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BUILDING approvals on the Gold Coast rose by 22 per cent in the 12 months to December 2014, outdoing rises of 20 percent in Brisbane and 18 per cent on the Sunshine Coast.
Nearly 4300 approvals were issued in for the Gold Coast in 2014, compared to 3500 in the previous year, although the area suffered a 17 per cent drop between November and December.
Approvals across Queensland rose by about 10 per cent in 2014.
Master Builders deputy executive director Paul Bidwell says the state-wide results are "patchy" and demonstrate the need for political stability in Queensland.
"These dwelling approvals highlight the need for a quick resolution to the current political situation," he says.
"Uncertainty around government has the potential to impact business and consumer confidence.
"We're keen to welcome the new government, whatever the outcome, with the view to working hand-in-hand to maintain a strong focus on building industry reform."
Approvals in metropolitan areas rose by about 20 per cent in 2014, but approvals halved in central Queensland and Mackay.
About 35,000 approvals were issued across the state in 2014. More than half of these were in Brisbane, and more than 80 per cent were in the southeast.
Far north Queensland recorded a rise of about 25 per cent, and was one of the few regions to see approvals rise between November and December.
"Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast continued to lead the pack, but far north Queensland was the star performer," says Bidwell.
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