Call to buy historic lookout development site
A house westside residents fear will block views of a historic lookout has been approved by both Brisbane City Council and the State Government, despite being against neighbourhood planning for the area. Earthworks started at the site before approval.
Local
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A house westside residents fear will block views of a historic lookout has been approved by both Council and the State Government.
But Corinda locals are determined to continue their fight to make Brisbane City Council buy two adjacent lots to protect heritage-listed Francis Lookout at Corinda.
Mo Jinhua, of Mel Investments, was recently given approval to build a three-level modern house in the traditional character area, despite the neighbourhood planning allowing only two storeys.
Mr Jinhua was also allowed to proceed with extensive earthworks, which began months ago despite the house not being approved at that time.
“This decision is the most appalling, but sadly unsurprising, decision the BCC planning department could make considering all the anomalies present in the application,’’ resident Cindy Murray said.
“It is my opinion that proper administrative procedure has most definitely not been followed.
“Francis Lookout belongs to all residents of Brisbane and the sunset views must not become the property of a small group of property owners.’’
Ms Murray, who has been leading protests against the plans for the four lots on Francis and Hilda streets, urged Council to use its bushland acquisition fund to buy two of the lots nearest the lookout.
She has also organised a community meeting on August 21, which will be attended by Councillor Nicole Johnston (Tennyson), state MPs Jess Pugh and Mark Bailey, and possibly also federal MP for the area Graham Perrett.
The lookout, which also contains one of the city’s oldest cemeteries, is home to echidnas, wallabies, birds and other wildlife and significant trees.
The State Government’s State Assessment and Referral Agency, which has oversight of development affecting state heritage sites, endorsed the proposed development earlier this year.
Council has previously said the last known house on the site was removed in 2010.
It added that the proposed development would be assessed against the requirements of both the Sherwood-Graceville District Neighbourhood Plan and the Traditional Building Character Overlay Code.
“Council expects any new dwellings to complement the traditional character of the area in terms of form, materials and finishes,’’ a spokeswoman said at the time.
“No trees are proposed to be removed and the home, as it is proposed, would not impede on views to the city, Mt Coot-tha or surrounds from Francis Lookout.’’
Breakthrough on Corinda rail underpass
Residents get no say on Toowong mega project
The saga began in August last year when a development application (DA) was submitted over the first of the four, small lots.
The developer submitted amended plans on July 10.
If you wish to attend the community meeting, at 157 Dewar Tce, starting 3pm, email francislookout2020@hotmail.com as numbers are restricted due to COVID-19 guidelines.