Gold Coast residents say a lack of safety is holding back development.

A community survey in the Gold Coast’s Southbank region has found safety and job opportunities are preventing it from becoming a vibrant CBD area,

Over 800 people from across the region were asked for responses to a 10-year plan to boost the CBD area.

Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow says the local government is installing more CCTV cameras to combat safety concerns.

“That’s why I am spending all my surplus money on more cameras,” she said.

Cr Crichlow said CCTV cameras were successful especially when combined with more police working in the area.

Southport Chamber of Commerce president Laird Marshall said CCTV was just one step.

He said more job opportunities would bring more people to the previously empty streets.

“When you have quiet areas at night, that can make it feel unsafe even if it isn’t,” he said.

“If you have a lot of people around these areas because of work it feels a lot safer.”

Mr Marshall and the Queensland Police Service both said the council was yet to contact them about the ­survey.