Green light for 400-home development

Work is set to start on a new $428 million over-50s community in the Moreton Bay region.

Approval has been given for 404 homes in a gated development, close to the Bruce Highway and shops at Elimbah

GemLife’s plans for the 26-hectare site at 38 Atherton Rd, include 8.2 hectares of green space and a conservation area bordering a nature and recreation reserve.

There will be $20 million of facilities, including a country club with a ballroom, virtual golf, wellness room, summer house and pool.

Moreton Bay City Council approved the development, with GemLife planning to release the first stage of homes and start construction mid this year. Work will be completed over seven stages.

GemLife Elimbah will be the developer’s third over-50s community in Moreton Bay, bringing its the total number of homes in the region to more than 1350.

It follows the $349 million GemLife Bribie Island, released in 2016 and $340 million GemLife Moreton Bay, launched in 2023.

GemLife Director and CEO Adrian Puljich said demand for over-50s living continued to grow, as more people sought to ‘right-size’ their home.

Census data shows almost 40 per cent of Elimbah residents are over 50.

“Today’s over 50s are active and independent,” he said. “They’re focusing on improving their lifestyle, as well as freeing up capital for retirement, as they move into their 50s and beyond.”

“Land lease communities are increasingly appealing, as they offer a low maintenance, secure and relatively affordable option.”

Mr Puljich said all homes in the community would have two bedrooms, plus a multipurpose room and a seven-star energy-efficient design.

Also, kitchens with European appliances and soft-close cabinetry, ensuites and bathrooms, indoor-outdoor living, landscaped front gardens, ducted air-conditioning, and security alarms and screens.

A landscaped entry will lead to facilities including a grand ballroom, bar, library, crafts studio, wellness room, commercial kitchen and cinema.

There will also be an indoor and outdoor pool, gym, tennis and pickleball court, ten-pin bowling and covered lawn bowls, along with walking trails and an off-leash dog area.

For more on GemLife Elimbah visit gemlife.com.au/gel