Kurilpa precinct transformation gets green light from Qld Govt

The Brisbane Mayor’s landmark proposal to transform a key riverside precinct will go ahead after a crucial promise was made to deliver something the city’s residents badly need.

BCM Property Kurilpa Riverfront Renewal precinct West End. Draft Master Plan, released August 21, 2014.

The Lord Mayor’s landmark proposal to transform Brisbane’s Kurilpa precinct will go ahead after the state government confirmed a temporary planning instrument had been granted.

Adrian Schrinner sought approval from the government to build beyond the current height restrictions in a bid to increase the supply of homes.

A sticking point emerged in recent weeks with the government threatening to block the temporary local planning instrument (TLPI) out of concern for the adequate inclusion of affordable options.

But an agreement was reached after the council satisfied the demand to dedicate 20 per cent of the West End precinct to affordable housing.

Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Steven Miles said the TLPI was granted to help increase the availability and affordability of housing.

“This significant population growth, combined with challenges including construction industry shortages and demographic shifts toward smaller households, has contributed to a lack of available housing,” he said.

“It (Kurilpa) seeks to facilitate housing supply, affordability and diversity and reflects careful consideration of impacts on state interests and the results of community consultation.

“I want to thank the Lord Mayor and council’s efforts to enhance housing supply and reduce urban sprawl.”

Mr Schrinner returned the appreciation to Mr Miles, whose collaboration he credited with helping to ease the supply shortage of new homes.

“Brisbane is Australia’s fastest growing capital city and the anti-sprawl Kurilpa plan will help deliver thousands of new homes in this very popular part of our city while protecting Brisbane’s low density and character suburbs,” Mr Schrinner said.