Development incentives put Nambour and Caloundra in the spotlight

Stimulating Nambour and Caloundra is the goal of a joint Sunshine Coast Council and Unitywater policy aimed at encouraging developers to invest in infill development in both centres.

Infill development focuses on developing vacant or under-used parcels within already developed urban areas.

The joint initiative offers a 50% reduction on council infrastructure charges for targeted developments in central Nambour and Caloundra built to a deadline and where spare network capacity exists.

Starting from today, the incentive offer is available for any development that doubles, at a minimum, the demand of the site. The two-year program is capped at $10 million.

Planning Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said it was encouraging to see Unitywater and council partner together to deliver outcomes that would boost our Sunshine Coast economy – and Nambour and Caloundra in particular.

“Developers are being given a great opportunity – if they build it, they will benefit – and so will these two very important centres,” Cr Dickson said.

“Infill development has many advantages. Compared to greenfield development, it can be a more cost effective outcome in terms of servicing the development with council and Unitywater infrastructure.

“More infill development will also assist council deliver infill targets outlined in the SEQ Regional Plan.

“The centres of Nambour and Caloundra have been selected to implement this initiative and, depending on the outcomes, there is potential to extend to other areas.

“Affordable living is not just about affordable housing, but rather about making it possible to live in places with good access to public transport and jobs.

“Steady and sustainable growth through successful infill development schemes like this help us to create complete, well-functioning neighbourhoods, and continues to support our vision to deliver Australia’s healthy, smart and creative region – for today and for generations to come.”

Unitywater CEO George Theo said Unitywater is matching council’s $10M commitment in reduced infrastructure charges.

“We are pleased to partner with council in this scheme and have identified where more customers can be connected to existing water and sewage systems, without needing to build more pipes,” Mr Theo said.

“Having more people using the existing network makes great sense and we look forward to meeting with developers who have interesting plans for these locations.”

Visit council’s website for more information about Fees and Infrastructure Charges and the Infill Development Incentives Policy.