Housing boost and more green space for Birtinya

A greater variety of housing and accommodation opportunities and more green space may be on the horizon in the emerging Birtinya Town Centre.

Sunshine Coast Council will progress the making of a Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) which will now be forwarded to the Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations for consideration.

The proposed TLPI looks to amend the planning framework to allow for more residential development in the town centre, to meet the growing needs of our community and in response to the continuing housing crisis on the Sunshine Coast.

Birtinya Town Centre has always been planned as a Major Regional Activity Centre with retailing, offices and high-density residential development.

The TLPI proposes to:

• increase the maximum number of dwellings permitted in the town centre, by reallocating unutilised population quotas from fully developed parts of the Kawana Waters master planned area
• increase the maximum building height across the town centre from 10 storeys to 15 storeys with at least six buildings on six sites capped at 12 storeys
• improve the development layout, with a 60 per cent increase in open space, and a ‘green spine’ connecting the key nodes within the town centre.

It will also require new residential developments to contribute to the supply of housing diversity and affordability.

Before it can take effect, the proposed TLPI must be approved by the Minister responsible for planning matters.

Diverse housing and job opportunities

Sunshine Coast Division 3 Councillor Tim Burns said he was pleased Council was a step closer to delivering well located and well serviced diverse housing.

“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.

“Not only will the town centre provide services and facilities to our growing population, importantly it will also provide new employment opportunities.

“The proposal also provides for a huge 60 percent increase in green space compared to the current master plan for the area.

“The parkland in the town centre would increase in size by more than 9,000 square metres.

“Council is committed to creating a vibrant and sustainable future for Birtinya and these proposed changes enhance the overall liveability and vibrancy of the area.”

Council decided to make a proposed TLPI at its January 30 Ordinary Meeting.

Fast facts:

• Open space will increase by more than 60 percent compared to the current Birtinya Town Centre master plan.
• Additional building height will deliver increased housing, affordability and diversity in a central and highly serviced location.
• Passenger rail and bus rapid transit are both proposed, increasing connectivity and decreasing congestion.
• The overall population for Kawana Waters will remain unchanged.
• The addition of a central green spine will improve connectivity and deliver environmental, social, economic and health benefits to the community.
• A mixture of commercial and residential opportunities will enable people to live and work in the town centre, reducing congestion on the road network.