Townsville’s northern suburbs are experiencing a surge in residential growth, with Mount Low, Burdell and Shaw noted as having the most residential lots approved for release in Townsville City Council’s Development Activity Report – Quarter 1 – 2022/23.
The report, presented at today’s Ordinary Council meeting, outlined residential lots approved for release along with development applications lodged, residential building data, commercial building data and prelodgement data.
Planning and Development Committee chairperson Mark Molachino said Townsville’s construction industry employed about 8950 people and generated more than $3 billion in sales annually.
“The housing and development sector across Australia has taken a hit from upward inflation pressures which are lowering confidence for people to enter the market, but despite the cost of living rising we’re still seeing considerable residential interest in our city,” Cr Molachino said.
“The continuing demand for residential lots has been felt most in Mount Low, Burdell and Shaw in the first quarter for the 2022/23 financial year, with other desirable suburbs like Ooonoonba, Alligator Creek and Castle Hill making the top 10 list.
“During the 2021/22 financial year Burdell topped our list of residential lots released by suburb with 158 lots released. This was followed by Bohle Plains, Julago, Jensen, Mount Louisa and Shaw.”
Cr Molachino said Townsville was in a prime position to attract businesses to the city, with Council focusing on growing Townsville into a leading centre of education, training and research commercialisation.
“Council is committed to growing Townsville into a highly liveable city that is the hub for modern industry, which means we’re zeroing in on attracting employers to the region. This growth area is spurring an increase in individuals and businesses choosing to live and invest in Townsville,” Cr Molachino said.
“Commercial building approvals are holding steady, with 62 approved in quarter one. While these approvals aren’t all in the works phase yet, this data is still a strong show of confidence in the commercial development sector for Townsville, including a 41 per cent increase in approvals between the 2019/2020 financial year and the 2021/2022 financial year.
“Health facilities have topped the commercial building works investment list, with non-dwelling residential and warehouses following close behind. These industries are continuing to invest in Townsville and it’s great to see locals secure employment in these rapidly expanding areas.
“Development applications are also remaining stable, with 97 applications lodged with Council in the first quarter of 2022/23. These applications include material change of use, reconfiguration of a lot, operational works and development building works.”
