WHY HAVING LOCAL EXPERIENCE IN TOWN PLANNING ON THE SUNSHINE COAST MATTERS
WHY HAVING LOCAL EXPERIENCE IN TOWN PLANNING ON THE SUNSHINE COAST MATTERS
The benefits of using a reputable town planner adept with the Sunshine Coast council’s planning scheme can have a significant economic impact on your development application by streamlining the process.
From your initial consultation, a Town Planner will be able to assess your development or idea knowing what types of applications the local council are currently accepting or rejecting. The bank of experience and knowledge they have from similar residential, commercial, retail, industrial or other projects to yours that have previously been approved means they can identify any potential issues early and advise the best and most efficient way to alleviate the problems. This in turn, allows you to together make educated decisions, manage expectations and proactively take the steps needed to present an application that meets the Sunshine Coast council’s information requirements.
Whether you are doing a boundary realignment, large scale subdivision or going for a material change of use or operational works approval, the value of engaging a town planner early is further extended by the networks and relationships they have fostered in the local community, with other service professionals and at council. Simply being able to access a trusted network of local experts through your Town Planner gives you a step up immediately. An established and tested working relationship comes with the advantage of proficiencies in communication, and when they know each other’s needs and how they work, greater efficiencies (and therefore costs) can be realised.
Development proposals on the Sunshine Coast don’t need to be complicated if you have the right town planner working for you. Murray & Associates’ Director and Principal Town Planner, Blake Bell, and his team have a reputation of being able to deliver value by saving excessive costs and timely delays. Each new project benefits from the knowledge and expertise built upon by their extensive past projects in a variety of sectors.
Murray & Associates have two town planning offices in the Sunshine Coast centrally located at Maroochydore and Nambour, with the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Noosa, Gympie and Moreton Bay regions also covered with our Gympie and Caboolture offices. Let us contact you today to get started!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
