By Sonia Isaacs
THE Queensland Government today (July 17) declared the Halls Creek Priority Development Area (PDA), paving the way for up to 12,000 new homes on the southern Sunshine Coast in one of the region’s largest proposed residential developments.
The 1,200-hectare PDA, south of Caloundra, is designed to accelerate housing delivery alongside schools, parks, employment land and community infrastructure, with an Early Release Area expected to fast-track about 1,000 homes.
Today’s declaration follows the project’s recent approval under the Commonwealth’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, removing a major planning hurdle and allowing detailed planning to begin.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the declaration was an important milestone in meeting housing demand while planning for the Sunshine Coast’s continued growth.
“This is the next step in the evolution of the southern Sunshine Coast as a growing community for families and businesses, and the Crisafulli Government is ensuring the homes, facilities and infrastructure are in place and fast tracked,” Mr Bleijie said.
He said the proposed community had the potential to deliver up to 12,000 homes supported by schools, parks, jobs and community facilities.
“This is the fourth Priority Development Area we have declared in less than two years to ensure supply is unlocked, so more Queenslanders can have a place to call home.”
Economic Development Queensland will now prepare a Development Scheme for the PDA, with public consultation scheduled to begin later this year before the planning framework is finalised.
The Halls Creek PDA adjoins the Caloundra South PDA, where almost 2,900 additional homes were recently approved within Stockland’s Aura community, bringing the total approved homes in Aura to about 7,000.
Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher said the declaration would provide the planning framework needed to support the region’s growing population.
“Something special is taking shape in Caloundra and the new Halls Creek Priority Development Area will help deliver thousands of new homes, quality community facilities, and opportunities for local businesses,” she said.
Housing Industry Association executive director Michael Roberts welcomed the announcement, saying increasing the supply of development-ready land was critical to improving housing affordability.
Stockland Queensland development general manager David Laner said the PDA recognised the site’s strategic location and its connection to existing and planned infrastructure, including The Wave rail project and future road upgrades.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said council recognised the need for more housing but would continue advocating for transport infrastructure, environmental protection and preserving the region’s lifestyle as planning progressed.
Division 1 Councillor Jenny Broderick has previously stressed infrastructure must keep pace with growth.
“This isn’t one of those developments that we want to see go ahead without the infrastructure and then having the cost fall back on our ratepayers,” Cr Broderick said.
Public consultation on the Halls Creek Development Scheme is expected to commence later this year before the final planning framework is adopted.