Savvy developers and property managers nowadays seek the service of eco-sustainable development architectural and planning companies, such as ML Design, which makes use of the lay of the land, the position of the sun, and even feng shui principles, when designing a building and its interior and exterior environments. 

Stuart Brogan, a senior master planner of the company, always bursting with ideas, admits that the attitude of a local government can render their work easier or infinitely more difficult in planning a building or a centre. 

The planner can try to persuade a developer by pointing out the economy of being eco-friendly, but a regulation is a lot more decisive.  And in this case, the Gold Coast authorities have mostly come to the party.  

Written by: Dewi Anggraeni, Contributor/ Melbourne, Australia