New statistics released today show more than 3800 residential and commercial building approval applications worth close to $600 million were lodged with Townsville City Council in 2021.
Deputy Mayor and Planning and Development committee chairperson Mark Molachino said the lodgements further demonstrated the confidence in the city.
“The year 2021 was another bumper year for the growth and development of Townsville,” Cr Molachino said.
“Some 3,824 residential and commercial building approvals with a combined value of $595 million were lodged with Council in the 12 months to 31 December, up from 3,611 lodgements worth $451 million lodged in 2020.
“This represents a near 6 per cent increase in the number and 31 per cent increase in the value of building approvals lodgements in 2021 compared to 2020.
“These impressive statistics were achieved despite continued uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic and demonstrate the confidence in our city and its future.”
Council also released 714 residential lots for development in 2021, an 18 per cent increase on the 603 lots released in 2020.
“With incentives from all three levels of governments, we’ve seen many people choosing to put down roots and build their home in Townsville,” Cr Molachino said.
“We also saw a substantial increase in plumbing and drainage approvals in 2021 compared with 2020.
“Last year, Council approved 1,137 residential and 345 commercial plumbing permits, which represents a 33 per cent increase in residential and a 22 per cent increase in commercial plumbing permits compared to the previous year.
“Importantly, despite the increase in applications received, the average number of days taken by Council officers to review and approve development applications received is on-par or less than the legislative timeframes.
“On average, material changes of use and operational works applications are being finalised within 38 days, while lot reconfiguration applications are being approved in 39 days. The legislated timeframe for all three categories is 45 days.”
Cr Molachino said Council was committed to providing high-level customer services to support the local economy and delivering application decisions in a timely manner.
“Council is committed to growing Townsville into a globally connected community driven by lifestyle and nature,” Cr Molachino said.
“We are working to achieve that goal through our development incentives package and by ensuring we have competitive infrastructure charges and development application fees compared to the rest of Queensland.”
