Family-owned land lease developer Living Gems has been given the green light for its second Townsville community — a 328-home over-50s resort in the city’s south-west.
The $180 million Living Gems MacKinnon’s Reach will be located on a 14.36-hectare greenfield parcel at 55 Lynam Road, Gumlow, in Maidment Group’s MacKinnon’s Reach masterplanned community.
It is less than three kilometres from Living Gems Harris Crossing, which received approval in May (2025) and is also located within a Maidment Group community.
The secure, gated Living Gems MacKinnon’s Reach will feature $19 million of resort-style amenities, including a Country Club, pickleball and tennis courts, lawn bowls, a community garden and RV parking.
Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich said the demand for housing in Townsville was strong.
“We’ve been inundated with interest for Living Gems Harris Crossing, prompting our decision to secure approval for our second Townsville community to meet the high demand,” he said.
“Premium resort-style living is a relatively new concept for the city — until recently, there hadn’t been a community like this built here since the 1970s — so the response is indicative of the pent-up demand that’s existed for quality downsizer housing in this region.”
In a land lease community, often referred to as an over-50s lifestyle resort, buyers purchase their home and lease the land, through a weekly site fee that covers maintenance, management and extensive premium onsite amenities.
There are no entry fees, exit fees, or stamp duty, as purchasers buy the home only.
More than a third (34.3 per cent) of Townsville’s residents are over 50, equating to about 80,000 residents, Census data shows, underpinning the high demand.
“Land lease communities allow people to ‘right-size’ to a home requiring little maintenance, in a community with great amenities, where they’re surrounded by likeminded neighbours, at a relatively affordable price,” said Mr Puljich.
“It’s a desirable option and has become one of Australia’s fastest growing housing types as a result.
“It also has the dual benefit of helping free up established homes for younger families who need the space, which is critical given the shortfall of new housing being built nationwide.”
Mr Puljich said no timeframe had been set for the launch of Living Gems MacKinnon’s Reach.
It will feature modern two-bedroom, and two-bedroom plus multipurpose room, homes with an open-plan, low maintenance layout.
“All our homes are designed for ease of living for over 50s, with entertainer’s kitchens, generous living spaces, and room for the grandchildren to visit,” he said.
“They’re also designed with the community in mind, with extensive amenities which mean residents can keep active and socialise without having to leave home.”
Early site works are already underway on the nearby $210 million Living Gems Harris Crossing in Bohle Plains, which will feature 295 homes. For more information visit: https://www.livinggems.com.au/.
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