Beerwah and Landsborough zoning uplift
By Sonia Isaacs
Townhouses could soon become a dominant feature in parts of Beerwah and Landsborough, with the Sunshine Coast Council proposing major zoning changes to encourage more medium-density housing.
Under the draft planning scheme released earlier this month, both hinterland towns would see the expansion of Medium Density Residential Zones, allowing for multi-storey townhouse developments.
In Beerwah, zoning changes allow up to four storeys on Turner Street, three on Swan Street, and three-storey development east of Landsborough’s railway station.
Council says the move is part of a strategic vision to encourage a variety of housing types while supporting local infrastructure, employment, and services. However, the plans have sparked a mix of enthusiasm and concern across the community.
Paul Blackledge of Nest Real Estate described the changes in Landsborough as “a strategic shift in our local property landscape,” forecasting strong growth in townhouse developments over the next four to five years. “The market demand is there; townhouses are being snapped up by investors, first-time buyers and downsizers,” he said. “Landsborough currently has only two townhouse developments. This change opens the door to a lot more.”
Mr Blackledge also flagged likely future uses for the newly zoned land. “I’d say aged care and childcare are on the horizon. There’s already a struggle to find childcare places on the Coast. But my biggest concern is whether the infrastructure is there yet.”
In Beerwah, the sentiment is similar. Bailey Sims from Pine Property Partners said the new zoning was a “positive step” toward easing the housing crisis, but stressed the importance of matching development with services. “These zoning changes are necessary for long-term sustainability. But council must ensure road networks, schools, and community facilities are upgraded in tandem,” Mr Sims said.
Not everyone is on board with the proposed planning overhaul. Long-time Swan Street resident Marie McGregor said the neighbourhood was already overburdened with units. “We have enough down here already,” she said. “You can’t even get up the street some days because of parked cars. There’s already a lack of parking and these new developments will make it worse.”
Ms McGregor pointed to a recent development where one house was replaced with four three-bedroom townhouses. “It’s changing the feel of the street. We’re losing that sense of community.”
Neighbour Janet Dews echoed these concerns, citing obstructed views, loss of character, and worsening traffic congestion. While not personally affected, she said the changes would undoubtedly alter the fabric of the area.
Chris Pritchard, a 12-year Swan Street resident who relocated from the Gold Coast, said the proposed three-storey developments in his area had left many neighbours unsettled. “Privacy is already gone in some parts,” he said. “We can see directly into neighbouring yards now. Add to that the parking chaos, extra traffic, and late-night noise, and it’s clear this area isn’t ready for more density.”
Adrian Raedel says while the new draft town plan offers exciting opportunities for three-storey developments to help hinterland town centres grow without sprawl, he was uncertain about the viability of pushing to four storeys.
“It costs the same to build in Beerwah as it does in Brisbane’s outer suburbs; the only difference is the price of land,” he said. “When that cost is spread across units, it becomes immaterial. With stronger sales closer to Brisbane, it may be a long time before this aspirational zoning becomes reality.”
Mr Raedel applauded Council’s intent but cautioned the higher-density zoning could artificially inflate dwelling availability across the life of the planning scheme. “It’s more of a placeholder for future development — likely not within the lifetime of this scheme, but across generations,” he said.
He said that while councils and governments aimed to curb urban sprawl, many people still dreamed of owning larger blocks. “Higher-density living might better suit the beginning or end of someone’s housing journey,” he said.
To find out more or to have your say, visit: www.haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/newplanningscheme
Swan Street Beerwah residents (right to left) Chris Pritchard, Janet Dews and Marie McGregor.
