Townsville City Council approves over-50s resort at Bohle Plains

A ‘superhero’ was in attendance of Townsville City Council’s meeting where a $210m over-50s resort took a significant step forward. SEE THE DETAILS>

Example of a home facade in the Living Gems over-50s lifestyle resort community. Picture: Supplied.

A special guest graced Townsville City Council’s meeting on Wednesday, with superhero and vigilante Batman making a bizarre cameo.

A supporter of Townsville’s suspended Mayor Troy Thompson, he was one of several individuals parked up at the Council’s forecourt asking for signatures in Mr Thompson’s petition to dismiss the current council.

During the meeting Townsville City Council approved a $210m over-50s resort in Bohle Plains, with councillors saying there will be a lot of interest for those wanting to downsize.

The decision of the Material Change of Use for a relocatable home park was carried unanimously by councillors at Wednesday’s meeting.

Acting-Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said there will be “a lot of interest” in the development,

Living Gems over-50s lifestyle resort community is planned between Hogarth Drive and the Townsville Ring Road at Bohle Plains. Picture: Supplied.

The project, headed by developers Living Gems, outline up to 294 homes, a resort-style Summer House and Club House with two pools, a bowling alley, gym, undercover lawn bowls, golf simulator, yoga space, workshop, alfresco dining, barbecues, dog run, tennis court, pickleball court, and RV parking to be made at 99 Hogarth Drive in Bohle Plains, as part of Harris Crossing.

Plans were unveiled back in December by Living Gems, who had been working with Maidment Group for two years to acquire the 13.6 hectare site as part of the “masterplanned” community.

The presenting officer outlined the additional housing will “meet the anticipated growth of the city” with the smaller households to have a “high level” of amenities.

The project is similar to another development approved by the council in March for 350 lots in Mount Low.

Artist impression of the Club House at Living Gems over-50s lifestyle resort community. Picture: Supplied.

Councillor Paul Jacobs said while he did agree with the development and that it would allow for more housing in Townsville, he questioned the flood risk of the access into the area and asked if residents would have eventually have access to the Ring Road.

Layout of future Living Gems over-50s lifestyle resort community. Picture: Zone Landscape Architecture.

It was advised that there will be an entry and exit onto Hogarth Drive as well as an emergency exit, noting the Ring Road Northern connection is a long-term project.

Councillor Suzy Batkovic also questioned the flooding risk for the low-lying RV parking section, with the presenting officer saying that signage would be placed to advise people of the risk of potential flooding.

Councillor Brodie Phillips welcomed the proposal and added the additional emergency exit as a “positive addition to the development.”

Pool at Living Gems development.

The resort will be built in six stages, with the timeline dependent on the “take-up” and interest in the development.

An quarterly update on the Capital Plan was also discussed during the meeting, showing projects such as the Dahl Crescent reservoir renewal, Bonnett Loop Road and the Energy microgrid at Riverway Stadium requiring an “additional budget” to be completed.

Projects to install new CCTV for after hours swimming at the Strand Rockpool and another at the Riverway Lagoons have been cancelled.

Originally published as Townsville City Council approves over-50s resort at Bohle Plains