PROJECT: CANUNGRA NORTH
Canungra 360 Rationale for Canungra North Strategic Vision
Located 4 kms north of Canungra township and covering approximately 742 hectares of private land, the Canungra North Strategic Vision offers a proactive response to key regional challenges, including sustainable growth, housing affordability, limited education infrastructure, and growing demand for eco- and lifestyle tourism.
As a designated character town within the Scenic Rim Region, Canungra is valued for its cultural and historical significance. However, the township’s constrained land supply, limited infrastructure capacity, and heritage protections restrict its capacity to accommodate the scale of population, housing, and employment growth projected for the area.
The Canungra North Strategic Vision provides a unique opportunity to deliver a master planned community that can absorb future growth in a coordinated, staged, and infrastructure-efficient manner. The proposed community will integrate a mix of residential, commercial, educational, tourism, and open space uses, underpinned by a well-connected, environmentally responsive urban framework that supports long-term liveability, resilience, and social cohesion.
Crucially, the project directly supports a number of announced Queensland Government policy objectives, including:
- Delivering affordable and diverse housing to support key workers, first-home buyers, and a broad demographic profile
- Expanding regional education capacity through the potential establishment of primary and secondary schools
- Supporting tourism growth by leveraging the site’s proximity to the Gold Coast Hinterland and enhancing the region’s visitor economy
- Advancing sustainability and climate adaptation goals by embedding water-sensitive urban design, ecological connectivity, and efficient infrastructure into the community’s core framework
The Canungra North Strategic Vision is consistent with the intent of the Southeast Queensland Regional Plan, and the State Infrastructure Strategy. It offers a timely and strategically sound opportunity to demonstrate best-practice planning, environmental stewardship, and regional leadership.
Canungra North Strategic Vision Maps
Location Map
Project Map
Existing Development Map
Canungra North Strategic Vision – Land Use Descriptions
Green Open Space
Green open spaces are public areas designed for both relaxation and activity. These spaces might include parks, walking trails, sports fields, nature reserves, and shaded areas for play or gathering. They help cool the local environment, support plant and animal life, and create welcoming places for people to enjoy. These spaces will be well-designed with paths, seating, trees, and landscaping that encourage everyday community use and connection.
Protected Green Space
Protected green space is land set aside to preserve important environmental and cultural features. This includes natural bushland, wildlife corridors, wetlands, and other sensitive areas that are home to native species. These areas will be carefully managed to stay healthy and intact over the long term. Low-impact access, like walking trails or educational signage, may be included where appropriate, but any work done here will be focused on conservation and sustainability.
Water Storage
These areas are designed to safely manage rainwater and reduce the risk of flooding. They might include water basins, wetlands, and other systems that slow down and store water during heavy rainfall. These features will also help reuse water, support local ecosystems, and form part of the estate’s green network. Design will follow best-practice stormwater management to ensure long-term safety and environmental benefit.
Primary and Secondary Education Precinct
This precinct will be home to schools that serve the local community—from prep to senior secondary. Schools may be public or private and will include classrooms, sports and play areas, and safe drop-off zones. Located with good access to walking and public transport routes, the education precinct will be designed as part of the neighbourhood, making it easy for students and families to get to school safely and be part of community life.
Residential Precinct
The residential area will be a thoughtfully planned neighbourhood that reflects the natural setting and surrounding views. Homes will come in a variety of types and sizes to suit people at all stages of life—from families to older residents and first-home buyers. Streets will be easy to navigate, safe for walking and cycling, and designed with attractive landscaping. The community will support a mix of uses, including small local shops and shared spaces, creating a place that’s vibrant, inclusive, and welcoming.
Retail, Lifestyle and Bulky Goods Precincts
Retail Use:
Retail areas will include local shops, cafés, supermarkets, and services that meet day-to-day needs. These will be walkable and designed to encourage street activity, helping to build a lively and engaged community.
Lifestyle Use:
Lifestyle precincts will provide health and community services like gyms, medical clinics, childcare, and wellness centres. These spaces are designed to support healthy, social living and will be easy to access from nearby homes.
Bulky Goods Use:
Bulky goods areas are for large-format stores like furniture, home improvement, and electronics retailers. These areas will be well-connected by road, with easy parking and loading access, and will be designed to sit comfortably alongside other land uses.
Elysian Fields Special Zone
Elysian Fields is a key equestrian and tourism destination in Wonglepong. The property supports major horse events and rural tourism, attracting visitors from across the country. With strong links to Queensland’s tourism strategy, Elysian Fields plays a vital role in the region’s economy and identity. It also helps draw visitors beyond the coast and into the Scenic Rim, reinforcing the area as a centre for outdoor recreation, lifestyle, and sport. The zone supports a mix of equestrian, tourism, and event-based activities that complement the character of the surrounding local area.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Canungra North Strategic Vision Project?
The Canungra North Strategic Vision was created to respond to key economic and planning challenges facing the region. It aligns with Queensland Government policy by:
- Managing population growth responsibly
- Addressing critical housing supply shortages
- Enabling efficient and coordinated infrastructure delivery
- Minimising long-term environmental impact
- Strengthening the resilience and diversity of the regional economy
The proposal supports the creation of a new master planned community, incorporating green open spaces, diverse housing, community amenities, and vital new infrastructure all designed to contribute to the long-term prosperity and liveability of Canungra.
2. Who is behind Canungra360?
The proposal is being led by a consortium of responsible Canungra landowners, working in alignment with Scenic Rim Council’s long-term planning strategies who have adapted the collective name of Canungra360.
3. Is this just a developer money grab?
No. While there is a commercial aspect, focus is on the long-term protection through community-led growth to enhance Canungra without compromising the township’s historical rural charm and lifestyle.
4. Is this a residential subdivision or a full town expansion?
This is a comprehensive master planned town expansion—not just housing, but a coordinated delivery of much needed infrastructure, green open space, services, and community facilities.
5. How big is the development, and where exactly will it be located?
The proposal covers approximately 742 hectares of privately owned land, located 4 km north of Canungra township, along Beaudesert–Nerang Road.
This location allows for the logical expansion of Canungra and helps decentralise growth from the town itself. Detailed maps are available on the Canungra360.com website.
6. What is the timeline for this project—when will it begin and be completed?
The project is currently in the planning and community consultation phase, with no set development timeline. Progress remains subject to community feedback and relevant approvals.
7. Who is funding the project?
Funding will come from private investment. There will be no cost to ratepayers for the core development.
8. Why was this area north of Canungra selected?
The site is well-positioned due to its proximity to existing infrastructure and three major regional centres including the Gold Coast, Beaudesert, and Brisbane. It also allows for a logical continuation of Canungra’s township layout.
9. How many homes are planned, and what types?
A mix of housing types is proposed, including larger blocks, family homes, and some town homes. Final numbers and design will be subject to future planning approvals and community input.
10. Will this bring more crime and low socio-economic issues like dense small lot community subdivisions?
No. There is no evidence that well-planned developments increase crime. Communities with good urban design, mixed housing, and active local hubs tend to support safe, inclusive living environments.
11. What happens to bushland, wildlife, and views?
Environmental preservation is a priority. The plan includes green corridors, wildlife buffers, and view-sensitive layouts, with guidance from environmental studies and planning frameworks.
12. Will this increase flooding or erosion into Canungra Creek?
No. The development will follow Queensland’s best-practice stormwater and erosion control standards, including water-sensitive urban design principles.
13. What happens to people’s water access from Canungra Creek?
Existing water access rights will be respected. Buffer zones and water quality protections will be integrated into the master plan.
14. How is water security being addressed given Canungra’s water shortages?
The proposal includes independent water planning solutions, including rainwater harvesting, on-site storage, and off-grid reuse systems. Ongoing engagement with Urban Utilities and Seqwater will form part of the approval process.
15. What about possible damage to ecosystems and wildlife?
Detailed environmental impact studies are underway. The plan will incorporate protections for koala habitat, and native species, with a focus on achieving net environmental gains.
16. Won’t this increase traffic on local roads?
Traffic studies are in progress. Staged upgrades to infrastructure and improved connectivity will help reduce congestion on Beaudesert–Nerang Road and surrounding streets.
17. Will Canungra Primary School be closed or relocated?
The proposal supports additional education infrastructure and does not include the proposal to close of any existing schools.
18. Will there be a high school? Public or private?
There is potential for a new high school. Whether it is public or private will depend on discussions with the Queensland Department of Education.
19. Why not expand the current primary school into a high school?
That option will be reviewed and ultimately is a community and government decision.
20. What types of businesses are planned in the retail precincts?
The vision includes local-serving businesses such as cafés, grocers, medical services, and lifestyle retail, with a focus on supporting local operators and job creation.
21. Will this hurt existing Canungra small businesses?
The goal is to complement—not compete with—existing businesses. A growing local population can provide greater demand and foot traffic to support the township’s economic vitality.
22. Will the community be consulted?
Yes. Canungra360 exists to ensure genuine community engagement. Local feedback will directly shape the planning process.
23. How will the public stay informed?
Updates will be made available through the Canungra360 website, newsletters, social media, and community noticeboards.
24. What role does Scenic Rim Council play?
Council is a key authority, overseeing planning assessments, community consultation requirements, and relevant development approvals.
25. I’m a neighbour. How do I object or support the development?
When a formal application is lodged, a public notification period will occur. During this time, residents can submit formal objections or support submissions, in accordance with the Planning Act.
Disclaimer – Canungra360 Questions & Answers
The information provided in this Canungra360 Questions and Answers document is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and currency of the content, the material is not intended to constitute legal, planning, or financial advice and should not be relied upon as such. All statements, views, projections, and responses are based on information available at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice. Any references to timelines, approvals, designs, or outcomes are indicative only and will be impacted by regulatory processes, community consultation, or site-specific conditions. Neither Canungra360, the consortium of landowners, their consultants, nor associated entities accept any liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from reliance on the information contained herein. Interested parties are encouraged to seek their own independent advice relevant to their personal or professional circumstances. For formal project documentation or statutory planning matters, please refer to official materials that may be lodged with the relevant authorities.