A new Priority Development Area (PDA) has been declared to streamline planning for a large community on the Sunshine Coast.
The Halls Creek PDA encompasses more than 1200 hectares south of Caloundra and is expected to streamline delivery of up to 12,000 homes, community facilities, green space and sites for businesses.
The state government issued a media release announcing the PDA, and said an Early Release Area is set to fast-track about 1000 new homes and include a range of housing.
Sunshine Coast Council has reacted to the news by stating that it’s “essential” the local governing body “has a seat at the table” during planning, and that the Beerwah East SEQ Development Area remained its priority location for accommodating growth in the region.
Development of the Halls Creek site, also known as Aura South, was recently granted Federal Environmental Protection Biodiversity Protection approval, while Economic Development Queensland recently approved almost 2900 homes in the neighbouring Caloundra South Priority Development Area, bringing the number of homes in Stockland’s Aura development to 7000.
Preparation for the Halls Creek development scheme will now start, with public consultation planned for later this year.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the PDA declaration was a milestone.
“This is the next step in the evolution of the southern Sunshine Coast as a growing community for families and businesses, and the Crisafulli Government is ensuring the homes, facilities and infrastructure are in place and fast tracked,” he said via the release.
“This new community has the potential to deliver up to 12,000 homes, supported by the schools, parks, jobs and community facilities needed to create a thriving place to live.
“Communities like Halls Creek, together with the neighbouring Caloundra South Priority Development Area, will play an important role as we work towards our target of delivering one million homes by 2044.”
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Member for Caloundra Kendall Hatcher said the declaration was important for the area, which is in the midst of a population boom.
“Something special is taking shape in Caloundra and the new Halls Creek Priority Development Area will help deliver thousands of new homes, quality community facilities, and opportunities for local businesses,” she said.
Housing Industry Association executive director Michael Roberts welcomed the announcement, via the state government media release.
“HIA members continue to report that the chronic shortage of shovel ready land on the Sunshine Coast is constraining the pipeline of new homes, making it difficult to respond to demand, so anything that can unlock land and get homes out of the ground faster is welcome,” he said.
Stockland’s Queensland development general manager David Laner also said the PDA was an important step.
“We welcome the Queensland Government’s declaration of the Halls Creek PDA, which recognises the site’s strategic location and ability to leverage existing and planned state infrastructure, including The Wave heavy rail project and regional road upgrades,” he said.
“The PDA has the potential to support a well-planned community … while helping accommodate the growth needed to maximise major regional investments and support the Sunshine Coast’s role in the lead up to and beyond the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News that it would be crucial for the local governing body to be prominent during planning.
“Sunshine Coast Council acknowledges the Queensland Government’s announcement that Halls Creek has been declared a Priority Development Area and made available for urban development.
“Council recognises the state’s role as the planning authority and understands the broader context of regional growth pressures.
“It is essential that council has a seat at the table as planning progresses, to ensure that infrastructure, transport connections, environmental protections and community services are appropriately planned and funded to support any future development.
“Council’s focus will be on ensuring any future development is supported by the right infrastructure, delivered at the right time, to meet the needs of both new and existing communities.”
“At the same time, council maintains that the Beerwah East SEQ Development Area remains the priority location for accommodating medium to long-term growth on the Sunshine Coast and looks forward to working closely with the state government to support its timely progression.
“Our priority remains clear: to represent our community’s interests while upholding the values we are entrusted to protect, especially our vital role in preserving the Sunshine Coast’s distinct character, identity and lifestyle.”
The Halls Creek proposal had previously been met with stiff opposition, with the council previously backing Beerwah East, which is mostly owned by the state, as a future growth area, and saying the EPBC referral had “no lawful basis”.
But a council spokesperson had said the Aura South proposal might be needed to help it meet population targets set by the state.
“Under ShapingSEQ 2023, council’s planning scheme is required to plan for an additional 84,000 dwellings and 219,100 people between 2021 and 2046.”
