Beach-burb hop

THE beach-burb hop is set to speed up for residents of two waterfront suburbs as a major builder carves out a new link road as part of a subdivision deal with Cairns Regional Council.

Kenfrost is pushing ahead with its 206-lot Deep Creek Estate on what is largely vegetated former cane farming land between Clifton and Kewarra beaches – although some outside influences are causing delays.

The development was approved in 2017 with a proviso.

THE beach-burb hop is set to speed up for residents of two waterfront suburbs as a major builder carves out a new link road as part of a subdivision deal with Cairns Regional Council.

Kenfrost is pushing ahead with its 206-lot Deep Creek Estate on what is largely vegetated former cane farming land between Clifton and Kewarra beaches – although some outside influences are causing delays.

The development was approved in 2017 on the proviso the builder extended its internal road to link up with Hope St at Clifton Beach and Cottesloe Dr at Kewarra Beach, creating a new connection that will keep cars off the highway.

Kenfrost general manager Adam Gowlett said the original plan had been to end the internal road in a cul-de-sac – but the new link to Hope St would only require a 20m extension.

The company had intended to start construction this year but critical shortages of materials and tradespeople had pushed the launch date back to mid-2022.

“The plan is for 55 per cent of the site to remain natural, so it’s going to be a bit more delicate to build than a big, square paddock where you’ve got free range,” he said.

“Most of the bushy parts of the site are going to be retained.”

Difficulty sourcing materials and workers has been an unexpected fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent construction rush triggered by the HomeBuilder stimulus package.

“That goes for everything – supplies for timber, concrete, roofing materials, brickies, roofers and tilers,” Mr Gowlett said.

“Everything has become really busy and really, really tight. It’s increasing costs and causing delays.

“The HomeBuilder grant has been a fantastic boost for the industry but it’s almost been too good.”

Some builders are now being forced to use alternative materials to keep up work.

“If there’s no pine available, they’re looking into materials like hardwood,” Mr Gowlett said.

“It’s a step up but it’s also a step up in price.”