New unit complex proposed for Gin Gin to support future housing growth

A series of units slated for Gin Gin are hoped to help retain young people in the region as housing affordability continues to shrink.

A series of units slated for Gin Gin are hoped to help retain young people in the region as housing affordability continues to shrink.

Five new units may soon be available for occupation in Gin Gin if a development proposal waiting approval from Bundaberg Regional Council gets given the green light.

The unit complex, proposed for 42 Elliott Street, will offer a “stylish and traditional facade” for future tenants, documents lodged with the council say.

The development application was submitted to the council by Adapt Town Planning, on behalf of Western Australian consulting group Australian Retail Management Services.

An existing structure will need to be demolished to clear the land for the development.

The new units may help contribute to the Wide Bay Burnett Regional Plan and provide accessible housing options to those struggling to find long-term accommodation.

Housing is a key focus of the Queensland Government’s strategy in the regional plan to retain young people in regional areas of the state and reduce the ongoing homelessness crisis.

Reports from the 2021 census show there were more than 600 people living on the streets or in temporary lodgings across the Bundaberg region, with estimates that number has risen as population has increased post Covid.

Since 2021, Real Estate.com estimates the average price for a Gin Gin home has risen from $205,000 to $325,000 in early 2024, with only a 0.6 per cent vacancy rate for Southern Queensland properties according to SQM Research in February 2024, factors further adding to the housing crisis.

Plans for the five unit development slated for Gin Gin. Image credit: Adapt Town Planning.

The single storey development will offer five, two-bedroom units each with an ensuite, kitchen, bathroom, laundry space, living room, alfresco and a single car carport.

It is expected the development will be built in two stages.

The first would include erecting three units, with the remainder added in stage two.

On top of the five residential car parks, two visitor car parks will also be added to the site, with landscaping designed to “soften the impact of the built form,” the development application says.

“A stylish and traditional facade has been designed using varied building materials, mostly colorbond cladding,” it says.

“Landscape screening and window placement/height has been considered and provided for additional privacy measures.

“Casual surveillance opportunities are provided and an active street frontage is proposed.”

The development will be ideally placed for those needing regular access to local services such as school, shops and the hospital, all within 560m walking distance from the units.

Originally published as New unit complex proposed for Gin Gin to support future housing growth