Infill housing approved: 34 unit to rise on vacant Douglas block

Mayor Nick Dametto says the approval of 34 units signals Townsville’s commitment to building momentum, as the city prepares for a population of 250,000 by 2041.

Councillors approved a development application for 34 units to be built at 12-14 Waverly Lane in Douglas.

A new 34-unit development has been approved, with Mayor Nick Dametto saying it would put a dent in the city’s housing crisis, but one councillor raised concerns about traffic.

Townsville City Council approved the development at Wednesday’s meeting, with Mr Dametto declaring the city was open for business.

Opulence Builders Group proposed the Douglas development, which will have the units spread across one three storey building, and one four storey building.

It will also include a total of 68 covered and uncovered parking spaces, along with 12 cycle parking spaces, a shared recreational area involving a pool and gazebo, and two-way access via an existing crossover and driveway to Waverley Lane.

Council papers show the plans of where the development is going to be on Waverly Lane.

Mr Dametto said councillors voted to approve a material change of use for an almost 400 square metre block to allow for the construction of the units.

“As mayor I want people to know that as a council and as a city we are open for business. This approval paves the way for 34 units that will bring infill housing back into what is a very popular suburb,” Mr Dametto said.

“This site has been sitting vacant since the inception of the Douglas development, and while it has been classed as open space, its private ownership has meant it couldn’t be used by the public.

“With Townsville’s population expected to exceed 250,000 by 2041, it’s critical our city is building not only momentum in our approvals, but building on our city’s capacity and ability to construct this much-needed housing of tomorrow.”

While the motion was passed unanimously during Wednesday’s council meeting, Division six councillor Suzy Batkovic said that while she supports more housing, she has concerns especially at one of the access points coming into Waverly Lane, and also traffic congestion on Riverside Boulevard.

“When you’re actually coming into Waverly Lane, to note that the lane is actually very narrow we have turned half to three quarters of it into a one way, but the actual entry point to this development is two-ways,” Cr Batkovic said.

“There are commercial bins on the left, just as you’re entering the new site, on the right there is a double garage to the townhouse that just looks hectic to put it nicely.

“How’s all this going to be managed, and how’s these guys (the residents) going to get out in the morning, because that road is pumping in the morning.”

Councillor Suzy Batkovic at the Townsville City Council general meeting. Picture: Shae Beplate.

Townsville City Council’s Planning and Assessment Co-ordinator Cassie James said the traffic had been looked at, as well as being raised in submissions and part of the initial assessment.

“They (Opulence Builders Group) have provided a traffic assessment, and Waverley Lane is not narrow because the pavement is an access street, pavement width so it allows for that two-way traffic” she said.

“It is just, it doesn’t have the verges like your normal road would, but it is sufficient for that amount of traffic and what’s existing to come in and out onto and through the two-way section.”

Originally published as Infill housing approved: 34 unit to rise on vacant Douglas block