The Sunshine Coast Council and Unitywater have established a new policy aimed at encouraging developers to invest in infill development in Nambour and Caloundra.
Unitywater is a statutory authority, governed by an independent board, with three shareholders – the Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast and Noosa Councils; the business provides water supply and sewerage services to Moreton Bay, Noosa and Sunshine Coast residential and business customers.
The joint initiative offers a 50% reduction on council infrastructure charges for targeted developments in defined areas of central Nambour and Caloundra, built to a deadline, and where spare council network capacity exists.
The policy began earlier this month and was made available for any development that doubles, at a minimum, the demand of the site.
The two-year program is capped at $10 million.
Planning Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said it was encouraging to see Unitywater and council partner together to deliver outcomes that would boost the Sunshine Coast economy – Nambour and Caloundra in particular.
“Developers are being given a great opportunity – if they build it, they will benefit – and so will these two very important centres,” Dickson said.
“Infill development has many advantages. Compared to greenfield development, it can be a more cost effective outcome in terms of servicing the development with council and Unitywater infrastructure.”
“More infill development will also assist council deliver infill targets outlined in the South East Queensland Regional Plan,” he said.
While the initiative was only implemented in Nambour and Caloundra, a review of the outcomes will take place to see if there will be potential to extend to other areas.
“Steady and sustainable growth through successful infill development schemes like this help us to create complete, well-functioning neighbourhoods, and continues to support our vision to deliver Australia’s healthy, smart and creative region – for today and for generations to come,” Cr Dickson said.
Unitywater CEO George Theo said Unitywater is matching council’s $10 million commitment in reduced infrastructure charges.
“Having more people using the existing network makes great sense and we look forward to meeting with developers who have interesting plans for these locations.”
