Development on rise despite woes
A HOUSING boom on the Fraser Coast is flying under the radar, with more than $130 million in developments planned despite ongoing concerns about the state of the economy.
Maryborough, Tiaro and Hervey Bay all have huge housing developments on the go, meaning builders, suppliers and subcontractors should look forward to better times across the region.
Brett Hore in Maryborough West has handed the council a cheque for almost half a million dollars to kickstart the massive Timbers Reserve development, while projects in Eli Waters and Kawungan have already started.
Divisional councillor for Maryborough West, James Hansen, congratulated Mr Hore for his vision, with the total value of the proposed Timbers Reserve project estimated at $60 million.
"The council is keen to support developments like this," he said.
"It is good to see a local person putting money back into the region," Cr Hansen said.
City and town centre development portfolio councillor Daniel Sanderson said the developments were a great sign of confidence in the region.
"The council has also helped through the Infrastructure Incentives Policy, which offers developers lower infrastructure charges, to ensure the development forges ahead."
After receiving $470,400 in infrastructure charges from Mr Hore, Cr Sanderson said: "I congratulate Brett on his investment into our region. Sometimes business means taking risks, but those willing to take the risk will reap the rewards."
Cr Sanderson said the Timbers Reserve project would have flow-on effects for the development and building industry.
The industry will be similarly buoy-ed by Kerry Campbell Homes' development on Doolong South Rd in Kawungan, worth an estimated $50 million.
The next stage of the Augustus Development in Eli Waters has also been recently approved, worth about $15 million.
In Tiaro, developer James Doyle has an application before the council for 44 rural-residential blocks in a community development worth $6 million.
