What’s happening
Construction has started on Living Gems Harris Crossing, a new $210 million over-50s community in Bohle Plains. Townsville Mayor Nick Dametto and Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich turned the first sod at the site on Tuesday, 2 December.
The community will deliver low-maintenance homes for an ageing population, in a region where one in three residents is over 50. The project aims to free up larger homes for younger families while meeting strong demand from right-sizers.
Work has also begun on the first $16 million of on-site amenities. These include a resort-style pool, bowling alley, pickleball court, yoga space, golf simulator, bar, cinema and RV parking.
Living Gems Harris Crossing is being built on a 13.6-hectare parcel at 99 Hogarth Drive. The site sits within Maidment Group’s Harris Crossing masterplanned community in the western corridor. Townsville City Council approved the project in May.
Local civil construction firm Mendi Constructions completed the first phase of site work. Construction workers will be on-site at any one time across the next five years.
Why it matters
Cr Dametto said the project will support a growing community and bring strong economic benefits. “It is no secret Townsville is growing at a rapid rate and a development like this, where 295 homes are set to be constructed, can only be a good thing,” he said.
He said the project will help new arrivals and locals who are downsizing. “Not only will this house our community members, whether they be new to our city, or even downsizing, but this development is set to inject $210 million into our economy and employ dozens of local trades to get the job done.”
Cr Dametto added that housing diversity is important for ageing residents. “This kind of diversity in housing is a great example of providing our community a space where they feel comfortable to age in place, while still maintaining the creature comforts of the family home.”
Mr Puljich said strong buyer interest reflects a clear need for more choice. “The early response to this new community has been phenomenal,” he said. “As one of the first land lease projects in more than 50 years in Townsville, it represents a new choice for North Queenslanders and has appealed to right sizers from across the State.”
He said the first residents are expected in mid-2026 as homes progress. “Now the community is officially launched, and the first homes and facilities are under construction, we’re anticipating enquiries will only continue to gather pace.”
Local impact
Stage one of 64 homes is now selling from $715,000. Four designs are available, offering two bedrooms or two bedrooms plus a multi-purpose room, with modern open plan layouts.
Rhonda and Terry Sanderson are among the early buyers. The couple moved from Victoria three years ago to be closer to family and said they look forward to the lifestyle.
“We’re excited about the community it will offer us, with everything on site, both in terms of the activities and the people,” Rhonda said.
“It is amazing what is available, covering everyone’s needs, with great security for those in our age group as well.”
She said travel will be much easier. “We have a caravan and travel a fair bit, so you have the option to lock up and go anytime you want, knowing your home will be looked after and secure.”
By the numbers
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The community will deliver 295 new homes for over 50s, in a region where one in three residents is already over 50.
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About 100 workers will be on-site at any time, showing the scale of labour needed for the build.
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Stage one includes 64 homes now selling from $715,000 with four design options.
Zoom in
Access to on-site resort-style amenities is a major draw. Mr Puljich said these facilities support a healthy and connected lifestyle. “Community is the central part of land lease developments, with the significant onsite amenities delivering an exceptional lifestyle, promoting a healthy and connected way of living for the over 50s,” he said.
The land lease model is also appealing. Buyers own their home and rent the land, with the weekly site fee covering maintenance, management and all amenities. Eligible buyers can also access Government rent assistance. There are no entry fees, no exit fees and no stamp duty.
Zoom out
Living Gems has delivered more than 2,000 homes across Queensland over four decades. The company is also developing new communities in Rockhampton and Moreton Bay.
In November, Living Gems received approval for a second Townsville community. The $180 million project will include 328 homes at Gumlow in Maidment Group’s MacKinnon’s Reach. A launch date has not been set.
What to look for next?
The next milestone is the arrival of the first residents in mid-2026. Enquiries are expected to keep rising as homes and amenities take shape on-site.
