Consultation open for development scheme amendment

Community consultation is now underway for a proposed amendment to the Maroochydore City Centre Priority Development Area (PDA) development scheme.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said according to ShapingSEQ – the regional plan for South-East Queensland – an additional 191,600 people were expected to call the Sunshine Coast home by 2041.

“This growth brings with it many exciting opportunities, like creating better connected communities and providing more housing choices,” Mr Dick said.

“To ensure we maximise this potential for future generations, we need to appropriately allocate land in the Sunshine Coast region, and I commend Sunshine Coast Regional Council for looking at ways to accommodate new growth in the area.

“Public consultation is now open for the Maroochydore City Centre PDA development scheme amendment, and I encourage interested parties to make a submission.”

Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said council had planned for forecast population growth over the next 20 years so that it was primarily accommodated in areas connected with and in proximity to facilities, services, transport networks and key employment areas.

“The Maroochydore City Centre – the region’s centrally located commercial centre and a place that will generate thousands of employment opportunities – is ideally placed to accommodate some of this forecast growth, so it’s only appropriate that it plays its part,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“City centres are key activation points and increasingly are the ideal place for people to live, work and recreate. Our Maroochydore City Centre should be no different to other city centres in this regard.

“There is no doubt that momentum and awareness of our new Maroochydore City Centre is growing, and the proposed amendments to the development scheme will enable that to continue.

“This is a major project for the community and will help shape the Sunshine Coast as Australia’s leading healthy, smart and creative region – for today and for future generations.”

Mr Dick said the State Government and council had also committed to a pilot infrastructure coordination plan for the broader Sunshine Coast region.

“This will see state and local government working together on infrastructure priorities aligned with land use planning and local and regional priorities to support growth on the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“With the new Sunshine Coast University Hospital, the Bruce Highway upgrade underway, Sunshine Coast Airport’s expansion and the international broadband submarine cable, the Sunshine Coast has some incredibly exciting infrastructure projects underway.

“Combine this infrastructure investment with growth areas like Maroochydore, Palmview and Caloundra South, and it’s clear the Sunshine Coast is a great location for this infrastructure coordination plan pilot.”

Additionally, Sunshine Coast Council has proposed a strategic land partnership to enhance liveability in the region.

“Economic Development Queensland is working with council on their request to form a joint project team, which will feature representatives from government, council and external groups who together look to boost employment and unlock local economic opportunities,” Mr Dick said.

“Together, these three initiatives are a great example of how state and local governments can work productively to deliver positive progress for Queensland communities.”

The submission period on the proposed amendment to the Maroochydore City Centre Priority Development Area (PDA) Development Scheme will be open until Friday, January 14, 2019.

All submissions received during the submission period will be considered, and following public notification council will prepare a submissions report that will be publicly available.

/Public Release. View in full here.