Yesterday’s Brisbane City Council meeting drew special attention for more reasons than one.
A gaggle of clowns had taken to the public gallery, peacefully watching on as the councillors below them debated the issues of the week.
Four suburbs across Brisbane – Indooroopilly, Nundah, Carindale and Wynnum, were the subject of Brisbane City Council’s Precinct Plan changes, which pitches itself as a means to unlock more homes through density, next to shops, transport and amenities that residents need to live, work and play in Brisbane.
However, the proposed changes were under intense scrutiny, particularly in Wynnum. Organiser for the non-partisan ‘Wynnum-Manly Community Group’ Tarnya Lowe, had led an effort to encourage locals to have their say during the community consultation period from October to November last year.
Ms. Lowe had also organised a community town hall during November, with around 300 people attending.
A copy of the community consultation report was uploaded publicly to Council’s website last week and brought before the Council meeting as an attachment to the substantive resolution yesterday.
The LNP’s revised changes to the plan do not substantially change the original draft plan and will now proceed to the State Government for formal adoption.
Concessions made include a small increase in greenspace and a 15-story limit changed to ‘between 12-15 storeys.’
But Brisbane Labor Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy said that because of Brisbane’s performance-based planning system, it remains possible for Council to approve projects up to 20 stories.
Cassidy also moved an amendment to the plan that would include affordable housing targets and a comprehensive infrastructure plan to accommodate growth. Speaking on the amendment, Cassidy shot down accusations that all concerned residents were NIMBYs:
“Locals aren’t stupid. They know this city is growing, and the Bayside needs to house more people.”
“What the community is fighting for is their fair share of the infrastructure and services that Baysiders expect and deserve. It’s what they pay for in their rates.”
“The problem though, is that locals aren’t getting those services today, let alone in 8 years’ time.”
“So, excuse them if they have some valid reservations…”
Cr. Cassidy’s amendment was voted down by the LNP-dominated Council, and the Wynnum Precinct Plan will now go to the state government for adoption.
