From cane and cattle to billion-dollar housing estates
David Bright watches bulldozers clearing farmland around his home for a major housing estate. But some of the proposed lots are smaller than the average new Australian home.
Coastal farmland in Bundaberg is being turned into billion-dollar housing estates, causing concern among locals about the strain on infrastructure and services. The Queensland government has pledged $52 million to upgrade trunk infrastructure. David Bright, once tending to his cattle, now watches bulldozers clear land for a major residential development just a kilometre from the ocean.
Coastal suburbs of Bundaberg, located nearly five hours north of Brisbane, are experiencing unprecedented growth with thousands of residential lots and retirement dwellings under construction.
A 113-lot residential subdivision by Suosaari Investments Pty Ltd has been proposed on a former sugarcane and melon farm, featuring a neighbourhood activity centre, green spaces, and lots ranging from 150 to 224 square metres. Nearby, another proposed subdivision for 384 residential lots by Moorehead Family Developments is part of the Headlands Estate.
Bundleberg Regional Council's Division 5 councillor Larine Statham-Blair stated that each development application is assessed individually against planning scheme and state legislation, and public submissions are considered.
Bargara Progress Association president Jon Belmonte expressed concern about the current infrastructure and services struggling to meet the community's needs, calling for a new police station, fire and ambulance facilities, and a three-pronged approach from state, federal, and council to ensure services and infrastructure keep pace with the growing population. Despite the change, Bright hopes the area's relaxed beachside lifestyle will remain true as more people move to the region.
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