Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said the future of Maroochydore becoming the region’s capital is one step closer following the state government announcement it will become a Priority Development Area (PDA).
Mayor Jamieson said the decision has set the scene for the site to become the regional business, community services and employment focus for the Sunshine Coast.
“This is a major boost for Maroochydore City and investment confidence in our region,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“It reinforces what the region is seeking to achieve through its new economic development strategy.”
Minister for Local Government, Community Recovery and Resilience, David Crisafulli announced the declaration of the Maroochydore City Centre PDA today while addressing a Property Council of Australia event at Maroochydore.
“The declaration of a PDA at Maroochydore will provide an opportunity to reinvigorate the region with a variety of civic and cultural facilities, residential development, commercial, retail and mixed use development that will ultimately establish the area as the city centre of the Sunshine Coast,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“The Maroochydore City Centre PDA is a means for the Newman Government to provide assistance to the economic development of the Sunshine Coast region.
“The site was identified through close collaboration between the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) and is expected to be declared later this month under the new Economic Development Act 2012 (the Act).
“The Act is a tool the government introduced late last year to facilitate economic development by helping councils and the state deliver planning for sites which support economic development.
“Following the declaration of the Maroochydore City Centre PDA, EDQ and council will prepare a development scheme for the area which is the overarching document to guide future development. The scheme preparation is a 12 month process and includes a community engagement program,” Mr Crisafulli said.
“The Sunshine Coast Regional Council will work closely with EDQ while preparing the development scheme to ensure any plans and vision for the site complement state and local expectations.
“As well as a mixed use precinct, the PDA will offer the opportunity to improve transport infrastructure and provide new facilities and civic space for the regional community to utilise.
“Ultimately development of the PDA will reinforce the Maroochydore City Centre’s regional position as an area of community focus, boost tourism and local business and create more jobs for Queenslanders.
“The announcement of the Maroochydore City Centre PDA highlights the strong, collaborative nature of the relationship between Sunshine Coast Regional Council and the State Government.
“It is this sort of partnership the government values strongly with local government because it means better economic development and community focussed outcomes.”