Toogoolawah retirement village gets the green light
Published on 13 March 2026
Artistic render: the retirement village will include a clubhouse with a pool and terrace area, bowling green, gym, library, games room, bar, kitchen and hall.
A NEW retirement village has been given the tick of approval for construction on Eskdale Road in Toogoolawah.
Somerset Regional Council approved the development application for an over-50s retirement village at its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, 11 March.
The Toogoolawah village is proposed to include a pickleball court, community garden, and a double storey community clubhouse with a pool and terrace area, bowling green, gym, library, games room, bar, kitchen and hall.
The development is proposed in four stages, with the clubhouse to be delivered in the third stage.
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 and will hopefully pave the way for more development opportunities in the centre of Somerset,” Cr Brieschke said.
“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.”
Somerset Regional Council approved a development application for an 85-unit retirement village on Eskdale Road in Toogoolawah.
Councillor Michael Bishop said the facility would also address some of the housing needs of the broader Somerset region.
“It’s really good to see investment in housing options for older residents in our area,” Cr Bishop said.
“With housing in short supply across the country it’s so important to have facilities like this which allow people to age comfortably in their community.”
Councillor Brett Freese said the village allowed older residents to downsize.
“Many older residents are looking to downsize once their children leave home, and supporting this transition means larger family homes in the region can be better utilised in the housing crisis,” Cr Freese said.
“Older persons choosing retirement living do so for affordability, security, and to be able to access amenities like those proposed for this facility,” Cr Freese said.
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,” Mr Puljich 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.”
Mr Puljich said wherever possible Living Gems worked with local trades, contractors and suppliers to help ensure investment flowed back into the local community.
“Engaging local businesses is an important part of delivering projects like this and building lasting relationships in the region,” Mr Puljich said.
“Our focus will be on ensuring the project is carefully considered and delivers a high-quality outcome for future residents and the wider community.”
The construction and operation of the Toogoolawah facility will create many employment opportunities within Somerset.