Warner development proposal alarms residents over traffic, environment and lifestyle concerns

PLANS to build an estimated 1600 new dwellings at Warner have alarmed residents, who say the area is not suited to high-density housing.

A major development proposal at Warner that includes high density housing has alarmed residents concerned about traffic and lifestyle

PLANS to build an estimated 1600 new dwellings at Warner have alarmed residents, who say the area is not suited to high-density housing.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has identified land for potential future “urban” development, despite much of it being currently zoned for rural residential lots.

The land, known as the Warner Investigation Area, is bordered by Kremzow Rd, Eatons Crossing Rd, South Pine Rd and Whimbrel Rd/Lowan St.

While the proposal has been out for public consultation since August 21, many residents only found out about it last week, with some attending a forum on Saturday to discuss their concerns.

Independent state candidate for Pine Rivers Seath Holswich, who was asked to chair the meeting, said residents­ raised issues about worsening traffic congestion­, reduction in land value, school capacity and environment, lifestyle and wildlife impacts.

“A lot of people are unhappy and want to oppose it completely while equally a lot of people want to work with the council to get the best possible outcome,” he said.

“The council needs to respond­ to these concerns and get their communication sorted because residents are feeling let down as they haven’t received much notice that this process is even going on.”

Warner resident Nicole Paul, who lives within the Warner Investigation Area, created Facebook page Warner/Eatons Hill Residents Discussing New Development­, which has more than 800 followers.

“We’ve been here 2½ years and moved out for the rural lifestyle,” Ms Paul said.

“We’re happy if they split it to larger acre blocks, but the area is not suitable for the sort of residential development­ the council is proposing.”

Division 9 councillor Mike Charlton said residents should have received a letter from his office notifying them of the new public consultation period, the investigation area and how they can make a submission.

He said this was in addition to two other mailouts inviting property owners to provide feedback during the current consultation period, together with public notifications in newspapers, information on council’s website and on local councillors’ Facebook pages.

“I encourage residents if they have any concerns, to make their submissions before Friday, October 6 close date. Council will consider all properly-made submissions,” he said.

“I have already met with residents, will continue to meet with residents as requested, including beyond the October 6 close date, to discuss their concerns and importantly, pass on any their concerns to council directly for consideration.”

Cr Charlton said he had already raised feedback received to-date by his office with council staff and confirmed that as part of the Warner Investigation Area, areas with high environmental values will be retained and Conflagration Creek will be revegetated to provide a key corridor for wildlife movement.

A council spokesman said the number of proposed houses for the area was about 1600.

“A detailed traffic assessment has been undertaken as part of the investigation area together with the State Government and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR), which includes potential additional road connections, and council continues to work with DTMR on the investigation area,” he said.

Anyone wanting to make a submission to the council must do so by tomorrow.

Submissions can be made online and forms are available at https://yoursay.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/mbrc-planning-scheme-amendment-2017