Employment

ABOUT 13,000 people a year move to the Gold Coast, most of them from interstate. It can often be a daunting process to arrive in a new city and try to create a new life. Here are few tips to help your transition: Employment It is a good time to move to the Gold Coast if you are looking for work. The economy is buoyant and skills are in demand. Trades are particularly scarce at the moment and there is always high demand for the hospitality and tourism side of things. Have a look for a job on the Gold Coast that suits you. Click here.

Rental Accommodation

The Gold Coast has gone through a property boom in recent years and this has forced up house prices and subsequently rents. Competition for good rental properties is fierce and a "rental auction" is not unheard of when two tenants will try to outbid each other for the house. But there are other options.

The suburbs slightly further afield from the beach are usually cheaper and offer family friendly environments. If you're after an apartment, keep checking the daily newspaper, The Gold Coast Bulletin, or online here at goldcoast.com.au and act fast! Landlords will ask for a bond, a deposit of money held in trust while you're renting, and it is usually the equivalent of a month's rent.

You will be asked to sign a Residential Tenancy Agreement. This is a standard form authorised by the Queensland Government and protects both the landlord and the tenant. You would be very unwise to move into any rental arrangement without signing one. If you have any doubts talk to a solicitor beforehand.

Newspaper Subscription

Reading the local daily newspaper every day is a great way to make a connection with your new community. You quickly learn who's who in town, what the important issues are and who the key businesses are for the goods and services you're looking for. The Gold Coast Bulletin is the Gold Coast's own newspaper and is available at all newsagents. You can have it home delivered in most areas. Phone 1300 726 161 or click here for a subscription.

Electricity

Each new home will have to have the electricity account transferred to the new owner's name. This is a simple process and the main power supplier is Energex. Green power options also exist on the Gold Coast.

"From July 1, 2007, Queensland's electricity supply industry was opened up to new players. It means that residents and small businesses can shop around for the best power deal. But not everyone can access new suppliers. It depends on where you live and if a new electricity supply company is active in your area. To learn more about it go to the Queendsland Government website http://www.thepowertochoose.qld.gov.au/ or phone 1800 657 567 (freecall) during business hours.

Tweed Shire residents should deal directly with Country Energy, the NSW Government's power supplier. Go to http://www.countryenergy.com.au/  or phone 13 23 56.

Telephone and Internet

Most people have a mobile phone these days and you will find the Gold Coast to have excellent coverage for all carriers. If you want a landline into your home, then contact one of the telecommunications companies such as Telstra, Optus, AAPT or the myriad of others. Almost all combine discounted packages for landline, mobiles and internet access combinations. Don't rush into one - check out the options and make sure you have what you want. Some areas on the Gold Coast don't have access to broadband internet. Check that you can get broadband (cable) before you sign anything. A popular option for these areas is wireless broadband, which is increasingly common and just as good as the cable variety. Out in the hills you might have even more hassles and then you should consider a satellite connection, if you're desperate for internet.

Growth areas

Many people are drawn to the bright lights of the Gold Coast while they are on holiday in Surfers Paradise, Main Beach, Broadbeach or Burleigh Heads. But that's not all there is to the Gold Coast. The fastest growing suburbs are in the north of the city around Coomera, Oxenford, Pacific Pines and Ormeau. Go for a drive through these areas and see the community facilities and open spaces they offer. Many families prefer that to the generally more expensive and denseley populated beachside suburbs.

Education

This is one thing you don't have to fret about. With four universities, all of them growing in size and curriculum, and over 100 high schools, the Gold Coast boasts a quality and quantity of educational facilities to meet your needs.

Health

Gold Coast Hospital is one of the biggest in Queensland but has struggled in recent times to keep up with the demands of the city's growing population. To address this issue, the Queensland Government is building a new state-of-the-art hospital next to Griffith University but that's still a few years away yet.

The level of care at Gold Coast Hospital is world class however, there are some treatments that require patients to be transferred to Brisbane. The same applies to Tweed Hospital. The private hospitals in the area all have their own specialties. The health industry is one of the biggest employers in the city yet there always seems to be greater demand than supply. Queenslanders receive "free" ambulance emergency services, with a levy attached to your electricity bill specifically for that purpose.

Driving Rules

Once you relocate to the Gold Coast from interstate or overseas you need to obtain a Queensland driver's licence. This is a simple, if sometimes time-consuming process, and has to be done in person at one of the Queensland Transport Customer Centres.

They are located at:

Beenleigh, 24 Kent St Bundall, 30 Upton St Burleigh heads, Burleigh Town Shopping Centre Elanora, The Pines Shopping Centre Southport, cnr Nerang Rd and Wardoo St Telephone 13 23 80. Overseas callers (+61 7 3834 2011)

You need to be 17 before you can be a licensed driver In Queensland.

Do not drive after drinking alcohol. Random breath testing of motorists is prevalent in Queensland.

The general speed limit is 60kmh, around suburban streets it is 50kmh and near schools 40kmh.

The Gold Coast Highway is mostly 70kmh but changes regularly so stay alert.

The M1 Motorway is mostly 100kmh but can go to 110kmh in parts.

Temporary speed signs around roadworks are enforceable, so slow down.

The RACQ offers a breakdown service for members in Queensland.

Local Council

The Gold Coast City Council governs the city, which is divided into 14 Divisions, each represented by a local councillor. For a council New Residents kit, click here.