Town planner says hinterland town needs more parks and play spaces as unit numbers rise
By Sonia Isaacs
BEERWAH is experiencing a mini building boom, with a sharp rise in new unit developments sparking debate about how best to manage the town’s future growth.Recent projects under construction include 28 new units at 122–126 Peachester Road, 12 units at Bilenda Court, 20 units at 19–21 Pine Camp Road, and approvals in place for 97 units at 35 Pine Camp Road.
While many locals welcome the prospect of more affordable housing, others are concerned the town’s rapid densification could outpace its “soft infrastructure” – the social and community facilities that support connection and liveability, such as parks, playgrounds, community halls, and sporting facilities.
Concerns have also been raised about limited on-street parking and whether existing retail and recreational amenities can support the influx of hundreds of new residents.
Town planner Adrian Raedel, Director of Arc Planning, said the trend reflects both state planning policy and strong local demand. “The growing demand for housing that accommodates locals wishing to downsize is a key driver,” he said.
Mr Raedel said the shift towards higher-density living made strategic sense for Beerwah. “With the rail line and Bruce Highway just minutes away, Beerwah is well connected,” he said. “It’s in the state’s best interests to locate new residents near major transport hubs – and in council’s best interests to avoid the cost of major road upgrades.”
Over the past year, several multi-unit proposals have been lodged or approved, signalling a move away from the town’s traditional low-density character.
Supporters argue that well-located developments close to transport, shops, and schools can provide more affordable options for young families, downsizers, and key workers struggling with rising housing costs.
However, community members and planning specialists alike warn that Beerwah’s infrastructure – both physical and social must keep pace. “It’s not just roads that matter,” Mr Raedel said.
“Usable infrastructure like parks, playgrounds, shops, and medical services must evolve alongside population growth.If you’re raising kids in a unit, you need access to green space, good playgrounds, and places to connect with the community.”
Urban planners caution that if new homes are delivered faster than schools, medical centres, or recreation facilities can expand, the result could be bottlenecks and strain on services. Yet, Mr Raedel said development also presents opportunities.“In some cases, growth can reinvigorate older parts of town,” he said.
“You might see new eateries, retail, or services emerge because the population base is there to support them.”
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said all new residential developments contribute to essential infrastructure through developer contributions under the Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP).
“These charges fund trunk infrastructure such as transport, parks, land for community facilities and stormwater,” they said.
“The LGIP ensures that infrastructure upgrades are coordinated, efficient and financially sustainable to match growth with service delivery standards.”
Council is preparing a new planning scheme and updated LGIP to guide future growth across the region. For Beerwah, no zoning changes are proposed for most properties, as the current scheme already permits medium-density residential development that has yet to be fully realised.
Modest height increases are proposed in selected areas to boost housing diversity. The draft scheme also strengthens requirements for on-site parking and dedicated storage to ensure garages are used for vehicles in new multi-dwelling developments. Residents will be able to provide feedback when the draft LGIP is released for public consultation. www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/development/planning-documents/new-sunshine-coast-planning-scheme.
