Developer's bid to split suburb of Redbank Plains in two

PROPERTY developer Devine want to split the historic suburb of Redbank Plains in two, moving the southern section into the adjoining White Rock.

PROPERTY developer Devine want to split the historic suburb of Redbank Plains in two, moving the southern section into the adjoining White Rock.

The company has lodged an application for a boundary realignment with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines.

The controversial proposal created heated debate at Ipswich City Council this week with the Planning and Development Committee putting forward a recommendation that council object to the boundary realignment.

Devine is developing two masterplanned estates in Redbank Plains, Eden's Crossing and Mountview.

Devine General Manager-Communities Andrew Brimblecombe said the land in question did not include any developed areas or populated areas in Redbank Plains.

"The realignment is focused on future growth areas adjoining the existing White Rock area and was to include some new development lands only part controlled by Devine into White Rock," he said.

"The land shares some of the existing characteristics of White Rock.

"Redbank Plains is already a large suburb, and has undergone some considerable growth in the last five plus years, with further growth to come.

CONTROVERSIAL BID: The proposed boundary realignment. Picture: Department of Natural Resources

"We were confident that our future residents would associate positively to these characteristics and support a name that identified with them."

Local councillor Sheila Ireland said she had given Devine a letter of support for the boundary realignment.

"I think it makes it a nice, smaller community, with its own Woolworths, it has a school, it's got a business already there, it joins up the entrance to White Rock," Cr Ireland said.

"I just thought that Redbank Plains is such a big suburb it made it a point of difference, easier to find."

Neighbouring councillors Paul Tully and Victor Attwood were outraged at the proposal, pointing to the proud history of Redbank Plains.

Cr Tully said a change would lead to higher rates and higher valuations for Redbank Plains residents.

"That's why the developer is doing it," Cr Tully said.

"Anyone who supports this plan will face the wrath of the electorate at the next election."

Cr Attwood said it was outrageous to have to change the name of a suburb after 150 years to suit a developer.

"I think this is abhorrent, it's outrageous, it's despicable and it's just another developer trying to downgrade somewhere else for their own benefit so they can sell their land," Cr Attwood said.

Proud history

• Convict outstation established at Redbank in 1832. After free settlement in 1842, Redbank developed as an industrial centre

• Sawmilling was an important early industry. In the 1860s, cotton was the chief crop.

• Coal was discovered in the 1850s and numerous mines developed between Redbank Plains and Blackstone.

• First school opened in 1868, run by the Catholic Church.

• Key site for Australian and American military during WWII