Three-fold increase in developer interest

More than $31 million worth of building projects were lodged with the Charters Towers Regional Council during the last financial year.

Council has released its Planning and Development Update for 2020-2021.

Total building project costs have more than tripled compared to the 2019-2020 financial year.

Deputy Mayor Sonia Bennetto, whose portfolio includes regional economic development, said it's been a mix of commercial and residential interests.

“What we saw during the last financial year were more investors showing confidence in the Charters Towers Region,” she said.

“Close to 5,000m² of new commercial floor area and over 470m² of industrial floor area were approved.

“Meanwhile 18 new dwellings and 23 new lots were approved with almost a doubling in Building and Plumbing Property searches requested,” Cr Bennetto said.

Some of the applications include the continued development of Goldtower Estate, Stage One of the Grand Secret Estate, and a new Technology and Manual Arts building for All Souls Saint Gabriel’s School.

Mayor Frank Beveridge said it’s a very exciting time for the Charters Towers Region.

“Investors are continuing to show interest in Charters Towers because of things like the strong resource and beef prices,” he said.

“There are also lots of exciting future projects coming to the Region.

“We’re seeing continued progress on Big Rocks Weir and the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative at Greenvale to name a few.

“Investors are seeing now is a great time to invest in Charters Towers and our Region is reaping the benefits of that interest,” Mayor Beveridge said.

The 2020-2021 Planning and Development Update is available on Council’s website.