- New planning measures signed off for former privately owned and disused golf course
- More than 1800 community submissions received on redevelopment of Arundel site
- Final plan strikes balance between fast-tracking housing and protecting environment
Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon has signed off on new planning measures to unlock the defunct Arundel Hills Country Club, paving the way for the construction of hundreds of homes.
The Minister for Housing, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Public Works has approved the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI), clearing the way for the redevelopment of the 67-hectare site.
This decision comes after exhaustive consultation with the Gold Coast council, industry stakeholders and the community.
Under the TLPI over 60 per cent of the site will be retained for recreation, open space and conservation.
It will enable the construction of a minimum of 650 homes - almost double the number of homes in the original development proposal with a minimum of 20 per cent to be affordable housing.
The former country and golf club will be divided into five precincts – two residential precincts encouraging a mix of low-rise and medium density housing types including single houses, duplexes, townhouses and units.
The third precinct will be preserved for public access, sport and recreation.
The fourth and fifth precincts are preserved for open space and conversation purposes to protect and rehabilitate koala habitat and ensure wildlife conservation.
The City of Gold Coast will have up to two years to embed the TLPI in its planning scheme.
The Arundel site is close to shops, schools and key infrastructure including public transport networks and existing infrastructure.
The Gold Coast is experiencing housing challenges as regional growth, evolving lifestyles and household structures continue to drive demand for diverse and affordable homes.
To effectively meet this demand, the Gold Coast needs over 6000 new dwellings each year.
However, in 2023, only 4,771 residential dwellings were approved by the Council—a 16% decrease from the previous year.
As stated by Minister for Housing, Local Government Planning and Minister for Public Works Meaghan Scanlon:
"I have stepped in after council rejected a housing estate proposed for the site which fell short of the government's minimum expectations to fully utilise this land for more affordable housing.
"There aren't enough homes for our key workers, or young renters and ageing Gold Coasters.
"That's why we're pulling every lever in the planning system to deliver on our target in Homes for Queenslanders of one million homes by 2046.
"My decision on the Arundel TLPI means we can seize an opportunity to unlock land we have available to deliver hundreds more homes close to infrastructure and services.
"Not only will this preserve public open space and land for sport and recreation, it provides a higher level of protection to support improved biodiversity and environmental outcomes through restoration and rehabilitation of connectivity corridors. '
