Huge boost for Somerset region

THE population of Fernvale is set to more than triple after the approval of a massive new housing development.

GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Fernvale’s Honeywood Estate manager Jarod Herder expects to see massive growth in the area. Photo: David Nielsen

THE population of Fernvale is set to more than triple after the approval of a massive new housing development.

Somerset Regional Council has approved the development of a 1330-lot residential subdivision in the town, with works expected to start early this year.

Fernvale was home to just 1543 people according to the 2007 census - and the Somerset region was then named the fastest growing local government area.

Honeywood Estate manager Jarod Herden said the new development would be the biggest residential estate in Fernvale.

"Fernvale is certainly on the move with new businesses taking advantage of increasing population and providing local jobs," he said.

While the new estate is owned by the Honeywood group it is not part of the existing Honeywood estate.

The sub-development will be located on the western side of Fernvale between Clive St and Brouff Rd.

The development will result in substantial upgrades to surrounding areas and streets, including Muckerts Lane, Brouff Rd and Clive St.

However, the rapid growth has led to residents to call for massive upgrades to local infrastructure to cope with the boom.

Fernvale and Surrounding Communities Action Group co-ordinator Dennis Ward said the Brisbane Valley Hwy needed major improvements to handle the growth.

"There seems to be very little infrastructure being put in place, like the highway," he said.

"That highway is only one lane each way and if you see the traffic that comes through there it's just phenomenal. Of a Sunday there is just car after car all towing their boats and bikes."

Mr Ward said the town was part of the south-east Queensland population boom and required the infrastructure to handle it.

"We realise we're in part of the urban growth corridor.

"The Fernvale school is constantly growing ... it's pretty much at capacity.

"There is no high school in Fernvale, a lot of kids go to Lowood high school or to Ipswich."

The development will eventually result in traffic lights and extra lanes at the intersection of Clive St and the Brisbane Valley Hwy and the intersection of Forest Hill-Fernvale Rd and the Brisbane Valley Hwy.

The development will be slowly developed with 30 stages of the location planned and is expected to take up to 10 years to complete.

The first stage will see 50 lots developed and 14 acres of parkland on Ferny Gully.

Somerset mayor Graeme Lehmann said the development was a vote of confidence in the region going forward.

Originally published as Huge boost for Somerset region