3 Ways to Find the Best Town Planner on the Sunshine Coast

3 Ways to Find the Best Town Planner on the Sunshine Coast

Have you decided you need a Town Planner for your next development application but don’t know who to turn to and how to pick the right one? This guide gives you practical tips and resources to help you gain the advantage of working with the best Sunshine Coast Town Planning Consultant.

1. Experience & Volume
When it comes to experience and expertise, the number of successful applications lodged by a Town Planner and their consultancy speaks volumes. A planning consultant’s experience comes into play with their ability to efficiently develop strategies, provide practical advice to you (without the jargon) and submit concise reports and applications to ensure the best outcome. As a developer or landowner, the best outcome for you is always going to be getting an approval from local council the first time, thus avoiding delays and increasing costs.

Whether you are reconfiguring a lot by way of subdivision, doing a boundary realignment, operational works, lease application or a Material Change of Use (MCU) for example, each project will benefit from the knowledge and expertise built upon by extensive past developments and the applications of your Town Planner.

Look for a Town or Urban Planner with vast experience that aligns with your development proposal, taking into account the industry sector (residential, commercial, retail, industrial, energy or resources), site location, complexity and size of the project. This information is readily available to search on Sunshine Coast Council’s Development.i. website or you could speak to others in your industry or neighbourhood for a referral.

2. Up to date, Local knowledge
Town Planning experts make it their business to stay informed and on top of the complex, ever changing local and state planning legislation and regulations. The risk of missing an important step in the process or misinterpreting information can lead to costly and timely delays or rejections. Identifying the development potential, the best strategic approach for you and possible constraints specific to the assessment requirements is best done by a professional Town Planner who knows the local system inside and out.

The experienced Town Planning Consultants at Murray & Associates are experts in the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 , Noosa Plan 2020 , and other relevant regional council planning schemes, including the Gympie Regional Council Planning Scheme and MBRC Planning Scheme. Understanding the intricate detail of the council’s town plan, being able to mitigate the risks involved and draw on the experience and skill of being awarded one of the highest volumes of development approvals on the Sunshine Coast, means they are also in the best position to challenge and negotiate conditions on your behalf to achieve the desired results…which is what we all want in the end!

3. Collaborative Effort
A Town Planner is your biggest advocate to ensure appropriate outcomes are realised from development approvals, but there are several other stakeholders that are involved in the process. Interested parties include other property service providers like engineers, architects and builders, as well as council, utility providers and authorities. A good Town Planner will liaise on your behalf with all relevant professionals and facilitate communication and the transfer of important information between them to keep your project progressing.
Significant value can be placed on engaging a Town Planner early to allow you to tap into their extensive network of skilled professionals. Again, a local, highly experienced Town Planner is the one most likely to have the established relationships and strong reputation that will get you ahead of the game.

Making the Call
The best way to know if the Town & Urban Planner you are considering is a good fit for you and your project, is to request a meeting. Researching all the above elements is important, but to maximise the likely success of your project, you and your Town Planner need to be able to communicate easily and build a relationship based on trust and a solid understanding of your needs and goals – if it isn’t going to work, you will probably get a feel for this from your initial meeting.

Creating individualised service with targeted outcomes is what Murray & Associates strive for with every engagement, regardless of project size or a client’s past development experience. Our Sunshine Coast specialist Town Planners are available for an obligation-free discussion over the phone or in person at our locations in Maroochydore or Nambour, as well as our offices in Gympie and Caboolture. Contact us today on 07 5441 2188 or let us know your details and a Town Planning Consultant will get in touch.

Aerial view of a coastal neighborhood beside a green hillside and blue ocean under a clear sky

COOLUM HORIZONS ESTATE

April 29, 2026
Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast QLD Project Scope: Comprehensive surveying and construction control for a premier 35-lot residential estate in Coolum Client: Keristar Project Duration: 2023 - 2026 Murray & Associates is proud to have played a foundational role in the successful delivery of Horizons Coolum, a premier 35‑lot residential subdivision by Keristar. Positioned in the heart of Coolum Beach, the estate offers elevated homesites with tranquil bushland outlooks and convenient access to the Sunshine Coast’s key lifestyle amenities. Commencing in 2023, Murray & Associates provided end‑to‑end surveying services to support the seamless execution of the master plan. Working collaboratively with project engineers and civil contractors, our team delivered a comprehensive suite of surveying inputs throughout the construction phase, including initial contour and detail surveys, establishment of primary survey control, ongoing monitoring of settlement plates and subsidence, and the preparation of as‑constructed surveys and final survey plans for registration. Our precise, stage‑by‑stage survey support underpinned the efficient progression of the subdivision from early works through to completion, ensuring accurate data and reliable on‑ground implementation at every milestone.
Modern resort entrance with palm trees, stone walls, and people walking by a sign reading “cochin eco-resort”

Coochin Creek Eco-Tourist Resort

April 29, 2026
Coochin Creek, Sunshine Coast QLD Project Scope: Facilitate the strategic conversion of 45 hectares into a 150-site ecotourism resort, managing complex statutory approvals and environmental safeguards to align with state-level tourism strategies Client: Comiskey Group Project Duration: 2024 - 2026 Murray & Associates delivered the town planning and approvals process for the Coochin Creek Holiday Resort, a significant ecotourism development for the Comiskey Group. Located on a 45‑hectare portion of a larger 155‑hectare site near the Pumicestone Passage, the project involved transitioning former agricultural land into a high‑quality, nature‑based tourism destination. Our team managed the complex statutory planning pathway, addressing key environmental considerations and ensuring the proposal aligned with the state’s Destination 2045 tourism strategy. The approved masterplan delivers a balanced 150‑site layout comprising 75 cabins and 75 camping and caravan sites, supported by rigorous environmental safeguards. To minimise impacts on the adjoining National Park, the development footprint is confined to previously disturbed areas and includes the revegetation of more than three hectares of native flora.
Green industrial building with tall antenna behind a chain-link fence under a cloudy sky

Sunshine Coast Bioenergy Facility & Subdivision

April 29, 2026
Nambour, Sunshine Coast Client: LMS Energy Project Duration: 2025 LMS Energy progressed plans for the Sunshine Coast Bioenergy Facility at the Nambour Resource Recovery Centre, expanding its long‑term program of landfill‑gas‑to‑energy projects across Australia. The project forms part of LMS Energy’s broader methane‑abatement portfolio, with the company recognised nationally as a leader in landfill biogas recovery and renewable energy generation. In parallel with the energy facility, the project required subdivision and land‑administration work to support long‑term operational access, infrastructure upgrades and tenure arrangements within the Nambour waste precinct. Murray & Associates was engaged to provide the planning and surveying services necessary to progress the development. Our planning team prepared the required development documentation and assessment material, addressing land‑use compatibility within an active waste and resource‑recovery environment, the integration of new biogas‑capture and power‑generation infrastructure, and compliance with Sunshine Coast Council’s environmental and operational performance expectations. Key considerations included odour and emissions management, stormwater and site‑based drainage, access and servicing arrangements, and alignment with Council’s circular‑economy and waste‑reduction objectives. Our surveying team supported the project through feature and level surveys, boundary identification, and subdivision plan preparation to formalise operational areas and infrastructure corridors.
Aerial view of a roundabout on a highway surrounded by green forest and hills under a cloudy sky

Caloundra Road Intersection Upgrade

April 29, 2026
Caloundra, Sunshine Coast QLD Project Scope: Specialised Survey Accurate Cadastral Modelling Survey for Major Intersection Upgrade Client: The Department of Transport and Main Roads Project Duration: 2026 For the Queensland Government’s major upgrade of one of the Sunshine Coast’s busiest intersections, the junction of Caloundra Road, Kawana Way Link Road and Bells Creek Arterial Road, Murray & Associates provided specialised cadastral modelling survey services to support the project’s design and delivery. This critical transport corridor carries more than 60,000 vehicles per day, making accurate definition of land interests essential before detailed design could progress. Our cadastral modelling survey identified property boundaries, easements and tenure constraints across the entire project corridor, giving the design team the clarity and confidence needed to advance through preliminary and detailed design stages. By accurately mapping land interests within this high‑traffic environment, Murray & Associates helped establish the foundations for one of the Sunshine Coast’s most significant infrastructure upgrades, supporting a safer and more efficient transport network for the regional community.
Aerial view of a grassy, X-shaped runway or airfield layout with intersecting paved strips.

Kybong Aerodrome Detail Survey

April 29, 2026
Kybong, Queensland Project Scope: Multimodal spatial data capture and airside surveying to support Gympie Regional Council’s safety and infrastructure planning at Kybong Aerodrome Client: Gympie Regional Council Project Duration: 2026 In early 2026, Murray & Associates delivered detailed ground and airside spatial data capture for Gympie Regional Council at Kybong Aerodrome. The project required precise surveying across an active aviation environment, supporting Council’s planning for future safety and infrastructure upgrades at the facility. To achieve the required accuracy and coverage, our team combined total stations, GNSS equipment, drone‑based photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning. Murray & Associates operates with licensed Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) holders and certified drone operators, enabling the safe deployment of advanced aerial mapping technologies to capture high‑resolution spatial data. Our surveyors also bring proven experience in aviation settings, having previously completed similar survey works at Emerald Airport. The resulting dataset provides Council with a robust spatial foundation to inform upcoming design, compliance and safety improvement initiatives at the aerodrome.
Surveying equipment on a concrete post beside a paved path, with ocean and green hills in the background

Seqwater Dam Monitoring

April 29, 2026
South-East Queensland Project Scope: Structural deformation surveys and high-accuracy monitoring for South-East Queensland dams for long-term integrity of the regional water grid Client: Queensland Government Bulk Water Supply Authority, T/A Seqwater Project Duration: 2014 - Ongoing For more than a decade, Murray & Associates has been a trusted partner in the ongoing safety management of South East Queensland’s water infrastructure. Our team continues to provide essential survey monitoring across more than 20 of Seqwater’s referable dams, supplying the high‑precision spatial data required to meet the stringent Queensland Dam Safety Guidelines. These monitoring programs form a critical component of Seqwater’s long‑term asset management strategy. By delivering accurate performance data, we support comprehensive risk assessments and the structural health evaluation of some of the region’s most significant water storages. Our specialised services include high‑accuracy terrestrial surveying capable of detecting minute structural movements, the establishment and maintenance of control networks, and detailed performance data analysis. With over 12 years of continuous service across many of these sites, Murray & Associates remains committed to the reliable and precise monitoring of the region’s vital water infrastructure. Our ongoing involvement ensures dam performance is tracked with confidence, supporting the continued safety and resilience of the Seqwater grid.
Aerial view of a residential development under construction beside a neighborhood and green landscape

Kenlea Estate

April 29, 2026
Woombye, Sunshine Coast QLD Project Scope: Comprehensive surveying and construction control for the Sunshine Coast’s inaugural eco-positive housing estate in Woombye Client: MyHaus Property Group Project Duration: 2021 - 2026 Murray & Associates was engaged by Kira Steinhaus of MyHaus Property Group to deliver the full suite of surveying services for KenLea Estate, the Sunshine Coast’s first sustainable residential community located in Woombye. The estate comprises 35 level lots ranging from 901m² to 1,709m², offering generous homesites with elevated views toward the Blackall Range and a strong focus on environmentally conscious design. Our team supported the project from inception through to title registration, providing a complete lifecycle of surveying services. This included the initial identification survey, detailed contour survey to inform design, establishment of primary survey control for civil works, ongoing settlement plate monitoring, as-constructed surveys and preparation of the final survey plan for registration. Murray & Associates’ precise, stage-by-stage survey support ensured accurate on-ground implementation of the estate’s carefully considered masterplan, enabling efficient progression from civil construction through to plan sealing and the successful delivery of this landmark sustainable community.
Aerial view of a busy lakeside resort with a large turquoise pool, parked cars, and green countryside nearby

Ingenia Holidays Rivershore Expansion

April 29, 2026
Diddillibah, Sunshine Coast Project Scope: Lead the town planning and development approval process for a $12 million resort expansion, facilitating 80 new accommodation options and enhanced guest amenities to meet the rising demand for premium, nature-based tourism on the Sunshine Coast. Client: Ingenia Holidays Project Duration: 2025-2026 Murray & Associates is proud to support Ingenia Holidays in the $12 million expansion of the award‑winning Ingenia Holidays Rivershore resort at Diddillibah on the Sunshine Coast. This significant upgrade will introduce 80 new accommodation options, including safari tents, tiny homes and additional caravan sites, alongside enhanced guest amenities such as a resort‑style pool and a new camp kitchen. The expansion reflects the rising demand for premium, nature‑based tourism experiences and is set to boost local employment and deliver meaningful economic benefits to the region. Our team led the town planning and development approval process, ensuring the proposal aligned seamlessly with local planning frameworks and contributed to a well‑considered evolution of this established tourism destination. This project continues our long-standing partnership with the iconic Maroochy River site. More than a decade ago, Murray & Associates secured the original development approval for the family‑owned McGovern Developments, and we’re delighted to help guide the next chapter of Rivershore’s growth.
Modern building with a covered patio overlooking a turquoise pool

Retirement Village and Shopping Complex

April 29, 2026
Morayfield, Moreton Bay Project Scope: Secure development approval for an integrated retirement and retail precinct, co-locating single-level villas with a neighbourhood shopping centre to deliver an accessible, service-rich community in Morayfield. Client: Plantation Retirement Resorts Project Duration: 2025-2026 The Morayfield Retirement Village and Shopping Complex marks another significant milestone in our ongoing partnership with Plantation Retirement Resorts, with Murray & Associates securing approval for a thoughtfully integrated residential and retail community. The masterplan delivers single level retirement villas, generous open space networks and a neighbourhood scale shopping centre that brings essential services directly into the heart of the community. This blend of living and convenience creates an accessible and welcoming environment tailored to older Queenslanders. Our planning team managed the approval pathway, ensuring the development met regional planning objectives while supporting Plantation Retirement Resorts’ vision for a connected and service rich retirement community. This project sits alongside the numerous Sunshine Coast Vertical Retirement Village developments, demonstrating the breadth of retirement living solutions being delivered through our continued collaboration.
Aerial view of a landscaped site with outlined garden plots and trees near a road.

Subdivision of Land (2 into 15 Lots) and Reserve

April 29, 2026
Upper Caboolture, Moreton Bay Project Scope: Full lifecycle reconfiguration of a two-parcel site into a 15-lot residential estate in Upper Caboolture, providing integrated statutory planning and surveying from initial site design through to as-constructed verification and plan registration. Client: Norwest Developments Pty Ltd Project Duration: 2021-2025 Norwest Developments partnered with Murray & Associates to reconfigure two existing lots in Upper Caboolture into a 15‑lot residential subdivision supported by a dedicated reserve. Delivered progressively between 2021 and 2025, the project contributes to the ongoing growth of the Caboolture West and Upper Caboolture corridor. Our team was involved from the early design stages through to plan sealing and registration, ensuring the development met council requirements and integrated well with the surrounding area. Our planning team managed the development application and shaped a practical subdivision layout that responds to local land use, stormwater and environmental considerations. Our Surveyors provided the technical foundation for the project, completing the initial contour and feature survey, establishing survey control, undertaking as‑constructed surveys during civil works and preparing the final survey plan for registration. The combination of clear planning advice and reliable surveying delivery ensured the subdivision progressed smoothly and resulted in a well‑executed outcome for the client and future residents.
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