Developer’s slice of land slated for rezoning
Developers who were behind two major housing estates at Bli Bli own more than a quarter of the rural land now slated for rezoning.
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Developers who were behind two major housing estates at Bli Bli own more than a quarter of the rural land now slated for rezoning.
Sunshine Coast Council has proposed a rezoning to former caneland property at Bli Bli from rural to urban, to allow for low density residential development and other community facilities.
The planning scheme amendment proposal is open for community consultation and is aimed at catering for future housing needs.
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A council spokesman said land ownership and private interests were "not relevant considerations" when identifying potential planning scheme changes.
About 15.5ha of the 50ha of land slated for the low density residential rezoning is owned by Focus Estates, whose directors are Ross Boakes and Robert Flipp.
Three of the blocks were purchased in 2014 and another in 2018.
Mr Flipp was one of the developers behind Parklakes and Parklakes II at Bli Bli.
Kevin Covey of Covey Associates, consulting engineers and project manager on behalf of Focus Estates Pty Ltd, said they were yet to decide a final plan for the future use of the land.
"We were made aware a further amendment would occur following the previous Planning Scheme amendment issued for Parklakes II Stages 12-13 but were not made aware of where or what the amendment would entail or the timing of the current amendment," Mr Covey said.
The rezoning proposal involves 80ha of land on Yandina-Bli Bli Rd, Thomas Rd and Lefoes Rd.
The changes would also allow for the development of a neighbourhood shopping centre, a lake, flood storage, a local park and green spaces.
The remaining land to the east is owned by another party and there are two lots in the north west owned by the current residents.
About half of the land is suitable for urban development, according to the council, but flooding is a constraint in the northern section of the land.
The spokesman said any stormwater detention strategy would likely include a lake similar to that in Parklakes II.
They said the neighbourhood centre would be a great asset for the area and help alleviate some traffic and access issues.
A council spokesman said constraints on undeveloped land around Bli Bli meant there were "very limited opportunities" for further urban expansion.
"It is important to note that any amendment to the planning scheme is not an approval for the development of the site - a developer still needs to submit a development application which will be assessed against the requirements of the planning scheme at that time," he said.
It is one of four rezoning proposals put forward by council, with others at Landsborough, Yandina and Forest Glen.
Residents have until December 4 to have their say on the proposals.
Feedback will inform the proposed amendments, which will be presented to council for consideration.
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