Development in limbo as fears aspects of Gold Coast City Plan could be in crosshairs of new government
MILLIONS of dollars worth of development is in limbo, with fears a scheme allowing unlimited building heights could be scrapped by a new government.
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MILLIONS of dollars worth of development is in limbo, with fears the far-reaching scheme allowing unlimited heights for high-rises, will be in the crosshairs for review by the new government.
The Gold Coast City Council’s City Plan 2015 is currently under review and was expected to be reviewed by the State Government early this year before coming into effect in June.
The plan, which will govern all future development in the city was originally expected to be introduced at the end of 2014 but was delayed after city leaders received an overwhelming number of public submissions.
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City planning boss Cameron Caldwell said the future of the scheme in its current form would come down to the state’s new planning minister, who will replace the outgoing Jeff Seeney.
“If there was to be a change in approach it would cause significant delays and cost impositions to the council,” he said.
“Whichever way it goes, we will have a new planning minister who will be brief and advised by the same government offices who have worked with council over the past 18 months to this point.
“We would hope the process continues without significant interruption.”
Councillors yesterday continued to analyse the submissions at the Evandale council chambers.
UDIA Gold Coast boss David Ransom has played a significant role in the creation of the city plan said a new planning regimen could be implemented, changing the council’s situation significantly.
“If there is a change of government then this could certainly delay the implementation of the city plan but it depends of the flavour of the administration at the time,” he said.
“You can expect a lean towards the environment and away from economic growth issues.”
The plan proposes a mass of high-rises and high-density development through Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach with the removal of height restrictions.
Mayor Tom Tate was philosophical about the election’s result and said he would stand ready to work with either Ms Palaszczuk or the LNP’s new leader to keep the Gold Coast booming.
“I will do my best to work with whoever is the premier to make sure we create jobs, economic benefits and additional infrastructure to make sure it keeps up with growth,” he said.
“I am a big supporter of people with foresight and vision and when (Labor’s) Peter Beattie was premier I did not mind working with him as the chamber of commerce president
“The needs of the Gold Coast come first because we have been recognised as the region’s economic hub.”
The city plan names ‘go zones” for skyscrapers and ‘no-go zones” which will preserve waterfront and parklands.
It will allow super towers to encroach on the central area of the ageing estate at Chevron Island, while Budds Beach, Tedder Ave and parkland in Broadbeach will be preserved.
Under the plan, building relaxations will also take effect along the Gold Coast Highway from Miami to Broadbeach, where height limits increase from two storeys to five.
Palm Beach’s height limits will also be raised from seven to 12 storeys.
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