Controversial Sunshine Coast housing development gains federal environmental approval

A significant housing development proposed for Queensland's Sunshine Coast has moved a step closer to realization after securing federal environmental approval. Stockland, the developer, aims to construct up to 12,000 homes as part of the Aura South project, which has encountered considerable opposition from the Sunshine Coast Council.

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The approval conditions set by the government strengthen Aura South's robust environmental protections, ensuring we're safeguarding the area's natural values while building for the future.

The master-planned community is slated to neighbor the existing Aura estate, which is projected to eventually house 20,000 residences. Concerns had previously been raised by former mayor Mark Jamieson regarding the potential erosion of the inter-urban break between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane, as well as the impact on the Pumicestone Passage, an area protected under the Ramsar Convention.

Stockland announced the approval, which includes specific conditions, under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. General manager David Laner stated in a release that the approval followed extensive environmental studies and community consultations. He emphasized that the government-imposed conditions would enhance existing environmental protections, ensuring the safeguarding of natural values while facilitating future development.

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The development approval is now in the hands of the state, and as a council we want to be at the table.

The proposed site is situated adjacent to the Beerburrum East State forest and the current Aura development. Stockland has indicated that over half of the 1,231-hectare site will be designated as green space. Homes will be constructed at least 1.6 kilometers east of the Bruce Highway, rendering the estate invisible to passing motorists.

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We want to continue to work with them to make sure that the needs of our community are front and foremost.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, when asked about the project, stated that the council would continue to collaborate with the state government. She stressed the council's desire to be involved in ensuring the community's needs are prioritized, focusing on public transport, environmental protection, and the impact on residents' lifestyles. The development is planned to fall within the Northern Inter-Urban Break green belt. However, groups like Take Action Pumicestone Passage still express concerns about the development's environmental impact.

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It's about protecting our lifestyle as well.