Building heights in the Kawana Waters suburb of Birtinya will increase to up to 18 storeys, as Sunshine Coast Council looks to increase housing supply in the region.
Council has opened community consultation on a proposed Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) which would also allow for the development of a hotel as the area prepares to co-host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Sunshine Coast Division 3 Councillor Tim Burns said the initiative aimed to create a greater variety of housing and accommodation opportunities in the emerging Birtinya Town Centre.
Cr Burns said amending the planning framework for Birtinya would allow for more residential development in the town centre, to meet the growing needs of the 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.”
He said 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.”
Cr Burns said the proposal would 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 would remain unchanged.
He said the TLPI would also allow for the development of hotel accommodation at Eastbank, next to Sportsmans Parade, to capitalise on the region’s tourism needs now and in the lead-up to the 2032 Games.
“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.”
Local residents have until November 12 to have their say.
