, reliability, and environmental effects are quantified by using an economic risk management approach to determine an overall risk score. This score can be used to rank road sections within the network, indicating the road sections with the highest risk of incident network impact and therefore the road sections with the highest need for intervention. A cost-effectiveness-based risk reduction ranking can then be determined for VMS, with the net risk with treatment being compared with that without treatment, and the net present value of deployment being divided. The two types of ranking, pure risk and cost-effectiveness–based risk reduction, will help to minimize the network impact on the community and optimize resource allocation.

Trace Metal Distribution and Enrichment in Benthic, Estuarine Sediments: Southport Broadwater, Australia

The distribution and enrichment of selected trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn) in benthic sediments of the Southport Broadwater, a semi-enclosed coastal body of water adjacent to the Gold Coast city, south-eastern Queensland, Australia, was studied with the objective of assessing the extent and degree of sediment contamination. Sediment samples from the 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm depth intervals of 32 sites within the Southport Broadwater and surrounding residential canals were analysed for particle size distribution, pH, organic C and 'near-total' major (Al, Ca, Fe, Mn) and trace (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn) metal contents. Sediment contamination for each trace metal was assessed by (1) comparison with Australian sediment quality guidelines, (2) calculation of the index of geoaccumulation based on regional background values, and (3) geochemical normalisation against Al (i.e. the abundance of alumino-silicate clay minerals). Based on this approach, the results indicate that submerged sediments in the study area are not presently enriched with Cd, Cr or Ni, with the spatial distribution of these metals being very well explained by the abundance of alumino-silicate clay minerals. However, several sites were strongly enriched with Cu, Pb, Sn and Zn, arising from sources related to either urban runoff or vessel maintenance activities. The study indicates that several varying approaches are needed for a satisfactory assessment of contaminant enrichment in estuarine sediments.

An orthodontic information package designed to increase patient awareness

Abstract Background: Most patients and their parents experience difficulty in fully appreciating the implications and demands of orthodontic treatment. This is largely because of inadequate understanding of the process of treatment or the commitment required. Objectives: To determine if a specifically developed video information package could significantly increase patient awareness of the implications of a full course of orthodontic treatment. Changes in attitude to orthodontic treatment after viewing the package were also measured. Methods: Year 7 (12 year-old) students in two primary schools in the City of Gold Coast, Australia were randomly allocated to either a study group or a control group. Knowledge of and attitude to orthodontic treatment were measured with self-administered questionnaires before and after viewing the information package. Results: The intervention group showed a 15 per cent gain in knowledge (p < 0.001). There was no gain in knowledge for the 45 students in the control group. There was no measured change in perception of need for orthodontic treatment in the study group. There was, however, an increase in potential compliance and positive attitude to the appearance of orthodontic appliances. There was a small increase in willingness to undertake treatment, but this was not statistically significant. Conclusions: The information package developed for this study increased awareness of the implications and practical difficulties which may be encountered during a course of orthodontic treatment, and produced some changes in attitude to treatment.

Trace metals and nutrients in bottom sediments of the Southport Broadwater, Australia

The Southport Broadwater (Fig. 1) is a semi-enclosed, coastal body of water situated adjacent to the Gold Coast city in south-east Queensland, Australia (153.40ୱ53.42Ŭ 27.80୲7.98ө. The catchment for the Southport Broadwater is intensely urbanised, and as such, the Broadwater is likely to receive significant trace metal and nutrient loads from urban sources. The southern end of the Southport Broadwater also supports a relatively large marina complex, and past marina activities may have contributed to contaminant loads to the aquatic system. This paper provides initial baseline data on trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn) and nutrients (N and P) in bottom sediments of the Southport Broadwater.

City profile

Fourteen years have passed since Brisbane was profiled in Cities by Stephen Hamnett. The Brisbane-SEQ Metro Region, which incorporates the Brisbane and the surrounding Moreton statistical divisions, has been a net gainer in one of the largest demographic shifts seen in Australia. This sprawling low density metropolis has emerged as a sun-belt destination for in-migrants. Growth has spread out from Brisbane City along corridors, to encompass the Gold Coast City to the south, urban centres such as Caloundra and Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast to the north, and the old industrial mining city of Ipswich to the west. The term “Australia's fastest growing region” has been widely used in commentaries about the Brisbane and SEQ region for almost two decades. Although rapid population growth is widely seen as being positive, negative consequences have occurred presenting challenges for urban management and planning future urban development and services provision.

Iron and manganese dynamics in lake water

The speciation and fractionation of iron and manganese compounds from Hinze Dam water samples (Gold Coast City, Queensland, Australia) were studied using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPRS), gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography, ultrafiltration and various acid digestion regimes. Samples were taken at various depths and times of year, and both filtrate and particulate samples of water column profiles and sediment samples were analysed. Relevant water quality parameters such as temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, true colour, turbidity, conductivity and alkalinity were also measured. Following heavy rainfall, dirty water and associated water treatment problems increased as catchment surface erosion and dynamic mixing of the whole water column induced by the introduction of a large volume of rainwater runoff lead to marked increases in particulate matter (mainly carbonates) in the water body. The results obtained before and during artificial aeration were compared at different depths and times of year. Artificial aeration had an initial marked reduction in the levels of soluble iron and manganese in all the dam profiles, however, the concentrations of these metals showed a steady increase over the succeeding years. Statistical analysis of data has been undertaken to correlate the changes between the various forms of iron and manganese with the advent of artificial aeration. Such analyses indicate that a number of traditionally measured water quality parameters have no long-term value for predicting the likely levels of soluble and insoluble iron and manganese, even when correlations between the parameters are calculated on a seasonal rather than on a yearly basis. These water quality parameters are not measured solely for the purpose of prediction, nevertheless, the parameters may be important for real-time treatment process control and for general water resource management. Some important implications for water resource management and water treatment processes are discussed.

Champagne training on a beer budget

[Abstract]: When confronted by rapidly escalating costs for End User Computing (EUC) training and support, the Gold Coast City Council (GCCC) - the local government authority for Australia’s premier tourist destination - took a proactive stance by adopting a low-cost strategy. This strategy has now been in place for about six years and, as shown in this case study, is reaping rewards in terms of productivity increases and technology diffusion. After identifying an appropriate theoretical perspective for the study, this paper describes the EUC training approach taken at GCCC, and investigates its impact on the productivity of the 1500 person workforce. Both the trainees and the trainers were surveyed to evaluate fully this low-cost strategy. Related social issues of empowering the stakeholders are examined and recommendations are made to ensure that this approach will continue to provide champagne training on a beer budget.

Criteria for Sewage Treatment and Disposal in a Tourist City

This paper sets out the design criteria used by the Gold Coast City Council in the design of its sewage treatment and disposal system. Tourism is the City's major industry and the City's raw sewage is almost completely domestic in its nature. The quantity and quality of the raw sewage are discussed and parameters defined for treatment. Unpolluted beaches and waterways are an essential part of the tourism image and the effluent standards required by the Water Quality Council of Queensland and the method of disposal and effluent standards adopted by Gold Coast City Council are discussed.

Hope Island: salvage excavation of a Kombumerri site

This paper reports the salvage excavations of a shell midden at Hope Island, Gold Coast City, southeast Queensland. Archaeological investigations were carried out in the Gold Coast region during the late 1960s and early 1970s (e.g. Haglund-Calley and Quinnell 1973; Haglund 1975, 1976), but as academic input into the area waned it became something of a folk theory in the mainstream Anglo-Saxon community that nothing worthwhile in the way of archaeological evidence remained in the area. The Kombumerri people, traditional owners who have never ceded title to their land, knew differently. This paper follows an extensive site recording program undertaken by the Kombumerri Cultural Centre and the Anthropology Museum, University of Queensland, which has clearly demonstrated the correctness of their view: material evidence of significance to the local Aboriginal community abounds within the Gold Coast City limits and its environs.

BEACH RESPONSE TO COASTAL WORKS GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA

The paper outlines the results of comprehensive beach surveys carried out over more than 20 years showing the effects of seawalls, groynes and beach nourishment on the beaches of the beach resort city of Gold Coast, Australia. Beach profile changes and, in particular, quantification of the overall extent of accretion and erosion resulting from groynes which interrupt the longshore movement of sand are outlined. The paper confirms the already known principles of behaviour of these coastal works and documents clearly the full detrimental impact that inappropriate structures can have on a natural sand beach system.

LARGE DIAMETER POLYETHYLENE SUBMARINE OUTFALLS

This paper presents the state of the art that has now evolved in Australia and shows the trend towards using high density polyethylene pipes for submarine conditions and the varying techniques and materials utilised. Prior to 1981 High Density Polyethylene (H.D.P.E.) was not produced in Australia in diameters larger than 630mm and even in the available sizes submarine outfalls were in the main constructed of mild steel or concrete pipes. In 1980 the Gold Coast City Council called tenders for the supply and installation of a 1500 metre, 1 metre diameter, outfall across the Southport Broadwater which is an active tidal estuary area. The proposed route crossed a main navigation channel and required trenching up to 8 metres into sand and sandstone. After consideration of the special requirements and high tender prices for conventional materials, Council constructed a temporary 400mm diameter H.D.P.E. outfall while the design of the permanent outfall was re-evaluated. The outfall was eventually constructed by day labour utilising a 1 metre diameter H.D.P.E. at a cost saving of approximately $1.5 million over the lowest tender price utilising steel pipes. Manufacturing facilities were imported into Australia for this job and now other large diameter submarine H.D.P.E. outfalls have been constructed in Australia and this material is now gaining acceptance.