In a momentous decision, the Moreton Bay Regional Council has unanimously approved the first development application for Waraba, the name given to the Caboolture West project.
This development marks the initial step in the transformation of over 175 hectares of bushland into a vibrant 2,000-home neighbourhood.
Ultimately, Caboolture West is set to become a satellite city rivalling the size of Mackay, accommodating an estimated 70,000 residents. The approved development, spearheaded by Stockland, will encompass a 175.4-hectare area located at 60-172 Litherland Rd in Upper Caboolture.
The master plan includes the construction of 2,050 dwellings, seven local parks, extensive accessible parkland, and the preservation of land for conservation purposes, including the improvements to the Caboolture River Road.
Mayor Peter Flannery of Moreton Bay expressed his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the preservation of greenspace as a priority. He emphasised that the developer has been conditioned to prioritise infrastructure works, ensuring that the community’s needs are met from the outset.
The development will feature six distinct residential villages and a centrally located Neighbourhood Hub, fostering a sense of community and providing residents with convenient access to amenities such as small-scale retail and commercial operations.
The development comes with an Infrastructure Agreement and includes:
- The provision of seven local recreation parks, district open space and conservation areas totalling 52.7 hectares of public land.
- Rehabilitation of 17.7 hectares of land to be part of a green network precinct.
- Provision of all internal stormwater infrastructure necessitated by the development.
- Financial contributions towards a future district sports park and future regional sports park.
Meanwhile, major improvements to Caboolture River Road are likewise provided under the Infrastructure Agreement, which includes:
- Provision of land to eventually allow the duplication of Caboolture River Rd.
- Upgrading the section between Walkers Rd and Grant Rd to four lanes.
- Construction of a three-way signalised intersection at Cresthaven Dr.
- Intersection upgrades to improve safety and efficiency at Virginia Rd, Forest Park Place and MacGinley Rd.
- Creation of a hybrid 2-lane roundabout at Albert Circuit.
- Decommissioning of the intersection at Litherland Rd.
The master-planned community will ensure housing diversity through a broad distribution of lot sizes, shapes, and residential types, including detached, semi-detached, and attached residences.
The Caboolture West Interim Structure Plan, released earlier this year, laid the foundation for this development, providing a comprehensive framework that balances residential needs with environmental preservation.
With the initial approval granted, Waraba is poised to undergo further expansions within the broader 3,156-hectare Caboolture West area, featuring approximately 30,000 dwellings.
Although the complete development of Waraba may take up to four decades, the approval of this first development application signifies an exciting milestone in the realisation of this ambitious project.
As construction commences, the project promises to enhance the region’s livability, intertwining sub-tropical design principles, aesthetics, and a network of green spaces. By prioritising safety, convenience, and environmental conservation, Caboolture West is poised to become a model community that embraces sustainable living and fosters a healthy and active lifestyle for its future residents.
