The search is on for construction companies to build up to 3200 homes for a $2 billion seaside development near Bundaberg, Queensland.
An application has been lodged with the Bundaberg Regional Council to reconfigure the first 170 lots in the Southbeach at Elliot Heads estate.
The project spans 246 hectares and is a joint development between Sydney-based Stan La Vin and the local Manera family who have consolidated 31 farming land titles adjoining the township over 47 years.
Development has been in planning since May 2007, with approval gained in 2013.
Around 1400 registrations of interest for house and land packages have been received over the past 10 months, with more than a third from New South Wales and Victoria.
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La Vin said the development would require several large-scale home building companies to realise its 10-year development timeline.
“Timing is everything and when we first received approval in 2013 we were adversely affected by the mining crash so decided to slow things down,” La Vin said.
“The market has certainly picked up since then and young people from all over the country are now looking for an affordable lifestyle to raise their family in a beautiful beachside location, and we offer both.
“We’ve been running an early-bird buyer campaign to gauge interest and have been overwhelmed by the response, so now we need to start building.”
The development will include a shopping centre, bistro, healthcare services and schools and will open up the 20 kilometres strip from Elliott Heads to Coral Cove, Bargara and Burnett Heads, where French builder Poralu Marine plans to build a 273-berth marina and adjoining luxury resort and residential development.
La Vin said tradesmen are already in short supply in the Bundaberg region with the new project creating enormous employment opportunities.
“We’re anticipating a real demand for skilled labour as big Coral Coast projects ramp up in tandem with increased mining activity in Queensland,” he said.
“Council has identified $2.5 billion in upcoming development up and down the local coastline and we’re very proud to be a part of this.
“It all augers very well for the ongoing economic benefit of the Bundaberg Coral Coast and demand will only accelerate when the word gets out about the wonderful coastal location within an easy walk to the beach.”
Engineering, infrastructure and environmental services have been provided by leading consultancy firm Cardno.
Construction is expected to commence in the first half of 2020.