Mayor Paul Antonio makes personal feelings about DHA Mount Lofty site known after court appeal withdrawn
Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio is happy for the council to start discussions again with Defence Housing Australia over a potential housing estate at Mount Lofty, but made clear his personal feelings clear on the future of the old rifle range.
Council
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DHA this week withdrew its court appeal against the councillors’ decision to reject a 50-lot development application along Martini St last month.
Speaking at senate estimates hearings on Monday night, managing director Barry Jackson revealed the Federal Government-owned entity had started new discussions with TRC officers about the future of the site.
Cr Antonio said he was happy to talk with DHA, but said the unanimous ruling last month clearly pointed to the feelings of the councillors.
“It was a powerful message sent from council, and I believe there’s a greater purpose for that land,” he said.
“They’ve had some discussions with some of our senior staff, to make sure that we get it right.
“The council has made a decision, and the government ought to be mindful of that.
“Obviously they’ve opened the door for discussion, but there has been a very clear message sent to DHA.”
Community groups opposed to the development have suggested turning the old rifle range into parkland, among other ideas.
Mr Jackson told the hearings that DHA was hoping to find a solution that satisfied the council’s concerns around bushfire risk, traffic impacts and contamination.
“As part of the notice of rejection, the council identified four or five issues that they were seeking further clarification on,” he said.
“Obviously the most dominant one is the bushfire (risk) and there are some concerns around increased traffic and some ongoing contamination potentially.”
Mr Jackson did not confirm it would commit to completing more community consultation.
“We’ve had a preliminary consultation on Friday and I’m hopeful we’ll have discussions as soon as next week,” he said.
“Whether that will result in community consultations will be determined by the council.”
Save Mt Lofty group secretary Chris Meibusch encouraged DHA to speak with the community again about its concerns.
“If DHA truly want to address community concerns they can pick up the phone,” he said. “They haven’t done that in four years so we’re not holding our breath.”
