Echelon Property Management is developing almost 1000 housing lots in the Highfields Estate in central Emerald.

Central Highlands Regional Council has given approval for stage one, comprising 103 lots, and preliminary approval for the entire 10-stage project.

Echelon chief executive Gary Radcliff, said buyer interest came from both mum-and-dad end users and building companies interested in offering house and land packages.

“The rush of purchasers shows us that there is huge demand for new housing in a clearly undersupplied market,” he said.

“Emerald urgently needs this estate as the city has been earmarked as the service hub to Australia’s largest coal mine, being developed by GVK Hancock in the Galilee Basin, which is due to start construction within a year and will create nearly 5000 jobs.”

Radcliff said they are now seeking to fast-track the necessary planning approvals to meet buyer demand.

Highfields Estate will provide 994 new home sites within kilometres of Emerald’s CBD. The elevated 750sqm blocks have building covenants in place to ensure Highfields Estate is a quality development.

“Young families will be particularly well catered for, with almost one hectare of parkland in the estate, and a range of quality schooling options nearby. There is literally no other vacant residential land available in Emerald at present,” Radcliff said.

The project is being marketed by Jason Campbell of Emerald Real Estate who says the estate has filled a void in the vacant land and housing market that has been the situation for some time.

“The recent interest and sales enquiry in this quality estate, is unsurpassed and shows the depth of the market,” said Campbell.

“It’s confirmation of the confidence in the future of the town and diversity of the Central Highlands and Emerald. Not only that but it’s also a great parcel of land which will create a great environment to raise a family.”