Allen Group Projects lodge plan for 186 new homes, childcare centre in Bucasia

A bold plan to turn farmland into a major housing development with 186 homes could shape Mackay’s fastest growing region. SEE THE PROPOSAL

Proposed site for Gaskell Planning Consultants' planned reconfiguration of two agricultural properties into 186 new homes, road, open space and childcare centre on Shoal Point Rd, Bucasia.

An ambitious plan to boost housing supply in Mackay’s growing northern beaches has been put to council with developers keen on turning historical farmland into 186 new homes and a childcare centre.

The development proposal will include a new road and an open space along the two lots of agricultural land on Shoal Point Rd, Bucasia.

Once prime cane land and then home to Ray Jenvey’s pineapple farm – also known as the ‘pineapple man’, who sold produce from the farm gate as Mackay’s urban sprawl slowly surrounded his property.

Ray Jenvey. Photo: Emily Smith

While the cost of the project was still being finalised, Ryan Allen from Allen Group Projects said it would be a significant investment in the region”.

“A project of this scale brings with it a number of infrastructure commitments and we’re committed to delivering a high-quality outcome,” he said.

Gaskell Planning consultants lodged the application on behalf of developer Allen Group Projects to the Mackay Regional Council on May 29. If approved it will make up part of the expanding urban area encompassing the Northern Beaches.

The proposed site will make part of an expanding urban area in Mackay’s north as population is set to increase by 8000 by 2036.

A key aspect to the plan is a child care centre near the entrance of the proposed new road, adjacent to the existing Bucasia State School on Shoal Point Rd.

The 186 residential homes would vary in size averaging a density of 15 homes per hectare and each home ranging from 290 sqm to 945 sqm to support “varied residential character”.

Mr Allen said the 186 homes would likely range from two to four bedrooms “depending on the market and building preferences” with a density of 15 homes per hectare.

A diagram of the 186 new homes, childcare centre and new road proposed by Allen Group Projects

“While it’s still early days, the intent is to provide everything from smaller homes for downsizers or first-home buyers through to larger family homes,” he said.

“It’s a bit too early to comment on exact price points, but we’re conscious of affordability and want to ensure the project appeals to a broad segment of the community.”

Only half of the 27.9 hectares of land will be developed with the remaining property planned for open space.

North of the proposed development site is vacant council land earmarked for future housing developments while an IGA and adjoining coastline borders the site’s east.

Mackay’s Northern Beaches encompasses Richmond, Rural View, Bucasia. Blacks Beach, Eimeo and Dolphin Heads and is set to add an additional 8000 residents to the region by 2036.