A development blueprint for one of Queensland’s largest greenfield growth areas has been approved, paving the way for fast-tracked assessment and approval of 13,000 homes.
The Caboolture West Interim Structure Plan is the green light for the first stages of the creation of a new suburb the size of Rockhampton—the Sunshine State’s fourth largest city.
Encompassing a total of 3480ha about 50km north of Brisbane, it is forecast Caboolture West will grow to about 30,000 new homes and a community of at least 70,000 people during the next 40 years.
As part of the newly approved interim structure plan, 600ha of land has been earmarked for new housing as the Queensland government ramps up its strategy to ease the state’s critical housing shortage.
“Queensland’s population is booming and this has had an impact on housing supply,” Deputy Premier and State Development Minister Steve Miles said.
Under the Caboolture West strategy, he said developers would be able to lodge code assessable subdivision applications, shaving months off assessment processes with a view to bringing more housing to market sooner.
There are already applications lodged with Moreton Bay Regional Council that, when approved, will result in the staged roll out of 13,000 homes in Caboolture West.
“Development applications will be fast-tracked if they align with the plan, meaning more housing will come to market sooner,” Miles said.
“And, importantly, we’ve ensured there will be a diverse and affordable range of housing options.”
As a priority, the plan directs developers to engage with and offer the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy opportunity to purchase land for social and affordable housing.
It also makes provision for four state primary schools and two state secondary schools, four neighbourhood hubs, 15 local parks, two district recreation parks and a local centre and a community facilities hub.
As well, 360ha of environmentally valuable land would be preserved and enhanced.
Already, applications have been lodged with Moreton Bay Regional Council that, pending approval, would lead to the staged roll out of 13,000 new homes in Caboolture West.
The Queensland government is now working with the council to progress to the plan’s next stage, including the potential declaration of a Priority Development Area.
