Plans to increase building heights through the heart of Wynnum are one step closer to reality, despite vocal protests from some residents.
The development came as new details emerged about similar proposed height changes in Indooroopilly, Carindale and Nundah at a council meeting packed out by residents dressed as clowns.
In the bayside suburb of Wynnum, apartment buildings up to 15 storeys would be allowed along some streets under the plan now headed to the state government.
Mixed-use developments and smaller towers would be permitted on others.
Council argues this would boost local business, provide convenient public transport options to more people, and increase housing supply.
“This is fundamentally about rejuvenating one of our best Bayside suburban destinations,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said on Tuesday.
After a community consultation process attracting about 500 submissions, some changes were made to the draft plan. Maximum heights are shorter in some areas and taper away more clearly from the station and main street.
“We don’t feel that they’ve actually taken the community sentiment on board,” Tarnya Lowe, a committee member with the Wynnum-Manly Community Group, said.
“We actually want development, we want revitalisation … [but] we want it done sensibly.”
The proposal has attracted strong backlash from some residents – at least a dozen of whom turned up at the Tuesday meeting – but LNP Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham said community opposition was being whipped up by Labor. She cited alleged links between Lowe and the party.
“Labor has once again been caught red-handed running a fake political campaign,” Cunningham said in a statement.
“It is disgraceful to see Labor stirring up fear and misinformation when Brisbane residents want more homes delivered.”
Well over 200 Wynnum residents turned up to a community town hall on the changes late last year, with the vast majority airing significant concerns.
“This is going to change the foundation of everything that I love and why I choose to live here,” one told the forum.
Lowe wouldn’t be drawn on any connection to Labor, but said her group was made up of residents from across the political spectrum who cared deeply about their community.
“I was at [LNP councillor] Alex Givney’s launch supporting her, so I feel sad that they’re keeping on going to this tactic.
“Are they suggesting the 500 people who submitted feedback are all fake people that don’t mean anything? … I’m just shocked by that.”
Labor abstained from voting on the planned changes, flagging concerns about community consultation and lack of mandated affordable housing.
It had moved an amendment for inclusion of an infrastructure plan and affordable housing targets, which was voted down by the LNP.
“I’ve spent a bit of time speaking to that community over the last few months … they were worried they weren’t going to be listened to,” Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy said.
“The top issue in the feedback … was that affordable housing should be included.”
The LNP has long questioned how a Labor-led council would ensure construction of affordable houses, and requested an explanation of specific policy alternatives.
“What is Labor’s definition of affordable? … are Labor’s affordability targets aspirational or mandatory?” councillor Adam Allan asked earlier in the meeting.
“They don’t answer these questions, they’re happy to have a go at us, but they never come up with solutions.”
The precinct plan will now go to the state government for approval, which is the final step before it can be incorporated into the City Plan.
Councillors also voted to put a proposal for higher towers around Indooroopilly, Carindale and Nundah to community consultation.
Under the plan – which aims to increase density around transport and shopping hubs – up to 25 storeys would be allowed around Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, with up to 30 storeys near Carindale Shopping Centre.
In the major centre zone of Nundah, heights would be increased from 12 storeys to 15. Up to 10 storeys would be allowed in the surrounded mixed use zone.
Community consultation will open on April 24.
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