What’s happening?
Lincoln Place has received planning approval for Lincoln Lifestyle Mackay, a new over-50s masterplanned community in Walkerston.
The project will be built on a 16.45-hectare site at the corner of Peak Downs Highway and Kellys Road, about 10 kilometres west of Mackay CBD.
It is set to become the largest over-50s lifestyle community of its kind in the region in more than a decade.
Lincoln Place Chief Executive Officer Paul Yeo said the approval followed close work with Mackay Regional Council.
“We worked closely with Mackay Regional Council to achieve this positive outcome for Mackay’s over-50s,” Mr Yeo said.
“We’re grateful for Council’s support and their shared vision to bring quality, well-priced downsizing housing alternatives to a market where demand is significantly outpacing supply.”
Lincoln Place expects to begin construction within 12 months and welcome its first residents in 2027.
“With planning approval now in place, we expect to commence construction within 12 months and welcome the first residents to their new homes in 2027.”
Why it matters?
The approval adds more housing choice for older residents in a market where supply is under pressure.
It also gives locals a downsizing option close to established services, while keeping them connected to the wider Mackay region.
Mr Yeo said the project reflects rising demand from both local downsizers and Queenslanders moving into the region.
“Mackay’s appeal as a sea change destination is transforming the region and over-55s are driving much of this growth,” he said.
“Lincoln Lifestyle Mackay will offer a thoughtfully designed community for this growing demographic – meeting the needs of local downsizers and those from further afield who are drawn to the region’s relaxed lifestyle.”
Local Impact
The Walkerston site places future residents close to key local services and major road links.
Mr Yeo said the location offers strong access to everyday amenities and supports an active lifestyle.
“The community’s location west of Mackay’s CBD means residents will experience easy transit to amenity with the connection to the highway, as well as plenty of on-site and local amenity to promote an active lifestyle,” he said.
He said Mackay Base Hospital, Ooralea Racecourse, Caneland Central Shopping Centre and Western Suburbs Leagues Club are all nearby.
The estate will also include RV and boat storage, pedestrian links, native landscaping and a community garden area.
By the Numbers
- The project carries a $200 million price tag, showing the scale of Lincoln Place’s long-term investment in Mackay.
- The Clubhouse and Wellness Centre precinct will span 8,800 square metres, making it one of the largest leisure precincts in Lincoln Place’s portfolio.
- Urbis research found that about two-thirds of new over-55 residents came from nearby localities, while another 32 per cent moved from elsewhere in Queensland.
Zoom In
Lincoln Place says the community will deliver 325 single-level homes designed for over-50s living.
“Our long-term investment in the region will deliver 325 single-level homes designed for over-50s living, alongside one of the largest leisure precincts in our portfolio.”
Mr Yeo said the multi-million-dollar Clubhouse and Wellness Centre would form a major part of the estate.
“The multi-million-dollar Clubhouse and Wellness Centre precinct spans 8,800sqm and includes pickleball and bocce courts, a bowling green, and lagoon pool with an outdoor bar and kitchen, and barbecue areas.”
He said the precinct would also include more indoor and wellness spaces.
“The precinct also features an additional lap pool, gym, yoga studio, art studio, private cinema, golf simulator, games room, lounge and library, as well as a large kitchen and private dining room for events.”
The Mackay project will also include a feature not yet seen in other Lincoln Place communities.
“In a first for Lincoln Place, our Mackay community also includes a children’s playground to reflect the family-focused approach to community design we are instilling in our estates.”
Mr Yeo said the masterplan also includes a 2,400-square-metre community garden area and a mix of two and three-bedroom homes.
Zoom Out
Lincoln Place operates under a land lease model, which Mr Yeo said remains a popular option for Australians looking to unlock equity from their existing homes.
He said the model cuts many of the upfront and ongoing charges often linked with other housing options.
“Residents within Lincoln Place communities benefit from no entry or exit fees, no stamp duty, no body corporate or deferred management fees, and council rates are included in a single weekly site rental that also covers the upkeep of our high-quality lifestyle amenities,” he said.
The Urbis research also points to strong movement into the region, both from nearby areas and elsewhere in Queensland.
That gives the Mackay project a wider role in meeting housing demand beyond one local suburb.
What To Look For Next?
With planning approval secured, the project is now moving toward construction within the next 12 months.
If that timeline holds, the first residents are expected to move into Lincoln Lifestyle Mackay in 2027.
