Early works have officially begun on major infrastructure projects to unlock the Sunshine Coast Integrated Athlete Village and enable more than 1,800 new homes in the Maroochydore City Centre.
This initial phase of works is supported by the Queensland Government's $82.9 million Residential Activation Fund, which is delivering essential road, power and service upgrades that will fast track development and prepare the Sunshine Coast Athlete Village site.
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.
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."
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."
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.
