Redland City Council is encouraging residents to have their say on the proposed development scheme for the landmark Southern Thornlands Priority Development Area (PDA).
The Southern Thornlands PDA is approximately 900ha in size and represents the largest proposed development ever planned for Redlands Coast. The Queensland Government has opened its public consultation on the proposed development scheme.
“This is a large scale, city-changing development and it needs to be done carefully and correctly,” said Acting Mayor, Julie Talty.
“While this is a Queensland Government initiative, Redland City Council – as the level of government closest to the community – will continue to work with the State to ensure community concerns are heard.”
The PDA is framed by Boundary Road in the north, Mount Cotton Road in the west and Eprapah Creek in the south.
An early release area on properties directly adjoining Springacre Road in the east is already under construction and is expected to provide up to 1,000 dwellings, supporting a population of approximately 2,900 people.
The PDA area is anticipated to accommodate up to 24,000 residents and approximately 8,000 dwellings.
Through the planning process, the Queensland Government proposed a target net residential density of 25 dwellings per hectare. This is intended to facilitate the delivery and diversity of smaller lot sizes with different price points that will enable families to enter the property ladder.
Planning and Regulation portfolio representative, Councillor Rowanne McKenzie said Council had resolved to participate in the structure planning process for the PDA but only in an advisory capacity.
“Council has previously articulated its position on the PDA, which remains consistent to this day,” Cr McKenzie said.
“It is vital that the PDA appropriately integrates with the surrounding areas and that infrastructure is fully funded by the development proponents to support future growth.
“The Queensland Government expects to collect approximately $544 million in infrastructure charges from new development to fund essential trunk infrastructure, including $256 million for key road and transport upgrades, $137 million for wastewater infrastructure, $29 million for water supply improvements, and $93 million for open space and community facilities required to support the future community within the PDA.
“However, the Queensland Government must commit to fully funding the delivery of critical infrastructure for Southern Thornlands, both within and beyond the PDA boundaries, at no cost to Redland City Council or local ratepayers.
“Council needs assurance that the State will not shift any infrastructure or service delivery costs on to Council or our community.
“Council will review the development scheme and supporting material over the coming weeks and will then consider making a formal submission during the consultation period.”
It is also essential that Redland Coast residents and ratepayers reviewed the proposal in detail and considered any issues they believe were relevant to the future planning of the area, Cr McKenzie said.
The Council has identified the following matters the community may wish to consider:
- The location of commercial, retail and employment areas in relation to residential neighbourhoods, schools and community facilities;
- The provision, timing and distribution of sporting, recreation and community infrastructure;
- The diversity, density and suitability of proposed housing types;
- The proposed road network, including whether roads such as Springacre Road should be delivered as two-lane or four-lane corridors to meet future transport needs;
- Traffic distribution and network efficiency, including opportunities to utilise existing and planned road reserves at locations such as Platres Drive, Springacre Road, West Mount Cotton Road, Mount Cotton Road and Taylor Road;
- Environmental considerations, including the retention of wildlife corridors and the provision of wildlife crossing infrastructure, particularly in areas adjoining environmentally significant habitats such as Eprapah Creek;
- The adequacy of proposed measures to balance growth, transport, environmental protection and community amenity.
Public notification of the proposed development scheme for the Southern Thornlands PDA has commenced, with submissions being accepted until 15 September.
Further information and links to the EDQ’s submission portal is available at edq.qld.gov.au or here: Southern Thornlands PDA.
