Better Suburbs = Better Cities

Thursday 31 July 2025 | 12:00 PM

Presented by Guy Gibson, Co-Editor of The Next Australian City and Director of Suburban Futures, and Amy Degenhart LFRAIA, Director of degenhartSHEDD, Director of Bubbl UP.

The suburbs often trail inner city areas in terms of economic development, land use innovation, strategic public policy focus and financial investment. Residents may be concerned that new development may ‘stick-out’ rather than ‘fit-in’. This seminar discusses why the suburbs are equally important for future city growth and how to deliver development that fits in during the transformative period of suburban renewal.

Guy will present the overarching themes of the "Next Australian City" book launched in 2024. The Next Australian City has been featured by commentators, professional institutes and the Queensland Government and received with acclaim from the development industry, academia and the design consultant community.

Amy will profile ideas for suburban transformation with suburb friendly small-scale development demonstrating how clever design can provide 3 homes on a typical suburban block and suit the existing character of the area.

Guy Gibson is a Board member of the ACT Suburban Land Agency, the Brisbane Sustainability Agency and Suburban Futures Ltd. He is a member of the advisory panel for Economic Development Queensland. He is former Head of Development for Lendlease Queensland.

Amy Degenhart is a Gold Coast based architect. She is a Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects and former State President of the Institute. Over 35 years, Amy has designed and developed small to medium scale communities at Varsity Lakes and Fitzgibbon Chase and the multi-award winning ENVI Micro Urban Village development in Southport.

Getting there

Consider using public transport or active travel. Plan your trip with Translink's journey planner.

Parking may be limited. For metered parking, use the EasyPark app to start, end, and extend your parking direct from your phone to avoid fines. For more information visit City of Gold Coast's Parking page.