- Crisafulli Government kicks off site works to unlock more than 1800 new homes in the Maroochydore City Centre.
- Project backed by $82.9 million in state funding through the Crisafulli Government's $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
- Part of the residential precinct will be used to accommodate athletes and team officials as part of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a place to call home for more Queenslanders.
The Crisafulli Government has hit the ground running with its landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund, with site works commencing today on critical enabling infrastructure to unlock more than 1800 new homes in the Maroochydore City Centre.
Backed by $82.9 million in Crisafulli Government funding through the Residential Activation Fund, the project will accelerate new housing supply and ensure Queensland is ready for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The works will deliver essential road, power, and service upgrades, fast-tracking development by at least six years of more than 1,800 additional high-rise apartments.
Delivered by the Sunshine Coast Council and Walker Corporation, the works will support a housing precinct close to local jobs, transport and education.
The infrastructure investment includes the extension of First Avenue to Dalton Drive, upgrades to Maud Street and new stormwater, power and communications services.
Under the former Labor Government, housing lot approvals slumped by 29 per cent, leading to record-low rental vacancy rates and a skyrocketing social housing waitlist across Queensland.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said this milestone proved the Crisafulli Government's commitment to solving the housing crisis left behind by Labor.
"Every Queenslander deserves a place to call home, and under Labor, that dream was slipping away during their decade of decline," Deputy Premier Bleijie said
"The Crisafulli Government is turning that around with decisive action and a plan that works, through our landmark $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
"New housing supply unlocked through RAF addresses housing affordability due to Labor's Housing Crisis because we work with industry and councils to deliver.
"Today, we're delivering homes sooner, backing communities to grow, and preparing for the Games with infrastructure that will serve generations.
"We've also taken control to fix Labor's Games Chaos and ensure Queensland is back on track to host the world with pride. The Sunshine Coast Athlete Village will be a symbol of that success, housing athletes in 2032 and families for generations to come."
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said this milestone showed the Crisafulli Government was serious about giving Sunshine Coast residents the chance to own a home in their own community.
"For too long, Sunshine Coast families have been priced out and pushed out due to Labor's mess and failure to act during a decade of decline," Ms Simpson said.
"In stark contrast, the Crisafulli Government is unlocking homes right here in Maroochydore – because we recognise that increased supply is the answer to the housing crisis.
"These new homes in Maroochydore can serve multiple generations - locals already living near the city centre will be able to stay close to jobs and schools, and down-sizers who want to sell their family homes in the suburbs can do so and remain in the area."
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said she was excited to see early works begin on construction that will help shape the region's future.
"Maroochydore City Centre is already a vibrant hub, and this next stage will deliver more homes, more jobs and more opportunities for people to live and connect in the heart of the region," Mayor Natoli said.
"These works are also an exciting step toward getting the Sunshine Coast Athlete Village off the ground for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games."
Walker Group Executive of Development Peter Saba said the works marked a key milestone in delivering the Athlete Village, which will transition into a thriving residential neighbourhood after the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
"Infrastructure is the backbone of every great city, and with site works now underway this precinct is a step closer to becoming the next great neighbourhood for the region," Mr Saba said.
"We support the Deputy Premier's ambition to make the Sunshine Coast a central part of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic movement, and this investment will elevate the Games experience while making Maroochydore City Centre one of Australia's best places to live."
Part of the residential precinct will also be used to accommodate athletes and team officials as part of the Sunshine Coast Athlete Village during the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Following the Games, the Sunshine Coast Athlete Village will also transition into long-term housing for the community.
