Construction in the Bundaberg Region skyrocketed in 2021 with the value of new home builds alone hitting $342 million and a number of major projects approved.
Major developments given the green light during 2021 included the Bargara Village Shopping Centre, an expansion of Marquis Macadamias and the new Kalkie Heights Estate.
There were numerous new service stations approved and the region saw the green light given for a number of renewable energy projects, including a new battery storage at Windermere and a new solar farm in the Isis.
Other major projects, like the Spring Lakes Resort at Avoca, the Childers cane transloader facility, the RV Lifestyle Village Oceanside at Burnett Heads and the Liberty Service Station within the Bundaberg aviation precinct, were also opened during the year.
Mayor Jack Dempsey said the development activity was more proof the region was going from strength to strength.
“There’s so much momentum in the region, whether it’s new families calling the region home or multi-million dollar projects forging ahead.
“On top of this significant commercial investment Council is leading the way with major projects including the Bundaberg Regional Aquatic Facility and Anzac Park redevelopment locked in.
“We tend to focus on the future but the reality is we’re building a better today and that gives us confidence for tomorrow.”
Construction 2021 statistics
Drilling down to the stats, 771 new detached dwellings were approved throughout the year.
The total value of building works approved was $342 million, which was up 56 per cent from $271 million in 2020.
Almost 600 new residential lots were approved with operational works approval issued for a further 300 lots.
There was also about a 20 per cent increase in development interest, with 933 applications of all types processed by the team.
Mayor Dempsey said the year-on-year increases were impressive but were even more incredible when compared with 2019.
“The Covid-induced exodus of major cities and southern states has certainly put the spotlight on our piece of paradise.
“I believe that’s a combination of people being attracted to our enviable lifestyle and the recognition that there is already a lot of positivity and confidence within the region.
“This is more clearly demonstrated when you look at the increases over the past two years, with some figures more than doubling since 2019 including new dwellings which went from 319 to 771 in that time and new lots approved up from 158 to 597.”
Bundaberg Regional Council’s development group was “hammered” in 2021 as a result of the increased interest, fielding 4215 customer requests and conducting 1557 building searches – up by 37 per cent when compared to the year prior.
Council’s Building Bundaberg Region 2020 development industry recovery scheme also wrapped up in 2021.
By 30 June Council had provided targeted assistance to 42 developments which, when complete, will deliver a $102 million investment in local construction and building, 107 new residential units, 12,000 m2 of new commercial floor space and 16,400 m2 of new industrial buildings.
