Construction begins at Ingenia Lifestyle Ko

The milestone was marked with a sod-turning ceremony attended by project partners and local community representatives, including Cairns Regional Councillor Brett Moller; Daryl Walker, Director of CivilWalker Consulting Engineers; Adam Forrester, Ingenia Communities Head of Development for Queensland; Brendan Rogina, Operations Manager FGF Developments; and Terry James MP, Mulgrave.

Together, we celebrated the beginning of what will become Ingenia Communities’ 29th land lease community nationally.

Named after the Hawaiian word for “sugar”, Ingenia Lifestyle Kō pays tribute to Gordonvale’s rich sugar cane heritage while embracing the relaxed tropical lifestyle that makes the region so unique.

Once complete, the community will feature 372 modern homes alongside a suite of resort-style amenities designed to support active, social and low-maintenance living. Residents will enjoy access to an architecturally designed clubhouse, swimming pool, gym, dining spaces, outdoor barbecue areas and lush landscaped surrounds.

The homes themselves will include a range of thoughtfully designed one and two-bedroom layouts, complete with solar panels and energy-efficient appliances to help reduce ongoing household costs. Community gardens will also form part of the development, giving residents the opportunity to grow their own produce and connect with neighbours.

Ingenia Communities’ Head of Development – Queensland, Adam Forrester, said the project had been carefully designed to respond to growing demand for lifestyle-focused housing in the Far North.

“We’re seeing strong interest from locals who want to stay in the region but are seeking a lower-maintenance lifestyle with greater opportunities for connection, wellbeing and community,” he said.

“There’s something unique about this part of Queensland and Ingenia Lifestyle Kō has been created to reflect that, bringing together modern homes with the relaxed, tropical way of life people already love.”

With the region’s over-50s population forecast to grow by more than 20,000 people by 2046, according to the Queensland Government population projections, 2023 edition published by the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office (QGSO), Adam said the community would play an important role in meeting future housing demand.

“This is about giving people the opportunity to stay connected to their local community while enjoying a lifestyle that better suits the next stage of life,” he said.

“Gordonvale has always had a sweet side, and we’re adding a little more to it. Ingenia Lifestyle Kō is all about creating a place where life feels relaxed, social and full of flavour.”

The community is also expected to deliver economic benefits locally, with construction being delivered in partnership with regional operators to support jobs and industry across Far North Queensland.

The Ingenia Lifestyle Kō Sales Suite is now open at 74 Norman Street, Gordonvale, with private appointments available for those wanting an early look at what’s ahead.

The first release of homes will commence sales in mid-2026.