A massive new city called Waraba, set to house 70,000 residents over the next 40 years, has broken ground in the Moreton Bay region, marking a significant milestone in addressing the lack of housing in South East Queensland.
The first sod was turned on 9 February 2024, signalling the start of construction at Lilywood Landings, the largest new residential community in Waraba’s first suburb, Lilywood.
Background of Waraba
Waraba, formerly known as Caboolture West, is a long-term development project aimed at creating a self-contained city. “Waraba” (pronounced wa-ra-ba) is borrowed from the Kabi Kabi language and means “burn.” This name refers to traditional land management practices carried out by the Kabi Kabi People as they care for the country. Traditional burning brings new life and enhances the health of the land and its people. The new city aspires to offer residents a fresh beginning where people care for each other and for the country.
Key Features of the Development
Population and Housing:
– Expected to house around 70,000 people
– Plans for approximately 30,000 homes
– Comparable in size to Mackay
Infrastructure and Amenities:
– Schools, parks, and sporting fields
– A town centre
– Extensive green spaces and conservation areas
Lilywood: The First Suburb
Lilywood, Waraba’s first suburb, draws its name from the Blue Flax-lily (Dianella caerulea), an evergreen perennial that flourishes along the waterways, including the Caboolture River. These native plants, known for their blue-green leaves, star-shaped blue flowers, and edible deep blue to purple berries, symbolise the aspirations for the new community: attractive, vibrant, hardy, resilient, and well-connected.
Lilywood Landings, developed by Lennium Group, serves as the gateway to the new city of Waraba. Spanning about 70 hectares, this project will provide a total of 705 lots, offering a range of housing options for the growing region. The development boasts 1.74 kilometres of Caboolture River frontage and over 23 hectares of parks and open spaces, creating a blend of natural beauty and urban living. Plans also include convenient amenities such as a local convenience store and childcare centre, catering to the daily needs of future residents.
Affordability and Market Response
In response to the housing crisis, Lilywood Landings offers affordable land options, starting from $280,000 for a 315 square metre block. These lots are suitable for building 3-4 bedroom family homes, providing an accessible entry point into the new home market. The development has already generated significant interest, with Lennium Group reporting 1,000 registrations of interest from potential buyers. The first land release, known as Merryvale, is being offered to VIP customers through a special pre-launch opportunity, highlighting the strong demand for housing in the area.
Construction Progress and Timeline
Construction of Lilywood Landings is progressing rapidly, with work on the first 228 blocks of land well underway. The developers anticipate that the first homes will begin construction by early 2025, marking a swift transition from planning to reality. Looking ahead, a display village is planned to showcase 30 new homes from 17 different builders, providing inspiration and options for future residents. This display village is scheduled to open in 2025, further cementing Waraba’s position as a growing residential hub.
Lilywood Landings places a strong emphasis on creating a balance between urban development and environmental preservation. The project features a 3.25-hectare central green spine and 20 hectares of parklands along the Caboolture River, offering residents ample green spaces for recreation and relaxation. The riverfront areas will provide opportunities for activities such as kayaking while also serving to protect the region’s biodiversity and habitat values.
In a nod to the area’s history, the Merryvale precinct takes its name from the Merryvale Jersey Stud, a farm owned by the pioneering Newton family. This approach of honouring the local farming legacy will continue across the nine planned precincts, creating a strong sense of place and community connection within Waraba.
Published 22-July-2024
