Two Noosa projects are in the first of a two-stage fast-track approval process under the State Facilitated Development (SFD) program which this week saw the first project at Robina to be given the green light under the scheme.
Planning Minister Meaghan Scanlon has declared the Walker Group’s build-to-sell proposal of 2750 homes in Robina a State Facilitated Development (SFD), alongside a 45-home project at Wakerley.
The SFD pathway, established as part of the government’s Homes for Queenslanders plan, expedites approvals for projects that align with the government’s focus on affordable and well-located housing.
Through this process, once declared by the Minister, applications can be assessed within a minimum of 75 business days. Projects are required to get shovels in the ground within two years of approval.
The declared projects at Robina and Wakerley are among 12 sites currently being considered for pilot projects under the SFD pathway to deliver nearly 5000 homes, with more than a quarter to be affordable.
Among the other proposals are a 195-unit development at Noosa Junction and a 40-unit development at Tewantin as well as a 525-home development in Indooroopilly and a 305-unit project at Milton.
The others are in Redland Bay, Forest Lake, Toowoomba, Lutwyche, Pallara and Woolloongabba, where a 435-home project over is planned near the Buranda public transport hub.
“Remove the barriers, speed up approvals and you’ll fuel housing construction – that’s what industry told us, so that’s what we did,” Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said.
“If all are declared, the pilot projects alone will unlock more than 4,945 homes in places that are well-located to the transport, schools, jobs and services that people need.
“This process isn’t a free pass, though. Buildings are required to be substantially underway within two years.
“I’m about more housing so my generation can afford to get into the market and that means moving faster.”
