Toowoomba social housing project in Newtown by Mission Australia faces opposition from locals over traffic, parking concerns
A group of residents say they plan to fight the approval of a 185-unit social and affordable housing project in Toowoomba, for specific reasons.
Development
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A proposal for a 185-unit community and affordable housing project in a Toowoomba suburb is facing opposition from a growing number of residents, who say it sets a “dangerous precedent”.
Mission Australia has lodged an application with the Queensland government for the new housing development, which is slated for a large parcel of land bordering Princess, Vacy and Mirle Streets in Newtown.
The site, which is currently used as a car park, is held by Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre owner Elanor Investors and sits next door to Gold’s Gym and directly opposite prestigious college The Glennie School.
Its previous ties to the shopping centre mean the land is zoned as a “major centre” under the Toowoomba Regional Council’s planning scheme, which allows for higher-density residential development.
Originally conceived as a nine-storey project across two buildings last year, Mission Australia has since revised the plan to create four five and six-storey structures on each corner.
Communal open spaces with landscaping, barbecues and garden areas have been included in the plans.
According to details by Mission Australia presented to residents during a recent consultation meeting, the development will feature a near even split of community housing to shelter society’s most vulnerable residents and affording housing for low-to-medium income tenants at reduced rates.
“The site has been strategically selected where there has been consistent and increasing trends in both demand and need for housing support and stock, despite limited availability and affordability across the region, and provides amenity with access to shops, services, and public transport,” MA said in its presentation.
The application is not going through the Toowoomba Regional Council either, with MA trying to get it approved through a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation, which is currently the responsibility of housing minister Meaghan Scanlon.
It is understood the council will be consulted as part of the process.
But the size, scale and location of the project has triggered an angry backlash from a number of neighbours, who are worried about parking, traffic and other infrastructure impacts for the three local roads it borders.
Of particular concern is the prospect of just 128 car parks being delivered to service 185 units, far below what the council outlines in its planning scheme.
MA said it would provide a minibus to residents, while also arguing tenants would also have access to public transport at Clifford Gardens.
Property owner and real estate agent Dave Harms, who has started a state government petition and a Facebook page, said his concerns had nothing to do with the project being for social housing.
“My fight is on the planning — the carparking is not adequate, they’re not meeting the town planning scheme,” he said.
“It also sets a dangerous precedent.”
Mr Harms also questioned the development’s impact on council’s sewerage and water networks, especially since the state government did not impose infrastructure charges like the council would.
“If they go through the ministerial process, they can get around the infrastructure charges,” he said.
“This in itself should cause outrage in the fact that not only our major developers like the Bernoths, Weymouths and Wagners, but also mum and dad developers, are required to fork out huge amounts (of charges) to complete well planned developments.
“Not accounting for possible land use credits, the infrastructure charges for this project (could) total $4m.”
Long-time resident David Martinelli said he had no issue with the site being turned into social housing, but argued 185 units was excessive.
“It’s oversized and overpopulated for the effect it’s going to have — if they’re going to have development, well have it three storeys,” he said.
“But you know they’re not going to do that because it’s about maximising the space for the return.”
The push comes six months after Glennie raised concerns about student safety and privacy if the development was approved.
Mr Harms called on the council to voice its objection to the project, particularly mayor Geoff McDonald.
When asked about the development and the residents’ concerns, Mr McDonald said it was too early to form an opinion on its viability.
“We’ve had no involvement at this stage — it’s been applied through the minister,” he said.
“They’ve done a bit of consultation, which I’ve heard from people who took part in it.
“Our big problem is based on the current costs of delivering infrastructure, because what we’re realising is what we’re receiving is less than what it costs to deliver.”
Mr McDonald wouldn’t say if council would impose infrastructure charges on Mission Australia if it was approved.
Mission Australia responds to concerns
MA housing executive Chris Bratchford said the proposal had received “very positive” feedback from the community during consultation meetings, but welcomed more input from affected residents.
“There has been considerable efforts to consult the community with the project: there has been an initial letter box drop followed by two community consultation sessions in May,” he said.
“There is another opportunity coming for community feedback as part of the MID process.
“MAH has extensively considered all feedback, (and) designs have been changed and building heights reduced as a response to feedback received.
“We look forward to progressing with the project and delivering some and much-needed affordable housing for the community.”
Mr Bratchford also rejected suggestions from residents that Clifford Gardens shopping centre owner Elanor Investors Group was the actual developer of the project.
“Elanor is the land vendor. They are not involved in the ongoing development,” he said.
Housing minister Meaghan Scanlon’s office was contacted for comment, but did not provide responses in time for publication.
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