Hundreds of stakeholders have come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the Sunshine Coast’s proposed new planning scheme, which will set a vision for the region through to 2046.
It comes as the leader of a Sunshine Coast business group stresses the need for balanced community discussion on the draft plan, after it also hosted a discussion on the matter.
The draft scheme, unveiled amid a $10billion infrastructure pipeline leading up to the 2032 Olympic Games, lays out a vision for managing growth, increasing density and improving liveability in the region. It is open for public consultation until September 19.
Some community groups have already flagged concerns with the draft plan, particularly its increased densities and building heights. Among the biggest changes are around Maroochydore, where new height limits of up to 18 storeys or 60m have been proposed.
The Plan Sunshine Coast business lunch brought leaders from government, development and economics to the Maroochy RSL.
Among the key speakers were Ray White Group chief economist Nerida Conisbee, Project Urban director Andrew Stevens and Walker Corporation senior development manager Chris Graham.
Ms Conisbee highlights the shortage of affordable housing as a critical issue and says infill development is expected to dominate new supply.
“The last time we built enough homes to meet demand was in 2007,” she says.
“Since then, the availability of affordable homes has dropped dramatically, pushing many buyers out of the market entirely.”
However, speakers at the event warned the draft scheme may fall short of enabling sufficient housing supply unless major planning reforms are introduced.
“It’s encouraging to see strategic thinking but the town plan doubles the assessment criteria for applications and imposes rigid diversity requirements,” Mr Stevens says.
“These add unnecessary cost and complexity for developers, which inevitably flows on to buyers.”
The Sunshine Coast Business Council (SCBC) also recently brought together 25 industry, business and local council representatives to discuss the strategies, assumptions and targets that underpin the draft scheme.
Chair Sandy Zubrinich says the meeting was aimed at putting the region’s future planning needs under the microscope.
“The debate was robust and informed by facts and reasoning which often tested council’s direction, strategies and modelling,” she says.
“Land supply, zones, codes, consolidation, expansion areas, quality of life, population and housing targets were all covered.
“In principle, the SCBC supported the direction taken on consolidation, subject to further details regarding associated development and design codes.
“On the other hand, we believe the expansion strategies are too limited and must be expanded in line with the guidance provided in the SEQ Regional Plan.
“Some points made by industry affirmed the need for clarity and vision on what the planning scheme is being designed to achieve.”
Mayor Rosanna Natoli has previously encouraged locals to explore the proposed scheme and share their views.
“Whether you support the plan or have concerns, we want to hear from you,” she says.
“This is about shaping the Sunshine Coast we all want: now and into the future.”
Ray White Maroochydore principal Dan Sowden also called on the community to engage with the consultation process.
“We are at a defining moment for the Sunshine Coast. Our region is growing faster than almost anywhere else in Australia but we face some of the toughest housing and planning challenges,” he says.
“This town plan gives us the framework but it’s up to us to shape it into something that actually delivers for the next generation.”
Find the proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme at haveyoursay.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
