Mayor welcomes building boost

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson has welcomed the latest building approval figures which show the region’s economy is headed in the right direction.

“These figures are really encouraging, and although there is a way to go yet, they do provide reasons for some optimism,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The Sunshine Coast had the biggest increase in the state in the August 2013 building approvals figures – with a 27% increase on last month – and nearly double the approvals compared to last year.

“No-one is getting too carried away, as those improvements are from a relatively low base – but I am cautiously optimistic.

“I’d also like to think that some of the measures this council has taken over the past 17 months have helped to increase confidence in the building industry.

“The scrapping of pre-lodgement fees for discussions on possible development applications, and the reduction of other charges have shown that this council means business.

“We followed that with Build and Benefit incentives to unlock previously approved developments which had still not started.”

August 2013 building approvals – Queensland (courtesy Masters Builders)

Region	Aug 13	Jul 13	Aug 12	% change<br>Jul 13-Aug 13	% change<br>Aug 12-Aug 13
Brisbane	1,216	1,444	1,047	-15.8%	16.1%
Gold Coast	259	266	209	-2.6%	23.9%
Sunshine Coast	223	175	118	27.4%	89.0%
Burnett Wide Bay	143	119	122	20.2%	17.2%
Darling Downs & South West Queensland	160	160	220	0.0%	-27.3%
Central Queensland	131	251	262	-47.8%	-50.0%
Mackay & Whitsunday	203	196	349	3.6%	-41.8%
North Queensland	124	125	148	-0.8%	-16.2%
Far North Queensland	80	78	68	2.6%	17.6%