Foreword — Councilor Peter Young, Division 5

Nerang is truly a town at the crossroads. Not only is it strategically located at the geographical centre of Gold Coast City, but in many ways it has reached a point of deciding its future direction. As you will learn from the information presented in this compendium, Nerang has a rich and diverse history as a place of significance to the Kombumerri people and as a key settlement of the early timber cutters, traders, dairy farmers and cotton growers. During the past few decades Nerang's integrity as a discrete township has been challenged by the encroaching sprawling development of the City, a process that has to some extent undermined its status and individual character.

But Nerang has, unlike many places in our City, a beautiful river running through it and a splendid native forest as its backdrop. Appreciation of these natural elements has grown enormously in recent years. Most importantly of all, Nerang has a great community spirit with a rich mixture of interest groups, service groups, places of education, private businesses, government agencies and rapidly improving community and infrastructure facilities. Our community is working hard, and smart, to ensure the next 50 years will see Nerang as a tremendous place to invest, live, work and enjoy the benefits of City life within the beauty of nature.

If you're from Nerang you'll know what I mean. If you're not, come and discover what you are missing, as Nerang positions itself for a truly prosperous and exciting future.

1st November, 2001

Courtesy Dr. Richard Whitlow. CD Rom : Nerang at the Crossroads