Investment in Mackay region remains strong

According to the latest data from UDIA Queensland Research Foundation, the total number of development applications relating to material change of use and reconfiguration of a lot for the Mackay region was up 51 per cent in the third quarter of 2023, totalling 116 applications.

Over the same period, material change of use and reconfiguring of lot applications increased by 71 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively.

Planning, Growth and Sustainability Director Aletta Nugent said the results were promising for the future growth of the region.

“It’s great to see this positive uptick in demand, which indicates that there is still plenty of confidence in our local economy despite a cost-of-living crisis affecting much of Australia,” Ms Nugent said.

“We’re seeing families upsizing existing homes and new investors come into the market,” she said.

“Council is committed to improving the liveability and livelihood of our region, and attracting more investment into our region is critical to achieving this goal.”

Ms Nugent said council’s Development Planning and Engineering team had done an exceptional job in meeting the increased demand in requests.

“We have multiple job vacancies in this program, yet our assessment timeframes in relation to residential boundary setback relaxation assessments, operational works and material change of use over the last quarter were some of the best in the state," she said.

“The team has recently implemented a range of new processes to improve assessment timeframes, are actively working to simplify their systems, work to resolve issues quickly as they arise, and ultimately are focussed on providing the highest possible level of service to the development industry and community.”