Stockland, a major Australian property development company, has recently lodged an Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) approval for Halls Creek, which they now name Aura South. This move has been met with opposition from the Sunshine Coast Regional Council (SCRC) and the local community. The council has emphasised that the area is a critical major green space that plays an important role in preserving the region’s distinctive character, identity, and valued lifestyle. The development of Halls Creek could have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, water and air pollution, increased traffic, and disruption of natural processes. The SCRC recognises the importance of protecting the Regional Inter-urban Break and has identified it as a priority in their long-term planning and strategic directions.
The Regional Inter-urban Break separates the Sunshine Coast from the Greater Brisbane area and extends from the hinterland and rural areas surrounding the iconic Glass House Mountains in the west to the picturesque Ramsar-listed Pumicestone Passage and coastline in the east. The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. The convention aims to select wetlands for the list based on their international significance. It contributes significantly to the natural environment and unique landscapes, which are the foundations of the Sunshine Coast way of life.
About Stockland
Stockland, a major Australian property development company, has been actively expanding its land lease communities portfolio, with plans to develop up to 12,000 home sites by the end of next year. The company has recently acquired five land lease community projects in Queensland, adding to its existing portfolio of over 10,500 home sites. It is also expanding into Victoria, New South Wales, and Western Australia, with a potential of 1500 to 2000 home sites in Victoria and 8000 to 10,000 in Queensland by Christmas 2024.
The company’s focus on land lease communities is part of its strategy to tap into the growing market for downsizing baby boomers seeking more affordable accommodation. Stockland’s land lease model allows buyers to realease cash from downsizing and receive Commonwealth Rent Assistance towards the rental payments they make on the 99-year lease they hold on the land.
In the context of the specific development project in Halls Creek, now named Aura South, Stockland has applied for federal approval to convert 1,200 hectares of the former pine forest into a sprawling estate with schools, business centres, and community infrastructure. The proposed project, Aura South, is part of Stockland’s larger Aura development on the southern end of the Sunshine Coast.
SCRC Opposition
The SCRC has stepped up its bid to preserve Halls Creek, emphasising that the development in this area is prohibited under the Planning Regulation. The council has called out Stockland’s attempt to secure Commonwealth environmental approval of Halls Creek as having no lawful basis and being premature. The council has also highlighted that any development in Halls Creek would fail to meet the State Government’s Urban Footprint Principles set by Shaping SEQ – the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2017.
The site, a substantially cleared former pine plantation landholding spanning 1,231 hectares, is planned to be rehabilitated, with over 400 hectares of the land intended for restoration of environmental values lost during the forestry era, including the reintroduction of native plant species. Extensive environmental investigations have been undertaken on the site for over 15 years, which have informed the application submitted to the Federal Government.
The Sunshine Coast has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, highlighting its international significance and the importance of preserving its natural and cultural heritage. The addition of the Sunshine Coast Biosphere Reserve brings the total number of biospheres in Australia to five. The biosphere reserve sustains a highly valued natural environment and rich biodiversity, particularly in the 2,585 km2 terrestrial and marine protected areas. It supports both traditional and cutting-edge economic activities, including strong food, agribusiness, and tourism sectors. The region receives about 8 million visitors per year.
The UNESCO Biosphere
The Sunshine Coast Biosphere Reserve, along with the Noosa and Great Sandy Biosphere Reserves, forms a biosphere corridor that stretches from the Glass House Mountains in the south to Tin Can Bay in the north, encompassing over 100km of pristine coastline. The recognition of the Sunshine Coast as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve serves as a reminder of the threats posed by development and the need to balance conservation efforts with sustainable practices.
In summary, Stockland’s development project in Halls Creek, now named Aura South, has faced opposition from the Sunshine Coast Council and the local community due to its potential environmental impacts and increased traffic and infrastructure pressure. The council has emphasised the importance of protecting the area and preserving its natural and cultural heritage, especially as part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.