The Value of Green Infrastructure: Evidence from the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia

Abstract

Green infrastructure is important to underpin residential choice, provide sustainable transport and contribute to a liveable neighbourhood. This study investigates the value of green infrastructure to property owners where green infrastructure is defined as including built environment features (e.g., green spaces, beach), facilities (e.g., fitness equipment in parks) and infrastructure (e.g., heavy rail, light rail). Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia is the case study. To capture geographical differences across the city, a multi-level regression modelling approach is used to measure the implicit value of green infrastructure in the property price. The results suggest only those elements of green infrastructure that can provide a service (e.g., fitness equipment) are positively valued. Importantly from a sustainable transport perspective, the current public transport network and services make a negative contribution to property price suggesting these might not meet with residents’ expectation. The conclusions of the paper discuss the implications of this for literature and policy in respect of green infrastructure.