Gold Coast’s own Pleasantville

(By Samantha Drysdale and Britt Ditterich - Bond University Journalism Students)

LOCAL business owners and residents have dubbed Varsity Lakes a safe place to live and work, but though like all suburbs, there were elements that needed improvement.

Compared to other Gold Coast suburbs, locals said Varsity Lakes had a strong community feeling, naming the lake, CBD design and general atmosphere as major drawcards for the area.

The Basement clothing store owner Cameron Williams said there was potential for success in Varsity Lakes, despite many Gold Coast businesses feeling the effects of economic downturn.  Mr Williams said he moved his business from Burleigh West to Varsity Lakes three months ago.
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While he was hopeful of future success, Mr Williams said it was important for residents to support local business.  “It has been a tough winter with consumer spending low and there is a tendency for locals to shop elsewhere at shopping centres,” he said.

“It’s such a safe and beautiful place here, compared to where my business was before in Burleigh West, so with plenty of community support I am hopeful of things to come.”

 Varsity Lakes convenience store employee Jo Woodburn said despite security guards being employed to work during the night, she thought the area was still a safe place to work.  “We get a bit of trouble at night with youths who are a bit disruptive and rude but that’s no different to anywhere else,” she said.
“I don’t live in Varsity Lakes but, yes, I think it’s a particularly quiet and safe place to live.”

Local resident Kristie Hartmann said she had lived in Varsity Lakes for three years.  “Varsity has definitely got a pleasant feeling to it and I’ve never seen anything bad happen,” she said.

Varsity Lakes has become home to more than 8,000 residents since its construction in 1999.