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Federal approval granted for Queensland housing project

Stockland's Aura South development received federal environmental approval under the EPBC Act. The project could add up to 12,000 homes south of Caloundra, subject to further state approvals.

Abc
1 source·May 28, 9:23 PM(19 hrs ago)·1m read
Federal approval granted for Queensland housing projectAbc
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A housing development planned for Queensland's Sunshine Coast received federal environmental approval on Wednesday. The approval allows planning to move forward on up to 12,000 homes on a 1,231-hectare site. More than half of the land would remain green space, and homes would be built at least 1.6 kilometres east of the Bruce Highway.

Next steps The project still requires state-level approvals before construction can begin. Stockland stated the development could start delivering housing by 2029. Sunshine Coast Council had submitted conditions during the federal review. Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the council wants to remain involved as the state considers the proposal.

Ken Mewburn of Take Action Pumicestone Passage said the group remains concerned about effects on the Pumicestone Passage, a Ramsar-listed wetland located about 3 kilometres from the site. Caloundra Chamber of Commerce president Michael Shadforth described the combined Aura developments as a major growth area for the southern Sunshine Coast.

Buying agent Tim Thompson said the additional supply could help younger buyers enter the market.

Key Facts

12,000 homes
maximum number planned for Aura South site
1,231 hectares
total size of the development site
1.6 kilometres
minimum distance from Bruce Highway
2029
earliest possible start of housing delivery

Story Timeline

2 events
  1. Wednesday

    Stockland announced federal approval with conditions under the EPBC Act.

    1 sourceAbc
  2. Earlier this year

    Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said further approvals were required.

    1 sourceAbc

Potential Impact

  1. 01

    State government will now decide on remaining approvals for the project.

  2. 02

    Council plans to seek input on transport and environmental conditions.

  3. 03

    Additional housing supply could ease pressure on local market entry.

Transparency Panel

Sources cross-referenced1
Confidence score65%
Synthesized bySubstrate AI
Word count167 words
PublishedMay 28, 2026, 9:23 PM
Bias signals removed1 across 1 outlet
Signal Breakdown
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