The largest over-50s lifestyle resort ever to be developed in Rockhampton has received approval from Rockhampton Regional Council, paving the way for 505 homes to be delivered, helping to alleviate a critical housing shortage in the Central Queensland region.
The $360 million Living Gems Rockhampton, located at 930 Norman Road in Parkhurst, is just the second land lease project in more than a decade for Rockhampton, where Census data shows more than a third of the population is over 50.
The community will be developed by family-owned Living Gems, one of Queensland’s longest-established over-50s developers, with construction anticipated to begin in September (2025).
Located on a 27-hectare site, with views to Mount Archer, Living Gems Rockhampton will feature low maintenance homes, each with two bedrooms plus a multipurpose room, alongside more than $23 million of lifestyle amenities spanning 3,800sqm.
These include an architect-designed Country Club, a Summer House, and sports and lifestyle precincts. Facilities will include resort-style pools, a bowling alley, yoga space, residents’ workshop, golf simulator, dog run, tennis and pickleball courts, an undercover lawn bowls green, RV parking, and much more.
Newly appointed Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich said demand for over-50s living in the Rockhampton region was high.
“More than 34 per cent of Rockhampton’s population is over 50, with many still living in large properties due to the shortage of low maintenance, secure options such as this,” he said.
“Living Gems Rockhampton has been carefully designed so residents can spend less time on their home and more time enjoying life, with a range of facilities to keep them active and independent, and to encourage strong community connections in a relaxed environment.
“It’s surrounded by nature and close to shops, cafes and amenities, with central Rockhampton just a 20-minute drive away, meaning everything residents could need is in easy reach. The coastal towns of Yeppoon and Emu Park, along with beautiful Blackdown Tableland National Park, are also close by.”
Mr Puljich said Living Gems Rockhampton would play a part in alleviating Rockhampton’s critically undersupplied housing market, which was pressured by low supply and population growth, driven by the $12 billion pipeline of projects underway and planned in the region.
“Encouraging over 50s to downsize to more suitable homes where they can age in place opens family-sized housing for younger generations stepping into the market or upgrading to a home to suit their growing family,” he said.
“We’re anticipating Living Gems Rockhampton will be met by pent-up demand from over 50s from right across Queensland, including Central Queensland areas like Gladstone, as well as buyers relocating from South East Queensland to enjoy this region’s relaxed lifestyle.”
Mr Puljich said active over 50s were increasingly drawn to land lease communities, which offered more flexibility than retirement villages.
“Buyers pay no entry and exit fees, stamp duty, deferred management or capital gains fees at our land lease communities,” he said.
“They own their home and rent the land, with a weekly site fee that covers security, maintenance and management. Those who are eligible can also access Federal Government Rent Assistance to help cover this fee.
“It means land lease communities are a comparatively straightforward and affordable option, not to mention a great lifestyle choice for those downsizing.”
Since being established in 1982 by Peter Puljich, Anthony Puljich’s father, Living Gems has delivered more than 2,000 land lease homes across Queensland.
For more information on Living Gems Rockhampton, please visit www.livinggems.com.au/locations/rockhampton/.
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