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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.
May 28, 5:23 PM·1m read1 source
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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.
