Housing estate and unit developments dominate Moreton Bay Council meeting
A southeast Queensland regional council is expected to rule on several controversial development applications today as it holds its penultimate meeting before the election. FOLLOW UPDATES IN OUR LIVE BLOG.
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A 129 lot housing estate in an industrial area north of Brisbane and two controversial multistorey unit developments are just three of the applications Moreton Bay Regional Council is expected to make a decision on today.
Follow, from 10.30am, as every decision is made in our live blog.
Community comment
Hundreds of residents are in attendance at today’s meeting, including one dressed as a koala – protesting the proposed Warner development.
Mayoral candidate Dean Teasedale was the first to speak during the community comment section of the meeting.
He focused on council’s inability to manage the region’s growth and koala habitat. He called for a regionwide strategic framework for koala management.
Mr Teasedale’s speech was met with a large round of applause.
Former councillor Greg Chippendale was the second resident to address the council, focusing on the Moreton Bay Regional Council Planning Scheme.
Mr Chippendale spoke about the council’s decision to approve the Welsby Pde development at Bribie Island.
He was concerned by council’s disregard for its planning scheme.
“It makes a mockery of building heights and density requirements of the planning scheme along the foreshore not only on Bribie Island,” Mr Chippendale said.
“I live in hope the new council will abide by and own its planning scheme in the future. Understand that planning staff make recommendations and not decisions.”
He was also met with a round of applause.
Another former Councillor, Gary Parsons, also spoke about the planning scheme. He said that council going against its planning scheme set a dangerous precedent for the entire region, in particular Bribie Island. Mr Parsons called for a Bribie Island specific plan to be developed.
Samford resident John Davidson spoke about the impact of the upgrades to the Samford Valley Parklands, mainly the soccer fields, has had on residents. Mr Davidson said there was a lack of consultation with the community. He argued the development and its use was having a negative impact on residents.
Scarborough resident David Marsden urged council to vote against the development proposal for 71 Landsborough Ave, Scarborough, due to be put to council later today. Mr Marsden said more than 200 residents objected to the submission. He raised concerns about the impact on traffic on Mein St, questioned if the council had considered existing development applications and the community’s concern about the height of the development.
Christine West addressed the council and gathered residents about the development application for 54 Warner Rd, Warner. She raised concerns about the impact the development would have on the koalas and existing wildlife in this area. Ms West raised concerns about the State Government’s koala mapping framework. She urged councillors to consider the region’s wildlife when making a decision, as well as what the community is demanding.
“The outcome is real the choice is yours,” Ms West said.
She received a standing ovation.
1.1: Extension of term for independent members
Moreton Bay Regional Councillors in voted in favour of extending the term of members on the independent Audit Committee for a term of six months.
Cr Mick Gillam reminded people the committee was in place to keep an eye over council.
Cr Matt Constance said it was part of a transition as the Audit Committee was undergoing a review for its terms of reference and operations.
All in favour
1.2 Review of Delegations: council to CEO
This report recommends that Council delegates to the CEO, all functions and powers as listed in the LGAQ’s Register of Delegations (current as at the 9 October 2019 LGAQ Register), to ensure that Council’s delegations to the CEO are completely up-to-date in accordance with all legislation. The CEO may on-delegate such functions and powers to suitably qualified officers, if and where appropriate.
All in favour
2.1 Warner Rd Development Application
Acting Mayor Mike Charlton lodged a perceived conflict of interest, but able to participate in the debate.
Councillors agreed to let Cr Charlton remain in the room for the discussion and vote.
More than 160 residents lodged submissions against the development.
The applicant is seeking permission to divide one lot in to 129 housing lots.
The lack of school, medical centres, loss of wildlife, stormwater, drainage and traffic issues were just some of the issues raised by residents.
Under the planning scheme the site is under the industrial zone.
Decision has to be made by February 21.
Council officers recommended the application for approval.
Members of the gallery tried to address the council, including someone dressed as a koala – who fled the chamber screaming “freedom for the koalas”.
Cr Koliana Winchester raised concerns about the loss of trees.
“Foolish off us to think, it is only 10 trees,” Cr Winchester said.
She raised said the koalas had lived there for many years and this development would require them to be relocated.
Cr Denise Sims said councillors did not receive the submissions until last night. She said they had been left off the agenda sent out to them and made available to the public. Cr Sims said that she had asked for the matter to be held over so she had time to go through them.
This was not possible due to time constraints on the development.
Cr Peter Flannery, who is a mayoral candidate, raised concerns about the proposed density of the development, in a rural residential area.
He was also concerned about the lack of traffic management.
“I have major concerns with this moving forward, so I can’t support this application today,” Cr Flannery said.
Cr Brooke Savage said she would not be supporting the application due to the impact on the koalas.
Cr Matt Constance said he also had significant concerns with the development application and would not be voting in favour of it.
Cr Adam Hain was also concerned about the density of the development and the precedent it would set and would not be supporting the application.
Cr Darren Grimwade said he too was against this application.
A show of hands showed that not one councillor planned to support the development.
Loud round of applause from the community members in the council chamber.
Councillors will use its lunchbreak to formulate its reasons for rejecting the application.
A vote will be held after that.
2.2: Development application: units block at Aqua St, Newport
An application has been lodged to build two six storey unit blocks and 11 townhouses at Aqua St, Newport, within the Stockland development.
More than 500 residents submitted objections against the development.
Despite this council officers recommended the development for approval.
It is proposed to be built in two stages, with a total of 126 units.
A decision must be made by February 21.
Residents urge council to stick to its planning scheme:
Cr James Houghton said “the biggest concern, and I know there a lot of objections, with this and others is the height.”
Council officers explained how the height it not the only part of the development that is assessed. The development is assessed under a number of different frameworks.
Cr Houghton said this land has always been proposed to be used for higher density development.
Cr Winchester said she would not be supporting the development as it was outside the guidelines of the planning scheme.
“The planning scheme is an agreement with residents which tells them what their neighbourhood will look like and what to expect in the future,” Cr Winchester said.
She said the high number of objections showed residents were “clearly” telling the council it did not meet its expectations.
Cr Flannery said the developer was “pushing the boundary” with this development.
The application was approved with six councillors in favour and councillors Savage, Sims, Winchester and Flannery opposed.
2.3 71 and 73 Landsborough Ave, Scarborough
Windsor Development Company are seeking council approval to build a 31m tall unit tower, with food and retail outlets on the ground floor at Landsborough Ave Scarborough.
More than 200 residents lodged an objection against the application.
It is proposed to include 48 units.
Cr Houghton said it would be the redevelopment of the old Scarborough picture theatre.
“This particular proposal is about the same height as all the other buildings built or approved in that area, an would have difficulty knocking it back due to the other buildings of similar height,” Cr Houghton said.
He raised concerns about the ability of Mein St to deal with the increased traffic but is happy with the condition that will require the developer to widen the road and add additional on-street carparking.
Cr Winchester was once against not happy to find another development that pushed the boundaries of the planning scheme.
“I can’t stress enough that this is non-compliant with our planning scheme,” she said.
“(Residents) have every right to oppose this type of development.”
Cr Savage raised concerns about traffic and the precedent this development sets.
“Once again seeing comparisons between existing buildings in regards to heights,” she said.
“By approving overheight buildings the council is saying this is what we want to see here.”
Cr Flannery said he could understand the community’s frustrations in regards to the discrepancies in the heights when compared to the planning scheme.
Cr Constance said it was a “challenging” decision to make.
Six councillors were in favour of the application with five against; Koliana Winchester, Denise Sims, Peter Flannery, Matt Constance and Brook Savage.
2.1 Warner Road development
Council had deferred the vote to determine its reasonings for refusing the application for a residential estate.
Council listed flora and fauna impacts, traffic, visual amenity, community infrastructure and town planning as its reasons for refusing the application.
All voted against the application.
All voted in favour of the recommendation outlining the reasons for refusing the application.
4.1 Office fit-out: 199 Gympie Rd
Tenders were invited for the ‘Strathpine – 199 Gympie Road – Office fit-out (Including Structural, Hydraulics and Electrical) (MBRC009472)’ project. The tender closed on 14 January 2020 with a total of ten conforming tenders and two nonconforming tenders received.
It is recommended that the tender for the ‘Strathpine – 199 Gympie Road – Office fit-out (Including Structural, Hydraulics and Electrical) (MBRC009472)’ project be awarded to Premis Solutions Pty Ltd for the total sum of $483,900 (excl. GST), as this offer represents the best overall value to Council.
The project is located within Unit 9 of the Council-owned commercial complex at 199 Gympie Road, Strathpine directly adjacent to the Pine Rivers Community Hall. The project scope has involved the design, demolition, mechanical works, fit out and furniture supply for the overall refit of the space as a Council office space. The purpose of the project is to convert a previously under-utilised tenancy into a new efficient workspace to accommodate the growth of Council’s workforce.
All in favour – the tender was approved.
4.2: Tender: maintenance Redcliffe Peninsula Rail line
Tenders were called for Grounds Maintenance Services Redcliffe Peninsula Line Shared Path Corridor (MBRC009103). Tenders closed on 19 December 2019 with a total of 12 conforming and 1 nonconforming submissions received.
It is recommended that the tender for Grounds Maintenance Services Redcliffe Peninsula Line Shared Path Corridor (MBRC009103) be awarded to Elite Horticultural Services Pty Ltd for the annual sum of $111,836.66 (excl. GST) as this offer represents the best overall value to Council.
This company is the incumbent contractor for grounds maintenance services of the Redcliffe Peninsula Line Shared Path Corridor and has performed to a very high standard during the term of the current contract.
All in favour – tender was approved.
4.3 Grounds maintenance service
Tenders were called for Grounds Maintenance Services of DTMR (Department of Transport and Main Roads) High Profile Locations (MBRC009104). Tenders closed on 19 December 2019 with a total of seven conforming and one nonconforming submissions received.
It is recommended that the tender for Grounds Maintenance Services of DTMR High Profile Locations (MBRC009104) be awarded to Skyline Landscape Services QLD Pty Ltd for the annual sum of $529,724.04 (excl. GST), as this offer represents the best overall value to Council.
Understanding’ agreement with DTMR. The nominated high-profile locations under this contract are:
■ Anzac Avenue (from Redcliffe Parade to the Petrie roundabout)
■ Deception Bay Road (from Rothwell roundabout to Priests Road)
■ Morayfield Road (from Graham Road, Morayfield to King Street, Caboolture)
■ Lower King and King Street (from Bruce Highway to Glenfield Drive, Caboolture)
■ Bribie Island Road (Ningi township between 60 kph entry signs)
■ Gympie Road (from the Petrie roundabout to Brisbane City Council boundary at South Pine River)
■ South Pine Road (from Gympie Road to Old Northern Road)
■ Old Northern Road (from Albany Creek Road to the southern boundary with Brisbane City Council)
■ Albany Creek Road (from the eastern Brisbane City Council boundary to South Pine Road).
All voted in favour of the officers’ recommendation.
4.4 grounds maintence cemeteries
Tenders were called for Grounds Maintenance Services - Regional Cemeteries (MBRC009102). Tenders closed on 19 December 2019 with a total of 10 conforming submissions received. It is recommended that the tender for Grounds Maintenance Services - Regional Cemeteries (MBRC009102) be awarded to River City Garden & Lawn Pty Ltd for the annual amount of $202,716.15 (excluding GST), as this offer represents the best overall value to Council.
All in favour
4.5 Narangba Boundry Road Depot Development
Council is currently designing a new central works depot at Boundary Road, Narangba procured under Local Buy contract BUS 262 for Engineering and Environmental.
Additional design work is required for consideration of an additional office floor to the proposed two-level building to accommodate various Council staff, in addition to Asset Maintenance at this facility.
This report recommends that Council enters into a variation to the current contractual arrangement with Bornhorst & Ward Pty Ltd to progress the Narangba - Boundary Road - Depot Development - Detailed Design project.
All in favour
4.6 Brown St, Caboolture
Tenders were invited for the ‘Caboolture - Brown Street Corridor - Road Construction and Upgrade (MBRC009301)’ project. The tender closed on 20 December 2019 with a total of nine tenders received, all of which were conforming.
It is recommended that Council award the contract to CES Civil SEQ Pty Ltd for the sum of $1,913,794.59 (excl. GST) as this tender was evaluated as representing the best overall value to Council.
The project is located along the Brown Street Corridor which runs from Ardrossan Road to Pettigrew Street, Caboolture.
The scope of works involves the construction of a new road between Ardrossan Road and Elof Road. The works also include construction of a new roundabout at Elof Road and Cassowary Court intersection, including on-road cycle lanes, pathway facilities and elements of water sensitive urban design. The project will supplement capacity improvements created by the construction of the Brown Street bridge to accommodate future traffic volumes and provide pedestrian and cyclist connectivity and amenity. Project works will commence in March 2020 and take six months to complete, which includes an allowance for wet weather.
All in favour
4.7 Local Disaster Management Plan 2019
This report seeks Council’s approval of the Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) Local Disaster Management Plan (the ‘Plan’ - version 5). The Plan was signed by the Chair of the Local Disaster Management Group (LDMG) and the Moreton District Disaster Coordinator (DDC) on 11 February 2020. The Plan has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Disaster Management Act 2003.
All in favour
5.1 Pine HIlls Baseball Club
This report seeks Council’s approval for the provision of a lease to Pine Hills Lightning Baseball Club Inc at James Drysdale Reserve, 2 Pine Hills Drive, Bunya (refer Supporting Information #1). The proposed lease would take effect following construction of a new amenities building expected to be completed in March 2020.
All in favour
5.2 Lease Beachmere Rugby League
This report seeks Council’s approval for the provision of a trustee lease (lease) to Beachmere Rugby League Football Club Incorporated at the Beachmere Sports Complex, 57 Rogers Street, Beachmere (refer Supporting Information #1).
All in favour
5.3 Aiga Samoa Association north Brisbane
This report seeks Council’s approval for the provision of a trustee lease (lease) to Aiga Samoa Association North Brisbane Inc over an area located at 2 Raymond Terrace, Deception Bay
All in favour
5.5 Naming Nathan Rd Sports Ground
Development of new sports facilities are nearing completion on Council managed land at Nathan Road, Kippa-Ring. To ensure appropriate signage can be installed as part of the current facility construction, Council endorsement of a suitable name is being sought. Relevant internal stakeholders and the Division 5 Councillor have been consulted and have identified a suitable facility name - Nathan Road Sports Ground. The proposed naming reflects the intended use of the facility by multiple sports and community users and is consistent with Council’s convention for naming of such facilities.
All in favour
5.6 Naming Samford community hub building
Construction of a new community purposes building has commenced at the Samford Parklands on Lot 901 SP156333, commonly referred to as the former Glasshouse Precinct. The project is 50 per cent funded by Council and the Federal Government via a Building Better Regions Grant program and has thus far been referred to as the Samford Community Hub.
While the facility has consistently been referred to as the Samford Community Hub, this name has not yet been formally endorsed by Council.
All in favour
5.7 Caboolture Sports Club infrastructure partnership
As one of the Moreton Bay Region’s largest community sporting organisations, the Caboolture Sports Club Ltd (Club) plays an integral role in the delivery of sport and recreation opportunities to residents across the region through the provision of funding, governance support and land tenure management services.
Currently the Club holds ten leases and twenty-two sports field permits across nine Council sporting venues.
In May 2019, the Club approached Council regarding a proposed five-year infrastructure partnership (Caboolture Sports Club Regional Infrastructure Partnership) for the planning and construction of new and improved sporting infrastructure at the various Council venues operated by the Club. Council provisionally allocated $500,000 in its 2019/20 operational budget towards the infrastructure partnership.
This report seeks Council’s approval to enter into a funding agreement with the Club which is intended to operate for 5 years. Further, the report seeks Council’s approval for the allocation of the budgeted 2019/20 partnership funds ($500,000) as a Regional Community Project Grant under the provision of Council’s Community Grants Policy (2150-030), towards the Grant Road Cricket Facilities project at Grant Road Sport Complex, Morayfield.
All in favour
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