Planning fight nears an end as ‘long overdue’ development begins

A light at the end of the tunnel is now visible for a Cairns developer who has fought for five years to extend the footprint of Smithfield’s light industrial precinct. What’s planned at the site.

A LIGHT at the end of the tunnel is now visible for a Cairns developer who has fought for five years to extend the footprint of Smithfield’s light industrial precinct.

Since 2017 David Chapman has tried to develop cane fields, through his firm Eljasie, in an area long earmarked for growth by Cairns Regional Council.

But hurdles in the form of Transport and Main Roads land resumption and opposition from a nearby neighbour have meant earthworks have only recently kicked off.

Earthworks have begun on a new development at Smithfield, on a parcel of land between Mount Milman Drive and the Smithfield Bypass. Picture: Brendan Radke

A stage one estate with cul-de-sac style access off Mount Milman Dr was originally meant to be 22 lots, but has now been reduced to four lots after TMR resumed almost 90 per cent of the property when realigning the Smithfield Bypass to the west.

A decision notice handed down by council in July finally gave the green light to the project that adheres to the CairnsPlan and an order handed down by the Planning and Environment Court in 2018.

“(The development) is considered to comply with the relevant benchmarks of the applicable codes,” the notice reads.

Plans outlining a new Smithfield industrial development currently under construction at Mount Milman Dr. Picture: Supplied

Stage one of the development is now under construction as buyers rush to snap up in-demand commercial real estate at a growing mixed-use trades and services precinct.

Mr Chapman was pleased to announce two of the four lots had been sold off-the-plan and Eljasie was in negotiations with national outlets around development of the remaining two lots.

The scene at Mount Milman Drive earlier this week. Picture: Brendan Radke

“The logical expansion of the Smithfield business district is long overdue,” he said.

“This new commercial development is perfectly positioned to meet the rapidly growing service, economic and employment requirements of the northern beaches.

“Smithfield desperately needs more commercial land to meet the needs of the growing population. Stage 1 should see construction starting early in the New Year.”

Stage two of the Eljasie development remains before the Planning and Environment Court and is expected to be finalised in 2023.

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Originally published as Planning fight nears an end as ‘long overdue’ development begins