Government rethinks Moreton Bay satellite city plans after public concerns

This 3480ha future city north of Brisbane is destined to generate 17,000 jobs and boast 26,000 homes. But after public “feedback’’ the State Government is having a rethink. HERE’S WHY

The Queensland Government has given itself more time to deal with public submissions on its plans for the huge Caboolture West growth corridor, expected to be home to 70,000 people.

The draft Caboolture West Interim Structure Plan was released for public consultation from July 27 until August 26.

Feedback identified concerns about land use and infrastructure planning that now needed further work.

As a result, the Temporary Local Planning Instrument (TLPI) signed 12 months ago by Planning Minister Steven Miles to protect the state’s interests at the Caboolture West site has been renewed for six months.

Moreton Bay Regional Council and the government were now working on a new structure plan for the TLPI area.

A Department of State Development spokesman said the TLPI was an interim step in ensuring proper planning was done for the new community.

Aerial photo of Caboolture West, which will become home to 70,000 people. Picture: File

“The TLPI is required to achieve the development outcomes planned for Caboolture West under ShapingSEQ – ultimately delivering a planning framework that supports development progressing in an orderly and integrated manner that incorporates residential growth, major transport infrastructure, health services, parks, centres, housing diversity, schools and environmental corridors,’ the spokesman said.

“The structure plan will deliver a long-term strategy for land use and infrastructure planning, providing greater certainty for landholders and developers.

“A range of land use and infrastructure planning matters require further planning work before the Caboolture West Interim Structure Plan can be finalised.

“The new TLPI will provide the time needed for this further planning work to be completed.”

The Caboolture West Local Plan, covering 3480ha, was earmarked for development more than a decade ago.

The area was 5km west of Caboolture and Morayfield and bounded by the D’Aguilar Hwy to the north, Caboolture River Rd to the south and low hills to the west of Old North Rd.

Its development value was estimated at $9.5 billion. It would be built by a combination of private and public sector groups.

About 26,000 homes and 17,000 jobs would be generated.

Mr Miles said in July when consultation was announced that there were already 16 major development applications (DAs) in place, covering nearly half of the Caboolture West area.

They included a Stockland DA for a $388 million estate on a 175ha property.

The site on Craig Rd in Upper Caboolture that will be developed into 27,000 new homes. Picture: Sarah Marshall

“Caboolture West is a significant growth corridor which is expected to be home to around 70,000 people,” the spokesman said.

“That’s a population the size of a regional city – between the size of Rockhampton and Mackay.

“It’s important we have the necessary planning in place to ensure development in the area is co-ordinated and well serviced with all necessary infrastructure and services.”

A Caboolture West Interim Structure Plan was presently being developed by the department.

A final plan was expected within about 18 months which would guide the next four decades of development.

Caboolture West would include a TAFE, private hospital, three high schools, nine primary schools, six local centres, 13 neighbourhood hubs, rapid bus transit connection to Caboolture and 622ha of rural living area.