Set to be developed at 28 Short Street, the 12 townhouse development termed Colin’s Place, will include three and four-bedroom townhouses.

Construction of the townhouse development can go ahead if additional pre-sales were met.

So far, one unit has been sold but at least another two have to be bought before the Mitchell’s can obtain funding to begin their much anticipated project.

Opting for a different and fresh look, Mr Mitchell said the townhouse development would be the first resort style development in the town.

Mr Mitchell admitted the new look would be out of step with the outback image, however the development needed to go ahead to keep in line with the modern living requirements.

“The market has matured so we have reached a point for this sort of development,” he said.

“We are trying to provide quality accommodation because a lot of the houses developed in the area are relocatable.”

Once utilised as a timber yard, the couple bought the land and has owned it for the past six years.

But it had been only in the past four years that they decided to build units on it.

Mr Mitchell said it was due to the market’s viability now that it was the right time to carry out the development.

Each townhouse will have a minimum of 45m2 of private yard, turfed, fenced and landscaped as well as to access to a central pool, barbecue and recreation area.

Despite being given the green light to pursue the development, Mr Mitchell said the availability of land was still an issue in Cloncurry.

“It (shortage of land issue) has somewhat eased with the land auction at Douglas Street but with so much mining activity happening, the town is growing and accommodation has not kept up with the pace.

“It is important to have a mix of development to meet the requirements of a lot of people who come into town.

“The focus needs to be more on family accommodation rather that short term or single accommodation.”