'Priority' given for Waraba plans

Waraba is to become the 36^th Priority Development Area in Queensland, unlocking land for 30,000 new homes and an estimated 70,000 residents.

The announcement, for almost 3000 hectares of land formerly known as Caboolture West, was made today by Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace.

It provides a pathway for new housing and infrastructure which will lead to an estimated 17,000 local jobs in retail, industrial and commercial centres.

The State Government has committed $100 million for road, water and sewer infrastructure, which has already unlocked more than 2000 lots in the suburb of Lilywood.

Once the PDA is declared and an Interim Land Use plan introduced, Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) will prepare a PDA development scheme and infrastructure plan with Moreton Bay City Council, other State departments and the community.

“The PDA approach is well established and will provide the development industry with the confidence to invest and do business,” Grace Grace said.

“This will bring significant benefits to the community in the form of additional housing, jobs and infrastructure.”

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said: “As our population continues to grow we are pulling every lever through our Homes for Queenslanders plan to deliver more homes in areas where Queenslanders want to live.”

Mayor Peter Flannery welcomed the PDA announcement saying it ensures the City of Moreton Bay “will retain authority for development assessment”.

“The Waraba PDA will drive collaboration between all agencies and stakeholders to address critical planning and key infrastructure requirements that City of Moreton Bay has raised are necessary to deliver a well-planned community at Waraba.”

Lilywood Landings developer Lennium Group started construction on the community in early 2024 and has just announced details of the first land release for Waraba, formerly Caboolture West.

“The intention to declare Waraba a PDA, while overdue, is a positive step towards enabling increased land supply under a process that commenced back in 2016 with the adoption of the Caboolture West Local Plan,” said Lennium Group Development Manager Ian Worthington.

“While the approvals process to date has been managed by Moreton Bay Regional Council, a PDA should ensure there is a coordinated approach to future planning for all of Waraba.”