Shock Vote: Councillors decide vote of Robina retirement tower in flood zone

The fate of a 17-storey tower which would include a helipad for residents to escape flood waters has been decided by a vote in council.

THE council has refused a development for a retirement tower in Robina on floodland in a stunning decision.

Despite concerns about a possible legal action and an appeal, a majority of councillors have supported concerns raised about the flood impact for ageing residents.

Officers had recommended approval of the tower opposite Lake Orr, arguing the risks to residents had been mitigated.

But Robina-based councillor Hermann Vorster in a strong address opposing the project outlined what he considered were serious flaws regarding community safety.

Hermann Vorster —strong speech at council. Picture: Jerad Williams.

He referred to residents having to be provided with three days supply for food to shelter in place during a flood, and their need to access a helipad for evacuation on the top 17th floor level.

An alternate power source needed to be provided to supply electricity to residents but the application provided no evidence of where that was located, he added.

Hinterland-based councillor Peter Young, who in other circumstances has opposed flood plain development, could not support Cr Vorster.

He said he believed rejecting the application could not be defended in the planning court.

Cr Young said the council had approved similar developments including one providing accommodation for 1550 people at “cows corner” at Nielsens Road, at Broadbeach.

“I’m concerned about our vulnerability here. I don’t think it’s a good and defensible position to be in,” he said.

Robina is flood prone — flood waters enter in the parking lot outside the Robina Hospital on the Gold Coast. AFP PHOTO.

Southport councillor Brooke Patterson said the council by agreeing to conditions of a helipad was saying it expected residents would need emergency support.

Deputy Mayor Donna Gates joined Cr Peter Young, saying she could not understand how the City Plan supported a retirement home in the Bond University innovation zone.

Division One councillor Mark Hammel said he would not be supporting applications where the city’s sole helicopter was diverted from major emergency jobs to “sit on a building just next to Bond University” when it could be deployed on more important jobs.

But a majority of councillors backed Cr Vorster who in his closing address spoke about “intolerable risks” with the development.

EARLIER:

THE council is poised to refuse a development application for a Gold Coast retirement village tower which would require residents to use a helicopter pad to escape flood waters.

Councillors at a planning committee meeting today were divided on the proposed 17-level building fronting Lake Orr.

The planned retirement village for Robina.

Area councillor Hermann Vorster, after a strong speech, gained just enough support from colleagues at committee to block the project.

WHAT’S SO SCARY ABOUT GOLD COAST FLOODING MAPS

A vote of full council will occur on Tuesday to determine its ultimate fate.

A report to the planning committee said a helicopter pad was proposed on the rooftop to service residents who suffer a medical emergency during a flood event.

Site for planned retirement village at Robina.

“The proposal does not avoid the natural hazard area. However, the risks to people have been mitigated to a tolerable level,” an officer’s report said.

GOLD COAST FLOODPLAIN DEVELOPMENT WAVE

Cars sit in flood waters outside the Robina Hospital on the Gold Coast in March 2017 after a severe rain depression caused by ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt.

The development proposed for all residential components to be from the fourth floor up, well above the probable maximum flood, the report said.

GREEN LIGHT FOR CONTROVERSIAL TOWER

The applicant had submitted a flood emergency management plan which proposed shelter-in-place facilities. Officers recommended approval.

But Cr Vorster pointed to a video during the debate which showed localised flooding around Robina.

Aerial view of the site of a planned retirement village tower in Robina.

He implored councillors to oppose the project because flooding could place vulnerable people, in need of day care, at risk.

“I have to say the risks are getting greater. The frequency of these events are getting greater,” he said.

Some councillors said they understood Cr Vorster’s position but they were concerned about a potential court appeal given council had approved other developments in a flood area.