Former Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson has called on his old council and the new state government to get the new planning scheme sorted as soon as possible or risk losing opportunities to address the affordable housing crisis.

Jamieson said people crying out for more housing on the Sunshine Coast will lose faith if the scheme isn’t approved sooner rather than later.

“Those areas in Kawana, in the Maroochydore CBD, or Pelican Waters, all those areas that are still being developed, they need to be addressed very quickly in terms of, is there extra capacity that we could be getting out of these areas?,” Mr Jamieson said.

“Certainly the Maroochydore city centre could house more people.

“The Maroochydore area generally up Duporth Avenue and along Aerodrome Road there is lots of development opportunity there that is yet to be realised.

“It’s the common challenge the Sunshine Coast has, there are people afraid of development, and people who realise that development is essential, but it’s just about getting the balance right and helping people understand where we should have higher density.

“But you know there are councilors who, you know, are fearful. They’re fearful about their jobs I guess.”

A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said a proposed new Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme was formally submitted to the Queensland Government for a State Interest Review in December 2023.

“As part of the usual process, the Queensland Government has requested further information and sought changes to the proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme to address state interests.

“Council is continuing to work collaboratively with the Queensland Government to discuss and, where possible, resolve any outstanding issues,” she said.

“We will continue to work with the Queensland Government to prepare a balanced and locally tailored planning scheme that appropriately accommodates projected growth while protecting the liveability and identity of our region.” Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the state government is reviewing regional plans to align them with housing and infrastructure needs, in partnership with local governments.

“We will ensure new homes aren’t delayed by working with Councils to streamline approvals, build the water and sewerage connections, street lighting, roads and parks in new housing developments,” Mr Bleijie said.