Nathan residents fear the impacts of a large scale unit development

RESIDENTS believe their suburb won’t be able to cope with the population increase of a proposed 543-unit development.

Sharon Torpey, Barbara Watson, Trevor Watson, Ellen Cheal and Anna-marie Newton. Residents are angered by the consultation process of a proposed development. Picture: JOHN GASS

NATHAN’S population could potentially double if a newly proposed unit development goes ahead, with residents concerned the suburb’s infrastructure won’t be able to cope.

The Motorama Group has held pre-lodgement meetings with residents to highlight plans for a 543-unit development or an expansion of its industrial site at 53 Fairlawn St.

Locals and politicians have questioned if Nathan can handle the potential population increase and expressed concerns about the impact of an increased industrial area.

Resident Anna-Marie Newton said they were being forced to choose between “a rock and a hard place”.

“Nathan itself is only one way in and one way out,” Mrs Newton said.

“What happens in an emergency if they effectively want to double the population of Nathan as there is no infrastructure to cater for that?”

Mrs Newton said concerns had been left unanswered at the meetings, with locals “left in the dark”.

Brisbane City Councillor Steve Griffiths (Moorooka) called for a more detailed proposal.

“More needs to be done by Motorama in order to reassess the infrastructure issues, parking and suburb access and recreational space before it proceeds further,” Cr Griffiths said.

A Brisbane City Council spokeswoman said any proposal to use the site for residential purposes would be subject to the highest level of assessment.

The Motorama Group was unavailable for comment.

Nathan’s population is 1397, says the 2011 Census.

The land would need to be rezoned as per the City Plan 2014 for a residential development to be approved.

Motorama told residents each unit would have 1.5 car spaces.

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