Protesters disappointed after Defence Housing Australia appeals rejection by Toowoomba Regional Council of Mount Lofty subdivision

Protesters against the controversial Defence Housing Australia development at Mount Lofty have expressed their disappointment after the organisation filed an appeal against the council’s decision to reject the subdivision.

Vacant land on Martini St.

The Federal Government-owned entity filed the claim in the Planning and Environment Court this week, after the councillors voted unanimously in September to knock it back.

This was contrary to the recommendation handed down by the council’s officers, a point of order which could play a role in the potential court case.

While the details of the appeal are not yet known, Save Mt Lofty group secretary Chris Meibusch said the latest chapter in the four-year saga was disappointing.

“Save Mt Lofty Inc is disappointed that DHA has appealed the unanimous TRC development rejection decision to the Queensland planning and environment court,” he said.

“This appeal shows the Federal Government is just not listening to the Toowoomba Regional Council and the Toowoomba community.

“Didn’t the DHA bosses in Canberra see the bushfires earlier this month on the Toowoomba escarpment?

“Why won’t the DHA bosses in Canberra listen to the over 140,000 signatories wanting to protect Mount Lofty’s koalas, their habitat and their biodiversity corridor?

“We know our council made the right decision and we intend to support them 200 per cent in fighting this appeal.”

Mayor Paul Antonio declined to comment on the matter.

DHA was contacted for comment.