Plans for huge 'hi-tech' estate

DEVELOPER Paul Czislowski has unveiled plans to build 500 low-cost homes in Mount Morgan.

DEVELOPER Paul Czislowski has unveiled plans to build 500 low-cost homes in Mount Morgan.

And he predicts the town, which hasn't had major development for 100 years, could become a property hot-spot, attracting thousands of new residents in the next few years.

Councillors have been briefed on the ambitious proposals to erect a huge estate of hi-tech houses which would sell for less than $300,000.

Mr Czislowski, managing director of the Emu Park-based Landtrak Group, says the revolutionary design of the three-bedroom homes means they can be built at the rate of seven a day.

The first four demonstration houses will go on show during the Queen's Birthday weekend in early June.

“This will be a first for Australia, possibly the world,” he said.

“These are the greenest, most energy efficient houses possible and they will be launched to the world in Mount Morgan.”

After seeing a presentation about the houses and the plans, Cr Brett Svendsen said he thought the homes were “the way of the future”.

The Rockhampton Regional Council strategic planning chairman said if the scheme went ahead it would be a real shot in the arm for Mount Morgan and the region.

“We have got to look at smaller plots and smaller outlays for working people so new homes can be affordable,” he said.

But for the development to go ahead on such a large scale, Mr Czislowski said there would have to be a major upgrading of services to the town.

He told councillors they should fast-track the mooted water pipeline from Gracemere to guarantee a regular supply. Mount Morgan would also need a better electricity supply and a fast road through to Bajool, linking up to the Bruce Highway so commuters could work in Gladstone's quickly expanding industrial plants.

The lightweight houses have no brick or tile or concrete and use steel frames and hardly any timber.

Councillors were told one of the many advantages was they created 92% less waste during construction.

“The decking is made from recycled plastic milk cartons and we estimate the innovations, which include a device to automatically switch off power when appliances are not being used, will save $1000 a year on electricity bills,” said Mr Czislowski.

He said the company had plans to manufacture the homes in Gracemere at the rate of 7000 a year, creating 200 jobs.

“We believe there would be significant demand for these homes in Mount Morgan. We got 100 expressions of interest in the town in just a few hours,” he said.

Planning officers at the council confirmed that if the homes were to be built on existing blocks, they would not need detailed planning permission and the council would not need to approve designs.

Originally published as Plans for huge 'hi-tech' estate