Caloundra South

[Stillwater]

QUOTE from the Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study:

"The Queensland Government proposed a major initiative to investigate an integrated land use and public transportation system for the Caboolture to Sunshine Coast region. The development of an integrated transportation system challenges traditional approaches to urban management and to quality of life enhancements.

"The Caboolture to Maroochydore Corridor Study recognises the importance of integrating transport networks and land use distribution."


After 18 years, where are the signs of integrated land use and public transport systems?  While recognising the importance of integrating transport networks and land use distribution, Where are the actions to bring it about?  Talk's cheap.

The passing of time between when state governments plan something to when they actually do something is so great in Queensland that banks of public servants are employed to re-do the planning several times over, with the final product being a compromise.  Whereas there might be a corridor preserved for a new railway line, for example, the state or council allows for development that blocks the corridor, or requires a diversion, or (in the case of the Redcliffe Peninsula Line) stops short of the logical terminus.

And then the government swears black is white.  The haphazard and compromised outcome is what was intended all along, the government says, even though it isn't.  Under-estimation of the cost or the lack of a proper funding stream for projects dogs all projects.  New plans are drawn up on the assumption that the cost will be the same as when the project was first thought of 10 years ago.  We end up with a staged project -- only half or three-quarters of the thing built.

The political class has failed Queensland when it comes to public transport.  The posturing, the positioning the pettiness and the party politics touch transport to a greater extent than any other area of public life.  The overriding imperative is the practise of the art of politics, fuelled by the deliberate false impressions in glossy brochures and videos.  There might be a touch of meaning well, but only a dash to the pot of poison.

Does anyone believe that we are on the path to "development of an integrated transportation system (that) challenges traditional approaches to urban management and to quality of life enhancements."  Written 18 years ago, that is meant to describe what we have today.  This is it ... this is the integrated transport system, linked to sensible land use planning, that is delivering quality of life enhancements for all.  Get used to it.

[verbatim9]

Apparently the proposed Water Park nearby is in final stages of design and a build is fast approaching. Wonder if more buses from Landsborough Station will be scheduled once opened?

[ozbob]

8th February 2017

Media Release
Minister for Main Roads, Road Safety and Ports and Minister for Energy, Biofuels and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark Bailey

First stage of Bells Creek Arterial Road complete

A ceremony to mark the completion of the first stage of the much-anticipated Bells Creek Arterial Road was held at the southern end of the Sunshine Coast this morning.

Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey, who attended the official opening of the 2.8 kilometre stretch, said the milestone marks the Stage 1 completion of access to Aura, Australia's largest master-planned city.

Mr Bailey said the road was a commitment to the infrastructure needs of the emerging communities in the rapidly growing area of Caloundra South.

"The current and future residents of the Sunshine Coast will reap the benefits of this new link with access being provided directly from Caloundra Road to the new city of Aura," he said.

"Active transport options, including high-quality bike and walking paths that are separate from the road, are another exciting addition incorporated to support the residents' lifestyle and add to the vibrancy of the community.

"Importantly, this state-controlled road is being delivered at no cost to Queenslanders.

"Under the conditions of the development, Stockland Pty Ltd is providing more than $140 million worth of state roads and land for future roads and public transport, which in turn will help support their growing development.

"Through this negotiation, residents and tourists alike will reap the benefits of this key piece of infrastructure delivered by Stockland and built by local Sunshine Coast-based firm Shadforths Civil Contractors.

"The completion of the new section of road is testament to some of the significant work being delivered to local communities and to all Queenslanders through government working together with industry."

Stockland has invested $30 million in the construction of this first phase of critical state road infrastructure providing direct access to the emerging Aura community.

Kingsley Andrew, General Manager for Queensland at Stockland, said the Bells Creek Arterial Road would be the main access into Aura's first suburb of Baringa and would provide a welcome second access for the existing communities of Bells Reach and Bellvista.

"This is the most significant piece of infrastructure to be delivered by Stockland at Aura to date and a huge milestone for this rapidly growing community, the first residents of whom started moving in just last month," Mr Andrew said.

"Upon completion, Aura will be home to more than 50,000 people and contribute more than 20,000 jobs to the Sunshine Coast region. We're committed to ensuring that Aura has the road, walking and cycling infrastructure to help residents access jobs, homes and services within the town and connections more broadly with the Sunshine Coast region."

Bells Creek Arterial Road is being built in stages.  This 2.8km section is the first phase of the almost 12km road which will eventually link Caloundra Road with the Bells Creek/Roys Road interchange on the Bruce Highway.

Fast facts:

    2.8km Stage 1 was completed in 12 months
    50 plus workers contributed 80,000 working hours
    More than 133,000m3 of earth was moved - enough to fill 53 Olympic swimming pools
    2,000 m3 of concrete used
    5,000m3 of asphalt used
    70,000 tonnes of gravel from local quarries used

Finishing touches are being put to the road and it is expected to be opened to traffic in the near future.

Timing of construction of the remaining stages of Bells Creek Arterial Road will be confirmed as the development progresses.

ENDS

[Stillwater]

The Stockland promotional video shows a railway station at Aura, but it is 'aspirational' only, with the agreement with the state government making no provision for its construction, or timing.  Stockland funds the road.  The reasonable expectation is that the state funds CAMCOS rail, but it is not on the horizon, no matter what might be depicted in Connecting SEQ 2031 and other delusional fantasy peddled from George Street.

[ozbob]

https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/97638

Palaszczuk Government unlocks more than 1,100 lots at Caloundra South
27th April 2023

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympic and Paralympic Games Infrastructure
The Honourable Dr Steven Miles

. The Palaszczuk Government has approved more than 1,100 new housing lots at Aura
. More than 50 per cent of lots for the master planned city of around 20,000 homes have now been approved
. Aura is within the Queensland Government's Caloundra South Priority Development Area (PDA) and is one of Australia's largest master-planned communities.

The Sunshine Coast city of Aura at Caloundra South is taking shape with a new approval for 1,100 more housing lots, bringing it closer to a target of 20,000 homes.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles and Caloundra MP Jason Hunt made the housing announcement at a Sunshine Coast Business Council address today.

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has approved the lots for what is one of Australia's largest master-planned communities.

Around 4,500 lots now have homes completed or under construction.

Aura features a range of lot sizes and housing choices, including social and affordable housing.

EDQ has also approved the first stage of Aura's retail centre, paving the way for the future development of up to 30,000m2 of retail space for shops, restaurants, and other businesses.

EDQ is the Queensland Government planning authority in charge of delivering the necessary planning approvals for developments within the Caloundra South PDA which is located south of the existing Caloundra urban area and to the east of the Bruce Highway.

The area includes the four localities of Baringa, Nirimba, Banya and Gagalba.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Steven Miles:

"The Palaszczuk Government is well on the way to creating a new regional city for the Sunshine Coast that will be a fantastic space to live, work and play.

"We are addressing housing shortages by facilitating a diverse range of housing choices within Caloundra South, including both smaller and larger lot sizes, terrace housing, multiple dwellings, a senior living community and social and affordable housing.

"Queensland will look quite different by the time we reach the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the Palaszczuk Government is ensuring we're making changes for the better, by ensuring the Games are the anchor for urban growth and renewal across SEQ."

Quotes attributable to Caloundra MP Jason Hunt:

"The approval of more than 1,100 new lots means the Aura development in the Caloundra South PDA is now around halfway to reaching a target of providing lots for around 20,000 new dwellings.

"The approval of a first stage of up to 30,000 m2 of retail space is also a significant step in the future development of a thriving town centre that will create 15,000 jobs.

"I'm really looking forward to the completion of the Bells Creek Arterial Road extension, which we know will be a key infrastructure milestone in ensuring locals have an alternative connection to the Bruce Highway.

"A new overpass at Bells Creek Arterial Road has already been completed and dedicated to pedestrian and cycling paths to support active lifestyles for residents.

"Primary and secondary schools are already established with future schools currently being planned.

"It's great to see Caloundra growing into one of the most exciting and vibrant regions in the South East."

ENDS

[ozbob]

Couriermail Sunshine Coast --> Steven Miles announces new land in Caloundra South Aura $

Deputy Premier Steven Miles has announced 1100 new land blocks were now available on the southern Sunshine Coast but can't say if a major rail upgrade will be done by 2032.

... The new lots will bring the suburb dubbed Aura closer to the goal of 20,000 homes, however concerns have been raised about the region's public transport capabilities to serve the growing population.

The Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, a 37km rail line to connect Maroochydore, Caloundra and Beerwah to Brisbane, is currently still in a planning phase without any exact dates set for completion or whether the line will serve the Caloundra South areas.

The first study into the rail corridor was completed in 2001.

Rail Back on Track's Robert Dow said the expansion of the Caloundra South housing development before the rail line is finalised will cause "more traffic, more local congestion".

"The lack of decent public transport means car dependency becomes the 'norm'," Mr Dow said.

"It is essential that public transport, in this case the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line, is in place before further development creates more public transport poor, car dependent residential regions that are not sustainable and tend to exclude anyone not able to directly access car transport.

"To support the rail line, frequent connected local bus services need to be operating as soon as residents move in." ...

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/railbotforum/status/1651587384398733312

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast News --> Developer backs Aura South proposal but mayor wants another site developed

The mayor of the Sunshine Coast has spoken out against a proposed mega-development on the southern Sunshine Coast, but a prominent business leader and the developer say the plan ticks all the boxes.

Stockland earlier this week revealed it has started the process of submitting Aura South for independent environmental review by the federal government as the first step in assessing the site's environmental impacts and suitability for future development.

The site is a cleared former pine plantation landholding spanning 1231 hectares (3041 acres) to the east of the Bruce Highway. ...

[ozbob]

Sunshine Coast News --> Stockland hits back at mayor's claim Aura South proposal has 'no legal basis'


Aura South would be adjacent to Stockland's current Aura project.

A developer's attempt to secure Commonwealth environmental approval for a 1231-hectare (3041-acre) mega-development on the southern end of the Sunshine Coast has been branded as unlawful and premature by council.

But the developer has hit back, saying its submission meets all legislative requirements and puts protection of the environment first when it comes to the future of the site. ...

[Stillwater]

Locals deadset against developing the green belt between Caloundra South and Bribie Island and Donnybrook turn-offs ... they want the Sunshine Coast and Greater Brisbane separated to avoid the big megacity of Noosagatta, 200km long.