Aura welcomes the Honourable Sukkar MP and Wallace MP as it tackles affordability challenge head on

Stockland, Australia’s largest residential developer, has reaffirmed its leadership position in addressing the nations affordability challenge as it welcomes the Honourable Michael Sukkar MP, Federal Minister for Housing and Assistant Treasurer, and Mr Andrew Wallace MP, Member for Fisher, to its $5 billion Aura community today.

The Honourable Mr Sukkar said: “It’s great to be back here at Aura after a couple of years and to see how much this community has developed. I’ve spoken to a few first home buyers here today who have long-term ambitions to put roots down at Aura for a very long time, and I can see why.

“As a Federal Government we believe that the opportunity to fulfil your dream of owning a home is something that should be available to all Australians and that is why we are currently working on the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, which will allow first home buyers to purchase their first home with as little as a 5 per cent deposit. This is going to mean for first home buyers here on the Sunshine Coast that the time it takes them to save a deposit for their first home will be dramatically reduced.”

Federal Member for Fisher Andrew Wallace, said: “The last time the Minister was here at Aura there were only a handful of homes. Today there are more than 2,000. This is a sign of what’s happening here, all over the Sunshine Coast. We are a burgeoning community and is it any surprise? After all, why would you want to live anywhere else?”

Adrian Allen, Stockland Regional Manager – Sunshine Coast, said: “We applaud the Federal Government on its comprehensive measures to boost affordability and improve access to housing for all Australians.

“Housing policy played a key role at the recent Federal election. Access to credit remains the key factor affecting the housing market at the moment, and we’re pleased to see the Government focus on this key issue.

“With 30 percent of homes purchased to date at Aura made by First Home Buyers, we welcome the Morrison Government’s commitment to further supporting first home buyers via the First Home Loan Deposit Scheme, which starts in January, and look forward to seeing the impact this will have allowing more people get into home ownership, in Queensland and around Australia.”

Aura is a hive of activity, with Stockland recently opening the $33M Stockland Baringa shopping centre, new 30 home Display Village and over 3,500 residents already living in the community.

Stockland will release a brand new collection of townhomes within the Baringa community next month; the first Stockland delivered residential built form at Aura. Partnering with renowned local Architect OGE Group, this collection of 2 and 3 bed freehold townhomes, with no body corporate, will set a new benchmark for Architectural style and quality in affordable housing, starting from just $375,000, making these architecturally designed homes attainable for more people.

“As Australia’s population grows, effective infrastructure investment is critical to not only keep cities liveable, but to help level the playing field by connecting growing communities to jobs, education, services, entertainment and retail, and ultimately enhancing productivity and generating a better quality of life for all Australians.

Mr Allen continues: “We’re pleased to welcome back Minister Sukkar and Mr Wallace to Aura.

“We know growth in cities is important but must be considered in the context of good planning and infrastructure delivery. It is great to see the strong commitment from the Federal Government to plan and invest in transport and infrastructure.

“We’re focused on creating the right type of housing for the right areas –from innovative terrace homes to lots of more than 600 sqm or retirement living units - with a focus on liveability. We’re creating communities for everyone from first home buyers to downsizers.

“Housing diversity and choice is fundamental to driving affordability and must be encouraged and customers are wanting this more than ever before.”

ENDS

Notes to editor

• At $5bn Aura Stockland and its joint venture partner, Capital Property Group, are creating Australia’s most sustainable and liveable city. Years in the planning, Aura will establish a world-class standard in sustainable community creation, delivering over 20,000 new homes and jobs across the 24 sqkm site and attracting global business opportunities to one of Australia’s most sought-after regions.
• The city will feature a 200 kilometre network of cycleways, a 700 hectare Environmental Protection Zone, numerous parks and sporting facilities plus two business and enterprise parks and will create up to 20,000 direct and indirect jobs
• More than 20 schools and educational facilities and 25 community facilities are planned, with Aura’s first school, Baringa State Primary School already open.
• Aura will also become the first new city in the nation to be designed and constructed to the world’s highest environmental and sustainability standards and the community’s masterplan has been accredited with a 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating from the Green Building Council of Australia