More retirement living options are on the way for Burnett Heads with an additional 146 villas approved as part of a major expansion to an existing retirement village development on Young Street.
Highlighted in this week’s Bundaberg Regional Council Ordinary Meeting, the Gemstone Lifestyle Pty Ltd development application expands an existing approval for a retirement facility and will create more housing options for people aged over 50 seeking independent living within a purpose-built community.
The expansion will include 146 single-storey villas, bringing the total number of approved villas to 296.
The development will be delivered across five stages and feature a range of communal facilities designed to encourage an active and connected lifestyle.
Residents will have access to a community “summer house” featuring spaces for dining, social activities, hobbies and recreation.
The development will also include a swimming pool, pickleball court, community gardens and dedicated RV parking.
A variety of villa designs will cater to different lifestyles, with each home featuring two bedrooms, a multipurpose room, garage and outdoor alfresco area.
Construction will begin with 19 villas and supporting infrastructure before progressing through the remaining residential and community facilities across five stages.
The development will also deliver key supporting infrastructure, including:
- Road widening along Hermans Rd
- Road upgrades to Young Street, Morris St and Crossett St
- A two-metre-wide footpath along the eastern side of Hermans Rd
- A pedestrian link across Young St
- Sewer infrastructure with the ability to connect to a future regional pump station
- A new 150 mm water main along Hermans Rd
- Electricity and telecommunications connections
- Supporting the region’s future housing needs
Development aligns with Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan
The approval supports continued investment in Burnett Heads while increasing the supply and diversity of housing available for the Bundaberg Region’s growing and ageing population.
The Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan identifies population ageing as one of the region’s key planning challenges, forecasting a median age of 51 years by 2041 – around 10 years higher than the Queensland average.
The plan also notes that an ageing population will increase demand for appropriate housing options that enable residents to remain independent and connected to their communities.
At the same time, the Bundaberg Region is expected to accommodate almost 14,000 additional residents by 2046, highlighting the importance of providing a diverse range of housing to meet future demand.
