Grantham development: 417ha identified for 3100 new homes

A Queensland town where 11 people died in floods has set aside land for up to 8400 new residents, increasing the community’s population almost 10 fold.

Lockyer Valley flooding on the Gatton to Grantham Rd. Photo: Bev Lacey / The Chronicle.

Land for up to 3100 new homes has been earmarked in Grantham, almost a decade and a half after a catastrophic flood killed 11 residents.

The 417ha parcel of land is located on high ground, south of the Warrego Highway and has been identified as potentially suitable for development under the Lockyer Valley Regional Council’s Grantham Structure Plan.

The council’s aim is to develop a community that is completely flood resistant, with lots suitable for housing and commercial buildings.

Yvonna Darlington. Grantham FLood clean up. February 28, 2022.

It is estimated the parcel could accommodate up to 8400 residents over the next half century, increasing the town’s population 10 fold. Grantham is currently home to 890 residents.

Planning and Development Portfolio councillor David Neuendorf said the plan comes after 12 months of consultation with residents, and the Department of Transport and Main Roads and Urban Utilities.

“Community priorities included flood-free access, infrastructure capacity, housing diversity and the preservation of local character and the environment,” he said.

“The feedback we received has informed the final growth scenarios, identification of emergency access routes and infrastructure planning.

“It is important to note that this is a long-term plan subject to investment from all levels of government.”

DECADE IN REVIEW: Flood and Rain aftermath of Toowoomba flash flood. Grantham - Wednesday January 12, 2011. Photo Bev Lacey / The Chronicle

The 2011 flood struck without warning in January 2011 after a wall of water carried debris from the Toowoomba Range, through Withcott then along the Sandy Creek and Lockyer Creek.

Those two creeks converge at Grantham and in subsequent years, periods of heavy rain have led to the town centre being inundated.

Tabitha Drescher runs The Floating Cafe and Tony Wood owns the building in Grantham. Monday, February 28, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

In the wake of the 2011 flood, all but a few residents in the town centre took advantage of a land-swap deal and relocated to higher ground, north of Sandy Creek.

However, businesses were not included in the land-swap and several remain in the flood plan, including the aptly named Floating Cafe.

While the new land has been set aside for housing, any future home builds would be subject to essential infrastructure being provided.

Originally published as Grantham development: 417ha identified for 3100 new homes