Living Gems secures approval for boutique 85-home community in regional town
The Puljich family’s land lease community business has added another approved site to its development pipeline.
On Wednesday, 11 March, Somerset Regional Council approved Innovative Planning Solutions’ Development Permit for Material Change of Use for a retirement facility of 85 units in Toogoowalah, a rural town 106km northwest of Brisbane.
The permit on behalf of GemStone Lifestyle No. 1 Pty Ltd (Living Gems) is for an land lease community with a pickleball court, community garden and a two-storey clubhouse with pool, terrace, bowling green, gym, library, games room, bar, kitchen and hall. The development will be built in four stages, with the clubhouse scheduled for stage three.
Living Gems CEO Anthony Puljich said the Somerset region had a strong sense of community and growing demand from locals wanting to downsize while staying close to family, friends and the lifestyle they value.
“Projects like this provide more housing choice for over-50s and allow residents to age in place within the communities they already call home,” Anthony said.
“Toogoolawah is a beautiful part of the region, and we believe there is strong potential for boutique communities that complement the character of the town.”
Somerset Deputy Mayor Helen Brieschke said the retirement village would be an economic boost for the Toogoolawah community.
“A retirement village is a wonderful project for Toogoolawah.... this is going to be a large facility and will mean lots of employment opportunities in Somerset, both in construction and in operation.
“Toogoolawah is a welcoming place for the retiring community, and we look forward to seeing how this development can support the town’s growth.”
Living Gems is also building communities in Moreton Bay ($140 million, 186 homes), Rockhampton ($360 million, 505 homes) and Townsville ($210 million, 295 homes).
This expansion follows Living Gems’ divestment of its 13 established communities and sites in a $495 million total of deals with Stockland and AVID Property Group in 2023 and 2024.
