Significant developments map | Sunshine Coast Council

Accommodating the Sunshine Coast’s rapidly expanding aging population has become a key trend for development applicants, according to council’s latest map of significant developments.

The 2015/16 Significant Developments Map[2071KB] highlights the diversity of development types, as well as their broad geographic spread across the region.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said the Significant Developments Map gave a clear insight into the larger developments that have either been approved or lodged through council’s system between September 2015 and September 2016.

“This map provides a handy visual snapshot of the type of development that is planned and where it is happening across the Sunshine Coast,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“At a glance, we can clearly see a significant increase in the number of both lodged and approved aged care, residential care and retirement type applications.

“There is no doubt that the world’s population is changing.

“People are living longer and our region continues to be an attractive location to retire as represented through our aging population.

“There has been a significant increase in approved applications for aged care, residential care and retirement facilities during 2015-16 compared to the previous 12 months. This aligns with the demographics for the region.

“It’s important to consider our future population’s needs and ensure we provide developments that can help meet the demand for quality aged care services in our community.”

Sundale CEO Glenn Bunney said there was a growing demand nationally for suitable accommodation for older Australians, which was the catalyst behind submitting a multi-million dollar upgrade proposal to council for its Nambour facility.

“In a bid to meet community needs and improve the ageing Doolan Street site, we proposed to double the residential capacity of the complex,” Mr Bunney said.

“We worked closely with council throughout the planning process of this significant development application.

“The recently approved application saw our site's 300 residents become 600, along with expanding our rehabilitation services, upgrading the clubhouse facilities and adding on-site GP clinic, not just for residents, but for people in the community.”

Joint managing directors of retirement community Halcyon Landing, Bevan Geissmann and Paul Melville, have also recently received approval for their purchased 13-hectare site within Parklakes 2 to construct a second over-50s lifestyle resort in Bli Bli.

Dr Geissmann said the decision to push ahead with Halcyon Lakeside demonstrated the ongoing demand for this style of housing and housing and Halcyon’s lifestyle model in the region.

“The Halcyon Lakeside development follows on from the success of the 171-home Halcyon Landing community at Bli Bli, which is now completely sold out,” Dr Geissmann said.

“The Sunshine Coast is favoured by retirees for its climate, lifestyle and amenities. These drawcards have been reflected in strong sales.”

In the 2015/2016 financial year, council approved 721 integrated living units, 259 low care units and 199 high care units.

According to council’s ongoing audit, there are 5008 integrated living units (ILUs), 1365 low care units and 1387 high care units on the Sunshine Coast.

Planning Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said it was also encouraging to see high level details of both lodged and approved subdivisions, residential developments, commercial/industrial developments, community facilities and building approvals.

"It's great to have more infrastructure and facilities for the region," Cr Dickson said.

“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.”

A selection of significant developments include:

2563 Lots Aura Caloundra South at Bells Creek Road, Bells Creek – Approved DEV2010/101, DEV2013/426, DEV2013/439 and DEV2013/430
188 Lots at Parklakes 2 Estate Camp Flat Road and Yandina-Bli Bli Road, Bli Bli – Approved REC15/0072 and REC15/0159
150 Lots at Maroochy Boulevard, Maroochydore – Approved REC15/0102
117 Lots at Abbotts Road, Palmwoods – Approved REC14/0159
276 House Retirement Community and 120 Bed Aged Care Facility at Caloundra Road and Westaway Road, Little Mountain – Approved MCU15/0311
231 Unit Retirement Facility/Resort at Camp Flat Road, Bli Bli – Approved MCU16/0006
218 Unit Aged Care, Retirement Village and Childcare at Doolan Street and Carter Road, Nambour – Approved MCU15/0184
175 Multiple Dwelling Units at Parklands Boulevard, Little Mountain – Approved MCU15/0042
145 Bed Aged Care Facility at Riveraine Avenue, Warana – Approved MCU15/0186
143 Unit 8 Storey High-rise and health care services/food and drink/shops and offices at The Esplanade and Memorial Avenue, Maroochydore – Approved MCU15/0305 and MCU15/0126
140 Unit Retirement Community at Innovation Parkway, Birtinya – Approved MPC16/0001
108 Bed Aged Care Facility at Amity Avenue, Maroochydore – Approved MCU16/0017
94 Unit and Shops 7 Storey High-rise at Bermagui Crescent and Lowanna Drive, Buddina – Approved MCU15/0303
60 Unit 8 Storey High-rise at Shine Court, Birtinya – Approved MCU16/0106
60 Unit 8 Storey High-rise at Bright Place, Birtinya – Approved MCU16/0122
60 Unit 8 Storey High-rise at Shine Court, Birtinya – Approved MCU16/0165
Nature Based Tourism at Irwin Road, Beerwah – Approved MCU15/0249
Shopping Centre at Point Cartwright Drive, Buddina – Approved MCU15/0111
Shopping Centre at Sunrise Drive, Maroochydore – ApprovedMCU15/0196
Shopping Centre, Hotel, Office, Health Care Services at David Low Way and Bli Bli Road, Bli Bli – ApprovedMCU15/0168
Shopping Centre Extensions at Point Cartwright Drive, Buddina – ApprovedMCU15/0247
Youi Office, Food and Drink outlet at Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs – Approved MCU15/0045
$22m Aged Care Facility at Birtinya Boulevard, Birtinya – Approved PC15/5794
$20m 22 Unit 5 Storey High-rise at Buderim Avenue, Mooloolaba – Approved PC15/5723
$14m Aged Care Facility at Ocean Drive, Twin Waters – Approved PC15/6967
$13m Supermarket at Sippy Downs Drive, Sippy Downs – Approved PC15/4515
$11.6m 60 Unit 8 Storey High-rise - Bright Court Birtinya – ApprovedPC16/4099
$10m 67 Unit 13 Storey Mixed Use High-rise at First Avenue, Mooloolaba – Approved PC15/6403