Toowoomba’s Glennie School raises concerns with proposed 185-unit social housing project by Mission Australia as community split

A proposed social and affordable housing project could see opposition from a top Toowoomba private school, as the community remains split on its merits and impacts.

One of Toowoomba’s most prestigious private schools has raised concerns over a planned neighbouring 185-unit social and affordable housing project, with its own P and F gathering objections against it.

News broke last week that Mission Australia could soon manage a massive new development on a parcel of land on Princess Street in Newtown.

Plans have been lodged for a massive new social and affordable housing project on Princess Street in Newtown, not far from Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre and opposite the Glennie School.

If given the green light, the 5000sq m development would potentially halve Toowoomba’s waitlist for social housing by offering both rent-capped and heavily subsidised accommodation for both working and unemployed residents.

The project, believed to range from five to nine storeys in height, is across the road from The Glennie School and its proposition has already led to opposition from the school’s community.

The Glennie Parents and Friends Association said it was gathering submissions against the project from locals, calling the development a “safety concern”.

“While understanding the need for affordable housing, this nine-story, 185 unit proposal will significantly impact Glennie students, and presents not only a logistic concern, but concerns for safety and privacy of the girls and families of The Glennie School,” the P and F said on Facebook.

“Please join us in voicing your objection to this proposal.”

Glennie principal Mary Anne Evans said while the school and its controlling body the Anglican Schools Commission supported social and affordable housing, the current design posed issues for students and staff.

Mary Anne Evans. Picture: Nev Madsen

“We simply request that, as the school is fully compliant with all Toowoomba Regional Council’s regulations, other developments should be held to the same standards,” she said.

“We look forward to working together with Mission Australia to develop a workable solution for all parties.

“The concerns lie with the design of the development (and those) concerns have been provided in detail in a submission to the developer.

“What has been requested is that the issues raised are taken into consideration in the preparation of the final design.”

The development will not go through council’s planning department, with the proponent looking to secure a ministerial infrastructure designation through the state government.

The proposal has split Toowoomba residents down with the middle, with some Chronicle readers calling it a “recipe for disaster”.

“Vertical slums of Toowoomba,” Ricky Mead wrote on Facebook.

“A recipe for disaster will be a slum in the first 12 months,” David Miller wrote.

However just as many described such concerns as a case of NIMBYism (not in my back yard), arguing it would benefit the whole community.

“I really don’t see the controversy. This project will house vulnerable families who would otherwise struggle to find a home. They will have an opportunity to provide a safe place for their children. Poor does not equal criminal,” Niccii Anderson added.

“Another case of NIMBY syndrome, it’s everywhere! Would you rather they lived on the street?” Fay Miller wrote.