As the COVID-19 restrictions ease and businesses begin to reopen, construction and growth continues to occur in the Goulburn Mulwaree region.
Recent building approval values up until the end of March 2019/20 highlight the continuing trend of housing and construction growth in the area, with the population of Goulburn expected to continue to increase strongly over the coming years as residents of City seek a lifestyle with a little more space.
Development applications for the first six months of 2020 highlight the growth in new dwellings, with 145 new applications in comparison with 101 in the first half of 2019.
“We are positive about the future of our region as highlighted in the Urban and Fringe Housing Strategy where we have planned to cater for approximately 7000 additional residents in Goulburn and Marulan by 2036” said Mayor Bob Kirk.
“The 2017/18 and 2018/19 financial years were our largest years ever in terms of residential building approvals, and this is continuing in the current financial year despite COVID-19. I see this as a great news, as when our construction industry is strong and our population is growing this translates to more money being spent in the cafes, shops and services of our City.”
Over $51 million worth of residential buildings have been approved through to the end of March 2020, and this is expected to be on track to match previous financial years. The industry has also been strongly supported by commercial projects, with the Goulburn Hospital, Goulburn Performing Arts Centre and other public projects injecting over $157 million in the financial year to date.
The Urban & Fringe Housing Strategy has identified opportunities for an additional 3,500 dwellings across Goulburn and Marulan which are expected to be required through until 2036. The strategy looks at a combination of further urban residential lots (700sqm+), large lot residential and some urban infill closer to the Goulburn CBD.
The strategy was deferred by Council at their meeting on 21st April 2020 for further consultation with submitters, and will be reconsidered by Council this Tuesday 16th June 2020.
Source: Goulburn Mulwaree Council