More than 1800 new homes are set to be fast-tracked in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, with a major state investment aimed at unlocking housing and easing development delays.
A total of $82.9 million will go towards critical infrastructure in the east of the evolving Maroochydore City Centre, paving the way for apartments and improved road connections.
The money, from the $2 billion statewide Residential Activation Fund, will provide a boost towards a $142.7 million project to support the ongoing development of the CBD precinct.
It’s set to accelerate residential development for more than 1800 apartments, and the project scope includes the extension of First Avenue to Dalton Drive, as well as an upgrade to a section of Maud Street.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the funding would make a significant difference.
“This project will transform the housing landscape on the Sunshine Coast and give more Queenslanders a place to call home,” he said.
“Partnering with Sunshine Coast Council to unlock this critical infrastructure will deliver more homes sooner.
“The Residential Activation Fund is just one way the Crisafulli Government is creating jobs, unlocking housing and ensuring that Queensland continues to grow ahead of 2032 and beyond.”
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli welcomed the investment.
“This is a big win for Maroochydore and Sunshine Coast Council,” she said.
“The housing crisis is having a real impact on people’s lives and in our community – whether that’s people struggling to find homes at an affordable rate or businesses, struggling to attract and retain employees.
“We are really pleased to have received funding under the Residential Activation Fund and to be working with the Deputy Premier, Minister Simpson and the Crisafulli Government to get new homes delivered across our region.”
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said housing supply was desperately needed.
“Through this infrastructure fund, the Crisafulli Government is ramping up new housing supply and giving more Queenslanders a place to call home,” she said.
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She said the RAF was a significant step to helping “more Queenslanders realise the dream of owning their own home”.
Meanwhile, the Walker Corporation, which is helping to deliver the Maroochydore City Centre, has been announced as a Foundation Partner of Grow for Gold on the Sunshine Coast, which helps local athletes overcome financial barriers to participation in elite-level competition.
Walker’s Foundation Partnership will help to establish Grow For Gold on the Sunshine Coast, which began on the Gold Coast with Sport Gold Coast and the Gold Coast City Council, to drive fundraising activities and opportunities to assist the region’s Olympic hopefuls.
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