Bundaberg coastal farms slated for thousands of new residential lots

Coastal farmland on the outskirts of Bundaberg is being repurposed for residential use, with two proposals covering 113 and 384 lots on former agricultural land and a larger master-planned community at Coral Cove targeting up to 1,200 homes. The Queensland government has earmarked $52 million from its Residential Activation Fund to upgrade major roads, water and sewer networks in the region. Council Division 5 councillor Larine Statham-Blair emphasized that each application was assessed against the planning scheme and highlighted the need for diverse, smaller-size housing to aid first-home buyers and downsizers.

Local residents, including David Bright, expressed sadness over the changing landscape and raised concerns about traffic congestion and the capacity of schools, health and emergency services. Bargara Progress Association president Jon Belmonte warned that current infrastructure is already stretched and called for new police, fire and ambulance facilities. The developments reflect Bundaberg’s rapid growth, positioning it as a new coastal residential hub while prompting debate over sustainable service provision.