Mt Gravatt set for high-density housing, lifestyle boom under council plan

A busy southside hub is the latest Brisbane precinct set to undergo a housing and lifestyle makeover under a council “precinct’’ plan.

Mt Gravatt’s central business hub is the latest Brisbane precinct set to undergo a housing and lifestyle makeover under a council “precinct’’ plan.

Public consultation would start later this year on the plan which would canvas areas suitable for higher-density homes, cafes, restaurants and other attractions.

The announcement came after similar precinct plans were launched late last year in Wynnum and Stones Corner.

Moorooka and Salisbury were chosen for the first of the plans, in 2022, which council has favoured over a citywide update of Brisbane’s planning scheme — last overhauled more than a decade ago.

A spokeswoman said by focusing on smaller precincts council could speed up planning, which in the case of the Moorooka area still needed sign-off from the state government.

But she said changes to fast track approval by the state government should see the Stones Corner precinct ticked off in 12 months.

Mt Gravatt Homemaker Centre. Council has announced a new planning policy to reinvigorate the area.

The first development application there, a Stockland transformation of the Aldi site, had recently been lodged with council.

City planning and suburban renewal chair, Councillor Adam Allan, said the rezoning and other changes in the Mt Gravatt hub would create more homes, jobs and lifestyle opportunities close to high-frequency public transport.

It would focus on the Logan Rd corridor, from Glindemann Park to the Mt Gravatt Showgrounds, near Westfield Mt Gravatt, Mt Gravatt Plaza and the Homemaker Centre as well as high-frequency bus services along Logan Rd.

“The Mt Gravatt Suburban Renewal Precinct will make it easier for people to live close to public transport, jobs and lifestyle opportunities so they don’t necessarily need a car to get around,’’ he said.

Mt Gravatt Central Business Hub president Louise Papas said they had been pushing for the area to be “activated’’ for many years.

“Right now, Mt Gravatt is under-utilised, but this plan will help us realise the huge potential of the area which is really important to us as locals and business owners,’’ she said.

“More housing and more residents supporting local businesses will really help the Mt Gravatt Central Business Hub flourish.”

Mt Gravatt Show Society president Greg Goebel said many families wanted to move to the suburb because it had great transport, was close to the shops and universities and had very good schools.

“I’ve lived in Mt Gravatt my whole life but I don’t think it’s living up to its full potential,’’ he said.

“This plan is an opportunity to breathe new life into Mt Gravatt, support the incredible events that are held every weekend at the showgrounds and make it a better place to live and do business.”

Jared Cassidy. Picture: Liam Kidston

But Labor Opposition Leader, Councillor Jared Cassidy, said the housing crisis had become worse in the LNP-dominated administration’s 20-plus years in power.

“The Suburban Renewal Precinct plan was first announced back in 2022 and we are yet to see any actual building work take place,’’ he said.

“So, although it’s good to see plans moving forward to support more housing, there doesn’t seem to be any urgency from (Lord Mayor) Adrian Schrinner and the LNP during a housing crisis.

“We’re calling for a thorough community consultation period to ensure this plan is in the best interest of local residents.’’

Council said its other key housing initiatives included: the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct Plan; Inner-City Affordability Initiative (relaxed carparking requirements in the inner-city); Brisbane Housing Supply Incentive; dedicated build-to-rent assessment unit; Transitory Accommodation Rating Category; a review of Brisbane’s major centres (Carindale, Chermside, Mt Gravatt, Indooroopilly, Toombul and Toowong).