Council rejects Karalee Eden Academy, Griffith Group, Town Planning Alliance childcare development

A controversial $3.8m childcare centre planned for Karalee at Ipswich is dead in the water after months of investigation.

After months of community consultation and independent reports the Eden Academy 100-child facility planned for Karalee has been shut down by the council.

Speaking during the Review Panel, Karalee Kindergarten and Early Years Learning owner Nerada Atkinsons said the major development (pictured) would be detrimental to her family business and the community. Picture: Supplied

The controversial $3.8m development was announced in March 2021 and earmarked for the residential block at 54-56 Arthur Summervilles Road, across from the Karalee State School.

The Karalee community raised concerns about a ‘grotesque’ odour when sewage is pumped, unacceptable noise, parking, and the decline of nearby family run childcare centres.

At an ordinary meeting, Ipswich City councillors voted to reject the childcare chain company’s new development which would have been metres away from two pre-existing centres.

Residents feared the development will only add to already bad traffic issues on the road.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said despite efforts being made to get the development application up to scratch the solutions proposed to the council, “did not meet the planning scheme or community expectations”.

“This has been a challenging decision,” the Mayor said.

“Councillors remain concerned about traffic congestion, lack of parking spaces, the number of children the facility would cater for, noise impacts to nearby residents, hours of operation, and the impact of (waste) collection on the local community.”

Mayor Harding said the community’s concerns were listened to and taken into great consideration.

“We thank the Karalee community for their patience in letting council undertake a thorough and transparent process to determine its decision regarding this application,” she said

The council launched an independent review into Griffith Group’s development after receiving 280 submissions opposing the centre, and a 858 strong petition.

The Independent Decision Review Panel hosted a public hearing in October where a handful of residents strongly opposed the centre despite Town Planning Alliance submitting a smaller and revised development plan.

The Ipswich town of Karalee is home to about 3000 residents. Picture: Supplied

Councillor Kate Kunzelmann said there was careful and in-depth consideration made in regards to every aspect of the project.

“I have listened and consulted extensively and have searched my heart for the right decision,” she said.
“Speaking for myself I cannot agree with the development in this space.

“I am not convinced this development can be sufficiently conditioned to overcome the conflict and loss of amenity.

“(Although) with unprecedented growth in Ipswich, there would be development in the area in the future and it was up to council to manage that appropriately.”