A $200m development is quietly transforming a former Queensland coal town, with some of Australia’s largest land lease lots reaching up to 800 sqm.

Howard, a three-hour drive north of Brisbane, is a town of about 1,400 people in the Fraser Coast that’s set for its biggest transformation in 150 years.

Developer AHC Limited has launched the latest stage of Good Life RV and Lifestyle Resort Fraser Coast, an over-50s land lease community that will deliver 213 homes.

Construction started in 2022 and will continue to roll out over the next five years.

State Member for Maryborough John Barounis and Fraser Coast Regional Council Division 1 Councillor Michelle Byrne joined AHC Limited CEO Rod MacLeod to launch the new stage, which adds to a growing community of 50 homes already occupied.

“The face of Howard is evolving and we’re proud to be growing alongside and supporting the community that makes the town so special, with this new stage playing an important role in that shared future,” Mr MacLeod said.

“It’s not just about the properties. Our homeowners shop locally, join community clubs and become part of the fabric of the town, while the project is generating medium and longer-term work for local construction crews and subcontractors, some of whom had purchased homes and relocated to Howard due to its affordability and now have the opportunity to live closer to work instead of commuting to more urban areas like Hervey Bay.”

AHC’s investment also reaches into the town’s infrastructure.

The development has contributed to the Howard Sewerage Project, adding capacity the Fraser Coast Regional Council says will unlock commercial growth, create jobs and contribute significantly to the economic growth of the township of Howard.

It is also funding upgrades to William St, the heart of the town, including wider roads, footpaths, drainage and landscaping, with additional focus on enhancing amenity and strengthening connections between the development and the existing community.

Current homeowners, Andy and Colleen O’Keefe, relocated from New South Wales 18 months ago, drawn by the chance to downsize without compromising on the space their lifestyle needed.

“The quality of the build stood out, and having room in our garage for the caravan, as well as the boat, golf buggy and 2 cars was a big factor for us,” Mr O’Keefe said.

“Being so close to the golf course and facilities has really made it feel like a lifestyle upgrade.”

The estate offers a range of resort-style facilities, including a tennis court, heated pool and sauna, BBQ areas, community vegetable garden, a dog off-leash park and access to the neighbouring golf course, with future facilities planned.

Good Life RV and Lifestyle Resort Fraser Coast operates under the land lease model, where owners lease the land.

“Under the land lease model there’s no stamp duty, entry or exit fees, body-corporate fees and no deferred management fees,” Mr MacLeod said.

“Homeowners pay a weekly site fee for the land, which contributes to the upkeep of the community and its resort style amenities.”

The standard new home prices start from $773,850, while the home options with RV garages start from $925,050.