$277 million in building approvals last quarter

Sunshine Coast continues to show strong growth in development activity across the region with council registering $277 million of building approvals in the October to December 2014 quarter.

“These figures show an 11% increase over the same quarter in 2013 and are 121% up on approvals in the same quarter 2012.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said the steady growth across a range of development types demonstrated continued growth of confidence in the local market.

Residential approvals are being supported by an increase in commercial activities that lead to future employment opportunities.

Residential developments were approved in Pacific Paradise, Palmwoods, Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headlands as well as number of commercial projects in the Kawana Health Precinct.

During the second quarter of the 2014/15 financial year, 610 lots from 64 applications were approved under the plan sealing process, with 75% of the lots resulting from 14 applications.

“We have now settled into a steady level of growth that aligns with our vision to become Australia’s most sustainable region,” Mayor Jamieson said.

Planning Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said development activity contributed to more than 2000 lots being made available to the market through council’s development approval process during 2014.

“During the October to December 2014 quarter, 112 planning certificates were processed, a 30% increase from the previous period.

“Planning certificates are site specific and are primarily used for property conveyancing and are an encouraging indicator for the local property market.

“It is also rewarding to see the positive response to council’s continued development of fast and effective alternatives to traditional lodgement channels.

“Over the past year, more than 80% of all development, building and plumbing applications were received through council’s electronic portals.

“Access to online development information and the ability to lodge applications electronically is now available 24/7, and the take up of these alternative methods shows council’s continued responsiveness to the changing needs of the region.

“Confidence in the Sunshine Coast region, together with the ease in doing business, is resulting in millions of dollars being invested in the Sunshine Coast economy. “

The Development Indicator reports are an important tool for measuring and comparing development activity on the Sunshine Coast.

The current report highlights significant developments and their current status, and a spatial map illustrates development activity across the region.

Current and previous reports are available on council’s website at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.

Information on development related enquires including land uses, development activity, subdivisions, application lodgements and planning scheme queries can be made by emailing [email protected] or phoning 5475 7526.

FAST FACTS:

Development indicators October to December 2014:

• $277 million of total building approvals received in the second quarter of 2014/15, an 11% increase compared to the $249 million of approvals in the same period in 2013/14.
• 610 lots endorsed by council through the plan sealing process, with 75% of these lots from 14 applications
• 45% of approvals relate to new dwellings, 17% to multiple residential units and 15% to shop and business premises
• 83% of all development, building and plumbing applications were received via council’s electronic portals
• 100% of material change of use and reconfiguration applications (91 submissions) were received electronically
• 112 planning certificates were received during the quarter, a 30% increase from the previous quarter
• Significant development applications lodged in October to December 2014 include:
• 119 site Relocatable Home Park at Pacific Paradise (A) –  MCU14/0074
• 121 Lot Subdivision application at 50 Abbotts Rd, Palmwoods (L) –  REC14/0159
• 12 storey 67 Unit high-rise at First Av Mooloolaba (L) - MCU14/0156
• 58 Multiple Dwelling Units at 3 Mari St Alexandra Headland (L) – MCU14/0205
• Retirement Village, Shop & Restaurant at Freshwater St, Mountain Creek (L)– MCU14/0194
• Details of all development applications are available via  PD Online.

Applications lodged (L) and approved (A)

• Quarterly Development Indicator reports up to December 31, 2014 are available on council’s website.