State’s $33m spend boosts GC developer’s hopes
Gold Coast developer GRW Group, the company behind the $400 million masterplanned Whitsunday Paradise community in North Queensland, has applauded the State Government’s decision to inject $33 million into sewerage infrastructure in Bowen.
The Queensland Government announced that would spend $53.5 million under its Residential Activation Fund for three critical projects in North Queensland to provide infrastructure to help unlock more than 6,250 new homes.
One of the projects – a $33 million contribution towards the $35 million Build Bowen South Utilities project - will deliver a new 30km sewer main, five new sewage pump stations, and the upgrade of existing infrastructure to front door of the Whitsunday Paradise project.
GRW Group chairman Yu Sui said the grant would be a catalyst for development in the region.
Mr Sui said his company had already held meetings Whitsunday Regional Council this year regarding the lodgement of an application to develop the first stage of the project as part of the solution to the local housing crisis.
Stage One of the 2000-dwelling Whitsunday Paradise will include housing, townhouses and workers accommodation.
Mr Sui said the region desperately needed more housing as a series of major industry projects near approval stages.
“The Bowen region is experiencing a severe housing crisis, and the Whitsunday Paradise community can help provide a solution that will provide long-term benefits to the regional economy,” he said.support both greenfield and infill housing developments within the Whitsunday Regional Council.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the Residential Activation Fund was set to unlock thousands of new homes across Queensland.
“These partnerships with local councils and private landowners will transform the housing landscape in regional, rural and remote Queensland and give more Queenslanders a place to call home,’’ said Mr Bleijie.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines and Member for Burdekin Dale Last said the investment would deliver long-term benefits for local families and communities.
“By delivering this infrastructure, we’re making sure that housing supply in North Queensland keeps pace with population growth so that young people can afford to stay and raise a family here,’’ Mr Last said.
“This investment will unlock thousands of homes and give young families the certainty they need with a place to call home.
“Every new home means more tradie jobs, more business for local suppliers and more confidence in our region’s future.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins said the investment would unlock the next stage of growth for the Whitsundays providing backbone infrastructure to enable more than 960 dwellings over the next decade.
“This funding partnership ensures we can deliver the utilities that underpin livable communities, support housing affordability, and help families put down roots in our region,” Cr Collins said.
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