Brisbane City Council backflips on promise of no high-rise at Moggill Road upgrade site

A 15-level unit tower could be built on the site of a troubled Brisbane intersection amid the project’s costs doubling and work falling further behind schedule.

Aerial view of the works. Image: Georgiou Group

A 15-level unit tower could be built on the site of the troubled Moggill Rd intersection upgrade in Indooroopilly after a former councillor specifically ruled that out.

The project’s costs have doubled to $257m and work is now a year behind schedule.

Four years ago this month, then Infrastructure Chair David McLachlan categorically ruled out a high-rise after concerns were raised by Independent Councillor Nicole Johnston.

“There has been no decision made about use of any remnant land at the project conclusion, but the claim this land will be used for high-rise apartments is wrong,’’ he said at the time.

The business case, however, suggested excess land could be sold to defray part of the then estimated $126m cost.

But Council’s Finance Chair Fiona Cunningham said the land was best used to help address the housing supply crisis, which had worsened in the past four years.

LNP councillors voted at the November 12 council meeting to put the 4638 sqm lot up for tender or auction through a real estate agent.

The decision had also allowed Indooroopilly library to be upgraded in a cost-effective way.

Aerial view of the works. Image: Georgiou Group

The estimated value of the land, zoned for multiple use including residential, was unknown.

It was deemed commercial in confidence, as was the cost of disposal.

“The land was previously considered as a future location for Indooroopilly library,’’ the draft resolution put to the council meeting stated.

“However, during negotiations with the owners of Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, where the library is currently located, Council determined that it would be financially beneficial for the library to remain at the existing premises.

“As the land is surplus to Council’s needs, it will be available for disposal upon the road scheme completion.’’

Councillor Nicole Johnston. Picture: AAP/Sarah Marshall

Ms Cunningham said Queensland was experiencing a critical shortage of homes after years of under-investment in housing by the former Labor state government.

“Releasing surplus land into the housing market during a housing crisis is the right thing to do,’’ she said.

“The Greens and Labor have routinely opposed the construction of new homes and proposed big new taxes which would only drive up the cost of buying or renting in Brisbane.

“We’re striking a balance by keeping costs down for residents while boosting Brisbane’s housing supply.’’

Ms Johnston, who voted in support of the plan to keep the library at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre and upgrade it under a co-funding arrangement with centre owners, said the lot was “incredibly difficult’’ for vehicle access.

“The mismanagement of this site is disappointing for the community. It has been botched,’’ she said.

“There has been no discussion of this (sale) plan with the community.’’

The local LNP councillor, Walter Taylor ward’s Penny Wolff, told the council meeting that proceeds would go back into other projects around the city.

Night works have in the past been so noisy residents in one unit block said they were forced to sleep in swags on their laundry floor after sound levels inside their home reached 60db.

Business owners at nearby Indooroopilly Central have also complained about the impact from years of roadworks and detours, but some were told they were not eligible for compensation.