Queensland’s Planning Minister has approved 20 amendments to the Gold Coast City Plan which are expected to allow the Council to approve hundreds of new housing lots.
Deputy Premier and Planning Minister, Steven Miles said the approval was an important step forward and allowed Council to progress development approvals across the City.
“I’d like to recognise the work undertaken by Council and Mayor Tate to propose changes to the plan which will increase housing supply,” Mr Miles said.
“Getting the City Plan right is crucial to cater for population growth, ensuring the Gold Coast remains a liveable place for the community.”
The Minister approved 20 changes to the City Plan proposed by Council, including the Upper Coomera investigation area, which is expected to deliver around 730 additional dwellings in the Gold Coast.
“Now more than ever, it is important that our planning schemes are regulating development that delivers essential needs of the community needs like affordable housing,” said Mr Miles.
“The Gold Coast City Council’s proposed amendment package is large and complex and includes a number of changes in response to submissions received during the four rounds of public consultation.”
Gold Coast-based Minister, Meaghan Scanlon said unlocking hundreds of additional dwellings would bolster housing supply for families in the city, and build on close to 600 social homes being delivered by the State Government on the coast.
“This just demonstrates that it’s not just one sector or level of government that can address housing, rather we need a collaborative effort to make sure there’s more housing for families on our coast,” Ms Scanlon said.
“Giving certainty in the city plan makes sure that we can also deliver the infrastructure our growing city needs, like major M1 upgrades, the Coomera Connector, a new hospital on the northern Gold Coast and light rail as well as more good jobs.”
The Planning Department preliminarily assessed 13 further amendments and advised they would continue to engage with Council to refine those proposals before council progresses future changes to the planning scheme.
The Queensland Government’s Housing Summit will be held this week.
For information on the City Plan Major update 2 & 3 review, go to the Plan-making dashboard: https://planning.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/planning-framework/plan-making/local-planning/plan-making-dashboard (Reference: MA-00010)
