Jackie Trad protests against proposed Kangaroo Point high-rise
Jackie Trad has joined protesters to rally against a proposed high-rise development in her South Brisbane electorate but has not submitted a objection to the project.
QLD Votes
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Jackie Trad has attempted to curry favour with voters by protesting the extension of a contentious high-rise development in her ultra-marginal seat that was only possible under rules her own government greenlit.
The embattled South Brisbane MP told more than 100 protesters at an anti-development rally in Kangaroo Point yesterday that she had objected to a neighbourhood plan that allowed for 15-storey buildings in the area.
But Brisbane City Council says it received “no submission on the neighbourhood plan” from Ms Trad – or any objections from her on the development at 108 Lambert Street, which protesters dubbed a “vertical cruise ship” amid a proposal to take it from 10 storeys to 15.
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Ms Trad is in the self-professed “fight of my political life” for her seat against Greens Candidate Amy MacMahon, who was also at the protest and was only 500 first-preference votes behind the former deputy premier at the 2017 election.
The Lambert St development lies in the heart of the electorate, and is currently approved for three-tower, 10-storey residential development.
Developer Pikos Group last month submitted a subsequent application to extend the development – raising each tower by five storeys and adding 100 units to the complex.
The extension is allowable under the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan, which amended the Brisbane City Plan increasing the allowable height of developments on Lambert St and other surrounding areas.
The amendment was approved by the State Government during two separate reviews: in March-August 2018 and July-October 2019.
Ms Trad told protesters: “When the Neighbourhood Plan came forward, I objected to the increased densification, the increased heights.”
Council said it had not received any submission from Mrs Trad about the neighbourhood plan nor about “previous or current” development applications for 108 Lambert St.
Ms Trad said development applications were a council concern but refused to comment about why she had not made a submission to Council about the development.
“The State doesn’t have the decision making authority around local planning matters like building height, set backs and carparking,” she said.
She denied politicising the protest and said she attended “after receiving an invitation from a local resident”.
“I’m always happy to advocate on behalf of my community and represent their concerns,” she said.
Protest Organiser Lori Sexton said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and South Brisbane LNP candidate Clem Grehan were also invited, but did not attend.
Kangaroo Point locals have cited 18 reasons – including “environmental impacts”, “dangers to cyclist and pedestrians” – in their opposition to the development.
Ms Sexton said it would destroy “their amenity, quality of life”.
“Kangaroo Point had the highest density of dwellings in any Brisbane suburb … the highest traffic densities and highest non-residential traffic flows,” she said.
“This development will greatly increase noise and air pollution, the traffic congestion … and the wellbeing of the community.”
The Pikos Group said it’s proposal was “completely in line with Brisbane City Council’s neighbourhood plan for the high density-zoned area in terms of both height and site cover.”
Brisbane City Council said the application was currently under assessment.
“We encourage residents to make a submission, with all community feedback taken on board during the assessment phase.”