Far-north Queensland’s construction sector is expected to see a boom this year in terms of activity, with a string of residential and commercial developments earmarked for the region.
Private developer Honeycombe is gearing up to commence work on $100 million worth of projects in the state’s north – generating opportunities for apprenticeships in Townsville and Mackay as a potential by-product.
Peter Honeycombe, the company’s managing director, said the housing and office developments will cater for the region’s booming resources industry.
“Our ongoing development push is underpinned by regional Queensland’s strong economic fundamentals, which show no sign of abating,” Mr Honeycombe told The Australian.
“And because of this, we expect to be rolling out projects for years to come.”
Mr Honeycombe said projects to kick off during the year include the $26 million Carlyle Apartments and $25 million Pacific Sands Apartments in Mackay, along with an $18 million cinema hub and a $10 million commercial building in Townsville.
The announcement comes after recent figures indicated Queensland’s construction sector is set to see an upturn in 2013.
According to a report by the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA), private sector dwelling approvals dipped 5.8 per cent in the October quarter, however, approvals in the year to date (January to October 2012) were 5.7 per cent higher overall than during the same period in 2011.
