Not really our normal storyline, however this newspaper article from the Maroochy Weekly Editorial on Thursday April 16 has a bearing on our ever-evolving Sunshine Coast lifestyle. Worth a read for us locals.

Chardan Group general manager, Evan Dickson, said the new 7.43ha Mackenzie precinct would include 140 residential allotments, parklands, open green spaces and walking paths. He added that it would be the first stage of a 600 lot development front on the western side of Sunshine Cove, along the Sunshine Motorway.

“Back in late 2004, we presented an ambitious plan to incorporate a mix of commercial, retail, showroom and office spaces that would fully integrate with community amenities, public facilities and private residences,” he said.

“The vision for Sunshine Cove was to build a community for those desiring a more urban lifestyle, without sacrificing their individuality or the freedom of space.

We wanted to build a place where the tyrannies of commuting to work were a thing of the past; where you could actually live, work and play.”

Sunshine Cove resident Angela Costelloe was one of the first to build in the estate and couldn’t think of a more “convenient” or “central” place to live. “I absolutely love it here,” she said. “Despite the buildings being close together, it is really quiet and I don’t have a problem at all with the next stage going ahead. It is a varied mixture of people here. It is lovely and the people are so friendly.”

Mrs Costelloe, who has lived on the Sunshine Coast for 22 years, said Sunshine Cove was not only family oriented but also focused on business too. She said the majority of blocks of land near her home had been developed and she looked forward to the final few being completed.

Sunshine Cove comprises 11 distinct precincts, each individually planned to flow into the next and the end value of the project is estimated at $800 million.

Strategic planning portfolio councillor Christian Dickson said the intent of the Maroochydore Principal Regional Activity Centre Master Planned Area was to create a vibrant social and economic community that supports a mix of land use outcomes, promotes public and active transport modes and reinforces the natural qualities of the waterfront setting. “Sunshine Cove is an important contributor to this vision and is destined to become home to around 6000 people, who will enjoy a variety of living and lifestyle options,” Cr Dickson said.

“This 105ha allotment is developing into a thriving community where residents can live, work and relax, all within a short walk or bike ride to the Maroochydore CBD, Sunshine Plaza and the Big Top as well as the Maroochy River and some of our best beaches.

“Build heights are precinct based and set at two to six stories, allowing the cove community a diverse and modern product range.

“In line with current urban planning strategies, approvals were granted for smaller terrace and laneway allotments, waterfront sites and more traditional sized blocks, providing a variety of choice for lifestyle preference and affordability.

“The Sunshine Cove development is evolving into a unique and sustainable community in close proximity to the Maroochydore CBD, which will encourage its emergence as a cosmopolitan hub along Maroochy Blvd.

“With the site preparation work on the Maroochydore CBD area to commence in early June, the vision for the Maroochydore principal regional activity centre as outlined in the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-31 is well on track to being realised.

“The first stage of Sunshine Cove saw more than 35ha of lakes and parklands created to form a stunning setting for the unique and vibrant mixed-density development. With more than 8km of boardwalk, pedestrian and bicycle pathways, Sunshine Cove conveniently interconnects to the Sunshine Plaza, Maroochydore CBD and Cotton Tree.

On a residential level, it offers architecturally inspiring lifestyle options, from urban residential terrace homes to the more traditional expansive home sites.

“The Chardan Group has raised the bar on coastal urban living and Sunshine Cove is singularly the most liveable community on the east coast of Australia,” Mr Dickson said.

These commercial and residential developments in Maroochydore have contributed to Sunshine Coast Council’s latest positive development activity figures.

Sunshine Coast Council recently released figures showed building approval values in the October to December 2014 quarter ($277 million) were 11% up on the corresponding period in 2013 and 121% up on approvals in the same quarter in 2012.

During the March quarter, the council released 553 new allotments.

The council has released 1800 lots into the market since the start of the current financial year, with another quarter still to go.

Maroochy Weekly Editorial Thursday April 16