Helensvale is a suburb of the City of Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.. In the, Helensvale had a population of 16,862 people.
Geography
Helensvale is bounded by the Pacific Motorway to the west, by the Coomera River to the north, by Saltwater Creek to the north-east, by Coombabah Creek and Coombabah Lake to the south-east. Saltwater Creek flows through the suburb from west to the north from where it forms the north-east boundary of the suburb. The principal land use is residential including some canal estates in the north of the suburb providing boat access to Coomera River and Saltwater Creek. There are areas of low-lying mangrove swamps along the Coombabah Creek. Saltwater Creek Conservation Park is small protected area of in the west of the suburb. The Gold Coast railway line passes through the suburb from north to south. The surburb is served by the Helensvale railway station. The Gold Coast light rail has its northern terminus at the railway station and then exits the suburb to the south running immediately parallel and east of the railway line.
History
The name is derived from the name given to a local sugar plantation. A plantation was established in the area around 1870 by Arthur Robinson and Ernest White. Helena was the name of White's youngest sister. Helensvale was officially named as a locality by the Queensland Place Names Board on 31 March 1979. On 7 February 2003 it was designated as a suburb. Helensvale was the first integrated suburb built on the hinterland fringe of the Gold Coast, and welcomed its first residents in the 1980s with a shopping centre, primary and secondary state schools, golf course, parks and a bowls club. Helensvale State School opened on 23 January 1984. Helensvale State High School opened on 29 January 1990. Helensvale Library opened in 2013. In the, Helensvale had a population of 16,862 people.
Transport
Helensvale has been planned to develop as a transport hub. The Gold Coast Highway and Pacific Motorway, the two most important road routes on the Gold Coast, link here. Helensvale railway station also includes a light rail stop and a bus interchange and is the only place on the Gold Coast where trains, trams and buses interconnect. The light rail system connects Helensvale with Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach. The interchange with the Gold Coast railway line at Helensvale offers passengers a one-transfer journey between the central districts of the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Education
Helensvale State School is a government primary school for boys and girls at 8 Lindfield Road. In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 1066 students with 73 teachers and 34 non-teaching staff. It includes a special education program. Helensvale State High School is a government secondary school for boys and girls at 243 Discovery Drive. In 2017, the school had an enrolment of 2543 students with 193 teachers and 76 non-teaching staff. It includes a special education program.
