Housing boost for growing area: have your say

Community consultation is open for a proposed Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) which aims to create a greater variety of housing and accommodation opportunities in the emerging Birtinya Town Centre.

This initiative looks to amend the planning framework for Birtinya to allow for more residential development in the town centre, to meet the growing needs of our community and in response to the housing crisis on the Sunshine Coast.

Birtinya Town Centre sits within the Development Control Plan for Kawana Waters and is designated as a Major Regional Activity Centre with retail, offices and high-density residential development.

The TLPI proposes to increase the maximum building height across the town centre from 10 storeys to 15 storeys, and allow for up to three 18-storey buildings. It will also require new residential developments to contribute to the supply of housing diversity and affordability.

Sunshine Coast Division 3 Councillor Tim Burns encouraged residents and businesses to have their say by November 12, 2024.

“This proposal came about because of the urgent need for more residential development amidst a housing crisis,” Mr Burns said.

“Birtinya Town Centre is an ideal location to provide more residential density as it already has the infrastructure capacity to support additional development.  

“By increasing the housing supply in a well-serviced area, we can offer diverse and affordable housing and accommodation options that cater to everyone, while supporting a lively town centre.

“The proposal also enables the development of hotel accommodation along the east bank of Lake Kawana – next to Sportsmans Parade – to capitalise on the region’s tourism needs now, and as we prepare to co-host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We are committed to creating a vibrant and sustainable future for Birtinya and surrounds and these proposed changes will enhance the overall liveability and vibrancy of the area.

“Council is committed to understanding the community’s views on the proposed TLPI to help inform any decision.”

Please visit haveyoursay.qld.gov.au for more information and to provide feedback by November 12, 2024. 

Pop-up sessions will also be held at Birtinya Shopping Centre between 10am – midday, October 26 and 3-5pm, November 7, 2024 where you can speak with a Council officer.

Next steps

Following the consideration of community feedback, Council will decide whether to proceed with the TLPI. If Council decides to proceed, the TLPI will be submitted to the State Planning Minister for approval.

Subject to receiving the Planning Minister’s approval, Council can adopt the TLPI and it will apply for a period of up to two years, during which time the Council is required to amend the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme to reflect the provisions if they are to be made permanent.

Proposed changes include:

The Planning Act 2016 enables a local government to make a TLPI to address urgent and emergent planning matters.

The TLPI will:

• allow the maximum building height across the town centre to be increased from 10 storeys to 15 storeys, and up to three taller buildings of no more than 18 storeys
• require new residential developments to contribute to the supply of housing diversity and affordability
• shift unutilised population allocations from the already fully developed Development Control Plan precincts to the town centre, so the total population allowed under the Kawana Waters DCP will remain unchanged
• allow for the development of hotel accommodation at Eastbank – next to Sportsmans Parade – to capitalise on the region’s tourism needs now, and as we prepare to co-host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.