Sunshine Coast Council has agreed to a package of amendments to provide for a revised road network that allows for the continuing delivery of lots in Palmview.
Council agreed to amend the Palmview Infrastructure Agreement and the Structure Plan and Planning Scheme Policy at its Ordinary Meeting last week, changing the sequencing of delivery of road infrastructure.
A council fact sheet on planning for development in Palmview explains that the number of new houses and residents moving into the community triggers the timing for construction of each new road by AVID, the developer of the Harmony estate.
“The aim is to ensure the roads provide adequate capacity for the number of vehicles using them,” it says. “For example, Peter Crosby Way (which was completed in 2017) has been designed to accommodate traffic from up to 4000 new homes. Before the 4000th home is approved and constructed, AVID must construct the next road link.”
Under the previous infrastructure agreement this was the southern link to Caloundra Road.
This would have effectively resulted in the development of the major part of Palmview coming to a halt until mid-2026, when the construction of that road is projected to be complete.
But with the impending completion of the Bruce Highway connection from Palmview, it will instead be recognised as the next road link in council’s planning documents.
A council media release said the Bruce Highway connection road is expected to be delivered by the end of the year.
Related story: ‘Significant challenges’ delay highway connection
Division 6 Councillor Christian Dickson said council had always considered the Bruce Highway connection to be of great importance for the Palmview community and looked forward to AVID completing construction as required by conditions of approval from the state government.
“I have been working with the local community and key stakeholders on this project since 2010 and understand the crucial issues and concerns surrounding road access, the proposed town centre, commercial opportunities, sewerage, water and highway access,” he said.
“There has been a pressing need for the road network to change to avoid the progress of Palmview coming to a complete standstill with no more development, no more infrastructure and no more homes.
“AVID has sought an extension of the state’s deadline to complete the Bruce Highway connection, which is now due to be finished by November 30 and will likely be by the end of the year.
“Once that connection is in place, council will pursue the amendment to the planning documents to implement the revised road network.
“The Bruce Highway connection will greatly assist in the overall safety and efficient functioning of the road network for Palmview by providing a safe and convenient access point to the community in the event that one road may be blocked due to an accident or natural disaster.
“Changes to the road network will not proceed until such time that the Bruce Highway connection has been completed and open to the public.
“Council has a strong legacy of planning positively to accommodate projected future population growth and will continue to work with the state government across a range of areas to effectively address housing availability and affordability challenges.
“In conjunction with council’s decision to revise the road network, council has also secured additional funding for community facilities for the Palmview community that can assist in the funding for future items such as meeting places and a possible new library.”
Related story: Work finally starts on long-awaited access to highway
The agreement will deliver more than $15 million to council to go towards providing community facilities to serve the Palmview community.
The amended planning documents will be publicly available once they have taken effect.
The Bruce Highway connection is one of four roads planned to connect Palmview to the wider community. Peter Crosby Way was completed in 2017, with the future southern road link followed by a connection to Springhill Drive in Sippy Downs.
After launching six years ago, Harmony has become home to about 6200 residents – close to half the community’s projected total population of 13,000.
The community – a $4 billion project – will comprise 4800 homes, a town centre with a supermarket, commercial spaces and dining facilities.
For more information on planning for Palmview click here.
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