What’s happening?
GemLife Communities Group has secured a greenfield development site in Mount Low, Townsville, and the acquisition marks the group’s first entry into Far North Queensland and expands its national pipeline.
The site sits within Townsville’s northern growth corridor and forms part of the Maidment Group’s Sanctum estate. It is located in the city’s Northern Beaches area, within reach of key services and lifestyle amenities.
The purchase has gone unconditional, with the project to progress through staged settlement, while construction is expected to begin after all settlement stages are complete, subject to development approval.
Why it matters
The project responds to sustained demand for purpose-built housing for people aged over 50.
GemLife Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Adrian Puljich said the location met key criteria.
“We have been looking for the right opportunity in Townsville and this site is ideal,” he said.
“Located in the fast-growing, sought-after Northern Beaches, its proximity to the CBD, airport, hospital and established lifestyle amenities make it a highly desirable place to live.”
Mr Puljich said housing demand in Townsville remains strong, while suitable downsizer options are limited.
“Demand for housing in Townsville continues to be underpinned by strong fundamentals, including employment, infrastructure investment and population growth, yet the supply of high-quality downsizer housing has not kept pace,” he said.
“With an ageing population, delivering new communities specifically designed for over-50s provides more choice for downsizers while also helping free up larger homes for the next generation.”
Local impact
The development will sit within Townsville’s Northern Beaches growth area, and it will benefit from improved road connectivity supported by Queensland Government infrastructure funding.
Once delivered, the community is expected to increase housing choice for older residents in the region.
By the numbers
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The Mount Low site covers 32.5 hectares and was acquired for $21 million.
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GemLife will seek approval for more than 500 homes with resort-style facilities for over-50s homeowners.
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Nationally, GemLife has a development pipeline exceeding 10,400 homes and sites across Australia.
Zoom in
The project will be delivered as a masterplanned land lease community. Under this model, there are no entry fees, exit fees or stamp duty for buyers.
Homeowners retain all capital gains and weekly site fee covers security, maintenance and management.
Onsite amenities typically include pools, a bowling alley, cinema, pickleball courts, a bar and alfresco dining areas.
Zoom out
GemLife was established in 2015 and listed on the Australian Stock Exchange in July 2025.
Once complete, the Townsville project will form part of the company’s national portfolio of 33 communities.
What to look for next?
The project will move through the development approval process ahead of construction commencing after final settlement.
