Brisbane City Council has approved new high-density housing proposals for Upper Mount Gravatt and Chermside, while also advancing plans for increased building heights in Wynnum. Proposals for community consultation are also moving forward in Indooroopilly, Carindale, and Nundah. These initiatives form part of the council's broader urban densification agenda, aiming to concentrate residential development near public transport hubs and shopping centers.
The plans have generated significant debate, particularly concerning the inclusion of affordable housing targets and the extent of community feedback considered.
Approved Precinct Plans: Upper Mount Gravatt and Chermside
The Brisbane City Council, led by the LNP, recently passed precinct plans to designate high-density zones adjacent to Westfield shopping centers in Upper Mount Gravatt and Chermside. These plans received bipartisan support from Labor, the Greens, and an independent member. However, proposals from the Labor opposition, which aimed to incorporate affordable housing targets, were rejected by the LNP.
Councillor Adam Allan (LNP) stated that implementing affordable housing targets could diminish financial viability for developers, noting that the private sector delivers a significant majority of the city's housing. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner affirmed that Upper Mount Gravatt and Chermside were selected due to their proximity to public transport, including existing and proposed Brisbane Metro lines.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner asserted that an increase in housing supply was the solution to Brisbane's housing challenges, rather than mandating affordable housing targets.
Labor Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy supported increased housing density in these areas but expressed concerns regarding potential unaffordable pricing. He indicated that the plans could benefit developers and make housing inaccessible for working families, citing existing high unit prices and weekly rents.
These precinct plans now await approval from the Queensland government, after which the council will finalize details such as rezoning areas and maximum apartment heights.
Wynnum Precinct Plan Development
The council has also advanced plans to increase building heights in Wynnum. This proposal permits apartment buildings up to 15 storeys on certain streets, with mixed-use and smaller towers allowed elsewhere. The stated aims for the Wynnum plan include stimulating local business, enhancing public transport access, and expanding housing supply. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner noted the plan seeks to rejuvenate Wynnum as a Bayside suburban destination.
Following a community consultation period that received approximately 500 submissions, revisions were made to the draft plan, including reduced maximum heights in some areas and clearer tapering from the station and main street. Tarnya Lowe, a committee member of the Wynnum-Manly Community Group, stated that community sentiment was not adequately addressed, emphasizing a desire for "sensible development." Some residents have expressed opposition, and a community town hall last year saw over 200 Wynnum residents raise concerns, with one attendee suggesting the plan could alter the area's character.
Labor abstained from voting on the Wynnum plan, citing concerns about community consultation and the absence of mandated affordable housing. A Labor amendment proposing an infrastructure plan and affordable housing targets was rejected by the LNP. LNP Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham alleged that the Labor party was involved in instigating opposition, describing it as a "fake political campaign" spreading "fear and misinformation." Lowe denied specific political affiliation for her group, stating it comprises residents from diverse political backgrounds concerned about their community. LNP Councillor Adam Allan questioned Labor's definition of affordable housing and whether their targets would be aspirational or mandatory. The Wynnum precinct plan also requires state government approval.
During a recent council meeting where these plans were discussed, some residents attended in protest, dressed as clowns.
Proposed Changes for Indooroopilly, Carindale, and Nundah
Councillors also voted to submit proposals for increased building heights around Indooroopilly, Carindale, and Nundah for community consultation. This plan, designed to boost density near transport and shopping hubs, would permit towers up to 25 storeys near Indooroopilly Shopping Centre and up to 30 storeys near Carindale Shopping Centre. In Nundah's major centre zone, heights would increase from 12 to 15 storeys, with up to 10 storeys in surrounding mixed-use zones.
Community consultation for these proposals is scheduled to commence on April 24.
Broader Urban Densification Context
These precinct plans are consistent with the council's bipartisan urban densification agenda. The broader goal is to develop taller apartments near public transport hubs to reduce car dependency. The council has previously implemented measures such as reducing the minimum block size for new constructions to 120 square meters and lowering car parking requirements.