To stimulate construction of units, multicomplexes and housing subdivision developments across the Western Downs, Council has approved an impressive $1 million strategy designed to incentivise new and pending housing and subdivision development applications to reach their completed stages.
Housing availability is a topical issue across the country, and particularly in the Western Downs where record breaking migration rates in consecutive quarters, a growing local economy and a positive development horizon demonstrates that the region is a desirable place to live, work and invest.
Council aims to stimulate the construction of multi-dwelling (unit) developments and land subdivisions by offering generous application fee discounts and discounted infrastructure charges to approved developments.
Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Paul McVeigh said the measure was a remarkable commitment to the region and one that would underpin the Western Downs’ ability to expand to meet new opportunities and projects in the pipeline.
“We believe people choose to live in, and migrate to areas with great liability and opportunities for work, two things we know this region has in abundance,” he said.
“This is an outstanding initiative which will address the impacts of the national housing shortfall within our region.
“The support this incentive will offer isn’t just for big developers, the scheme will be great for local residents who may be looking to invest in units, or to subdivide a property in our towns, but need a little extra incentive to invest. In some cases this could save the applicant tens of thousands of dollars for every unit completed.
“We do want to ensure that developments are in appropriate locations, so the incentive will be eligible to applications in the identified ‘Priority Infrastructure Area’ of our towns, and also areas with low or no flood hazard risks.
“This incentive must benefit the whole region so the available $1 million will be divided across districts to ensure that development opportunities can be realised region-wide.
“This is 
a considered action by Council, designed to provide measured support to address a need in our community while also protecting our local housing and real estate market.
Dalby Chamber of Commerce and Industry President David Briese said it was great to see that Council had made housing availability a priority.
“Opening up land and development opportunities is a key step in the process of alleviating the housing shortage,” Mr Briese said.
Nick King, President of Chinchilla Community Commerce and Industry said forward thinking policies which incentivise development and growth in housing are of a great benefit to local business, projects and community liveability.
“The feedback from our membership has identified housing availability as priority issue, particularly with the amount of development and expansion this region is experiencing,” Mr King said.
