Building approvals reach $359 million record

Published on 30 October 2026

Almost 1400 building approvals, triggering a record $359 million in development, were issued across the Gympie region in the first nine months of 2026.

The approvals paved the way for a wave of construction work from new homes and swimming pools to industrial buildings and community facilities.

Of the 1,397 building approvals issued, 419 were for new dwellings.

The building approval figures are included in Council’s Community Sustainability Quarterly Report for July to September 2026. The figures showed that during the quarter alone, 504 building approvals were issued, with an estimated construction value of more than $109 million.

The quarterly report, endorsed by Council at its October Ordinary Meeting, also highlighted achievements across a range of key Council functions including arts and culture, libraries, strategic planning, compliance, waste and resource recovery.

Gympie Mayor Glen Hartwig said the record value of building approvals was a positive sign for the local economy, with the growth bringing with it the ongoing potential to create jobs and support businesses across the region.

“We’ve already surpassed the previous record of $357 million set in 2024, and we still have the October to December period to evaluate. This shows just how much development is being planned across our region,” Mayor Hartwig said.

“As these approved projects get underway, they have the potential to create jobs for local builders and tradespeople, increase demand for materials and equipment from local suppliers, and support spending across other businesses in our Region.

“You only have to drive around Gympie to see the development taking place, from new housing estates and homes being built or renovated to industrial buildings under construction in areas such as Monkland's Bunworth Park Estate.”

Mayor Hartwig said while the approvals showed a demand for development today, planning for future growth remained a key priority for Council. He said investigation areas such as Curra had been identified as opportunities for future housing and industrial development.

“Curra has the potential to play a significant long-term role in the growth of our region but such growth requires the support of the right infrastructure, services and planning provided at the right time,” Mayor Hartwig said.

“And considering the growth we are experiencing the time to get it right is now. That is why this year our focus will be on engaging with our community to investigate options such as Curra, plan responsibly and ensure we are prepared for the opportunities and challenges that come with growth.

"To do that, Council’s $139.6 million 2026–27 Capital Works Program includes the Curra investigation with $3.1 million, from the Queensland Government’s Residential Activation Fund, to be deliver the investigation project.

"By doing the work now, we can make informed decisions about where and how we grow, while protecting the lifestyle and character that make the Gympie region such a great place to live."

Other highlights from the Community Sustainability Quarterly Report included:

• 555 plumbing approvals recorded across the Gympie region between January and September 2026.
• 31 infringement notices issued for illegal dumping between January and September 2026, totalling more than $58,000 in fines.
• The collection of more than 12,000 tonnes of general waste and 2,000 tonnes of recycling from kerbside bins between January and September 2026.
• More than 71,000 combined visits to Council’s libraries, Gympie Regional Gallery and The Pavilion between July and September 2026.

ENDS