Yesterday, I was privileged to present at the UDIA’s Sunshine Coast event. As Chair of UDIA’s Planning Scheme Committee, I am acutely aware of the housing affordability crisis on the Sunshine Coast and the urgent action required to address it.
Sunshine Coast’s population is expected to grow from 346,600 in 2021 to 565,700 in 2046, resulting in the need for an additional 84,800 dwellings. Due to the ageing population, there will be an increase in single-person households and higher small household-to-small dwelling ratios.
It is crucial that all planning authorities and the development industry achieve the minimum 60/40 dwelling consolidation/expansion ratio, while moving towards a 70/30 ratio. New communities will need to achieve a net residential density of 20-30 dwellings/ha or 40-80 dwellings/ha if within walking distance to an existing or proposed public transport station.
The inclusion of Yandina North in the Urban Footprint represents a significant opportunity for residential growth in the hinterland, however the timing of the development of this area remains hamstrung by Government master planning processes. The regional plan has also missed opportunities for growth in areas such as Tanawha, Forest Glen and Diddillibah.
It is critical for State Government to hold Councils accountable to achieve minimum density requirements in high amenity areas, ie locations with attributes that lend themselves to greater housing density and diversity. The State Government has a suite of tools available to compel and direct Council’s to achieve the desired outcomes in these areas.
It is equally important for State Government to support “essential enablers” for delivering development targets, specifically the establishment of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) network as proposed in the Sunshine Coast Public Transport Project. Existing centres located on the BRT route will accommodate the highest densities on the Sunshine Coast. Mixed-use centres, including high-density residential development, will be co-located with stations, with medium density development established within walking distance.
The draft Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme is fundamental in achieving increased development densities that are mandated by the Regional Plan. The new scheme must allow for planning and approval of increased densities in line with future BRT stations and include development codes that reflect and encourage usage of the BRT network, such as reduced car parking requirements, increased density and increased building height.
Andrew is a Town Planner and the Group Managing Director of Project Urban Pty Ltd. He is skilled in the facilitation and strategic planning of major projects. His extensive experience and involvement in the development industry has contributed to significant changes for planning and development across the state. Andrew is a respected member of the community and is the past-President of the UDIA Sunshine Coast, a position he held for 5 years.
