Building industry snapshot commends council’s efforts
Master Builders Queensland has highlighted the strength of the Sunshine Coast’s building and construction industry in its 2017 annual industry outlook.
Master Builders Queensland has highlighted the strength of the Sunshine Coast’s building and construction industry in its 2017 annual industry outlook.
Master Builders Association regional manager Will Wilson said the industry outlook illustrated that the industry is riding high on record building approvals, with total building approvals continuing at an historic high.
“The Sunshine Coast Local Government Area benefits from significant capital investment and a regional council who understands the importance of the right type of development,” Mr Wilson said.
“South-East Queensland alone is responsible for 90% of Queensland approvals during the past 12 months.
“The $1.8 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital is the latest addition to a thriving health and aged care sector that has been a stabilising factor for the local economy, attracting big business to the Coast and breaking the traditional boom bust cycle.
“Looking forward, there will certainly be opportunities as projects related to the hospital, new Maroochydore city centre, Caloundra South (Aura) and Palmview (Harmony) get underway.”
Planning Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said it’s pleasing that industry experts were recognising council’s efforts to provide the right conditions for developments to prosper in the right locations.
“It’s evident that the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 is continuing to provide clear guidance and support to ongoing development applications,” Cr Dickson said.
“Currently the Sunshine Coast is providing a record high 13% of the total residential and non-residential building approvals value in Queensland.
“Steady and sustainable growth in development across the region has positive flow-on effects that contribute to increased economic activity across the region, including employment generation, business confidence and consumer spending.
“Game-changing projects such as the Sunshine Coast University Hospital and development of the new Maroochydore CBD and Sippy Downs town centre have been setting the scene for increased local employment and new investment opportunities.
“Likewise, the future expansion of the Sunshine Coast Airport and feasibility investigations into a future light rail network between Caloundra and Maroochydore are increasing the desirability of the Sunshine Coast as a location to live, work and play.”