Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and his LNP-majority Council have sensationally shut down a push for affordable housing targets in Chermside and Upper Mt. Gravatt.
The vote came after Brisbane Labor Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy moved to amend two new draft precinct plans, that aim to increase housing density around key areas of economic activity around Brisbane.
The two precinct plans in question capture residential areas around Garden City shopping centre in Upper Mt. Gravatt, and the Westfield shopping centre in Chermside.
Both areas include a major bus interchange. Chermside is near vast greenspace including Marchant Park and 7th Brigade Park.
Cr. Cassidy’s amendment sought to include aspirational targets for affordable housing, sending a signal to the market that new builds must include a percentage of affordable housing.
It also called on Council to advocate to the State Government to include social and community housing in these precincts.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and fellow LNP Councillors argued that such targets are a restriction on new housing development.
But Cr. Cassidy called for a new approach, that housing affordability in Brisbane was only getting worse after twenty years of the status quo under the LNP.
“The LNP love to claim that they’re making Brisbane a place to live work and relax – but how can anyone relax in this city when they’re worried about choosing between paying the rent or the mortgage on time, and putting food on the table?”
“High end luxury apartments and social and affordable housing projects, with the support of government and institutional investors.”
“The LNP seem to be stuck in this debate and unable to move. They are arguing against including an aspirational target of housing affordability in a precinct when the conversation we should be having is how are we all ensuring more is being built.”
The amendment was ultimately rejected with 8 votes in favour and 17 against.
