State designates Qld suburb for growth
The Queensland state government has targeted a Sunshine Coast suburb as a priority development area (PDA), aiming to improve the city over the next 20 years.
Maroochydore city centre is set to become a leading business, community services and employment hub for the Sunshine Coast after the Queensland government’s announcement last week.
Sunshine Coast acting mayor Chris Thompson said the future of Maroochydore becoming the region’s capital was one step closer with the declaration.
“This is a major boost for the Maroochydore city centre and investment confidence in our region, which is what the region will be seeking to achieve through its new economic development strategy,” Mr Thompson said.
The council also acquired the 53-hectare Horton Park Golf Club site in a multi-million dollar deal, which will allow the development of further infrastructure and address transport issues in Maroochydore.
“It is important that we now finalise the Maroochydore City Centre PDA Development Scheme to attract strong investment, detail productive land usage and deliver key regional infrastructure including roads, services, community and cultural spaces together with land for business investment,” Mr Thompson said.
Deputy premier and minister for state development infrastructure and planning Jeff Seeney was excited by the prospect.
“This PDA is set to reinvigorate Maroochydore while boosting local business and jobs,” he said.
“The preparation of the development scheme is a 12-month process and during this time the community will have the opportunity to comment on the draft documents to ensure any plans for the Maroochydore City Centre PDA complement their expectations.
“In the meantime, the Interim Land Use Plan is now in place for the next 12 months to enable development to be considered on key sites within the PDA.”
