A number of development applications and planning proposals in Brisbane aim to increase housing density near major shopping centres and transport hubs. These include a private development application for a 25-storey tower near Westfield Carindale, as well as council-led plans to rezone areas around several shopping centres to allow for taller buildings.
Apartment Tower Proposed Near Westfield Carindale
Parkmor Property Group has submitted a development application for a 25-storey apartment tower at 1202 Creek Road, Carina Heights. The site, which is directly opposite Westfield Carindale, is currently a bush block adjacent to Belmont Private Hospital.
Key Facts of the Proposal
- The site covers 9,050 square metres and was purchased in February 2025 for $5.6 million.
- The proposal includes 253 apartments and 370 car parks.
- The apartment mix consists of:
- 15 one-bedroom units
- 139 two-bedroom units
- 81 three-bedroom units
- 15 four-bedroom units
- 3 five-bedroom units
- Proposed amenities include a cinema, rooftop pool and garden with fire pit, barbecue area, gym, hot and cold plunge pools, steam room, and sauna.
The site is located just outside an area recently identified by Brisbane City Council for potential increased height limits of up to 30 storeys around the Carindale shopping centre. The council's proposal has not been formally adopted. The development application states the proposal is consistent with the council's strategic direction to increase density near transport and shopping hubs.
Site History and Context
- A 132-bed retirement facility was approved for the site in 2020, but was never built.
- The former Belmont Specialist Centre on the site was demolished in 2018.
- The application is part of a broader housing target. The South East Queensland Regional Plan requires Brisbane to deliver 210,800 new dwellings by 2046, with nearly 90% being attached terraces, townhouses, or apartments. The state government is currently reviewing the regional plan.
Council Advances Rezoning Plans for Multiple Suburbs
Brisbane City Council has progressed planning proposals to increase building heights in several suburbs, including Wynnum, Indooroopilly, Carindale, and Nundah.
Wynnum Plan Awaits State Approval
The council has advanced a plan to increase building heights in Wynnum. The proposal permits apartment buildings up to 15 storeys on certain streets, with mixed-use and smaller towers allowed in other areas. The stated aim is to stimulate local business, enhance public transport access, and expand housing supply. The plan, which requires state government approval before being integrated into the City Plan, was passed by the LNP-dominated council.
Community Feedback and Political Responses- A community consultation on the Wynnum plan received approximately 500 submissions. Revisions were subsequently made to the draft, 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 and emphasised a desire for sensible development.
- LNP Deputy Mayor Fiona Cunningham accused the Labor party of instigating opposition through alleged links with Lowe. Cunningham stated that Labor was running a "fake political campaign" and stirring up "fear and misinformation." Lowe denied having a specific political affiliation, stating her group comprises residents from various political backgrounds.
- A community town hall meeting last year saw over 200 Wynnum residents raise concerns, with one attendee noting the plan would alter the area's fundamental character. Some residents attended a recent council meeting in protest, dressed as clowns.
- Labor abstained from voting on the Wynnum plan, citing concerns regarding community consultation and the absence of mandated affordable housing. Labor's proposed amendment for an infrastructure plan and affordable housing targets was rejected by the LNP.
- Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy reported that a primary concern raised in community feedback was the inclusion of affordable housing.
- LNP Councillor Adam Allan questioned Labor's definition of affordable housing and whether their targets would be aspirational or mandatory.
Proposals for Indooroopilly, Carindale, and Nundah
Councillors voted to submit a proposal for increased building heights around Indooroopilly, Carindale, and Nundah for community consultation.
- Indooroopilly: Towers up to 25 storeys would be permitted near the Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.
- Carindale: Towers up to 30 storeys would be permitted near the Carindale Shopping Centre.
- Nundah: Maximum heights in the major centre zone 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.
High-Density Zones Approved Near Upper Mount Gravatt and Chermside
Brisbane City Council has also approved precinct plans that designate high-density zones near the Westfield shopping centres in Upper Mount Gravatt and Chermside.
Key Details of the Approval
- The precinct plans were passed with bipartisan support from Labor, Greens, and an independent member.
- The LNP rejected proposals from the Labor opposition that aimed to incorporate affordable housing targets into these plans.
- Councillor Adam Allan (LNP) stated that implementing affordable housing targets would diminish financial viability for developers. He highlighted that the private sector is responsible for delivering 96% of the city's housing.
- Labor Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy supported increased housing density but raised concerns regarding potential unaffordable pricing, referencing high unit prices and weekly rents. He criticised the LNP's stance on housing affordability.
- Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner explained that Upper Mount Gravatt and Chermside were selected due to their proximity to public transport, including the existing and proposed Brisbane Metro lines. Cr Schrinner did not endorse affordable housing targets, asserting that an increase in housing supply was the solution to Brisbane's housing challenges.
The precinct plans are part of the council's broader urban densification agenda, which aims to develop taller apartments near public transport hubs. The council has previously reduced the minimum block size to 120 square metres and lowered car parking requirements for new constructions. The Upper Mount Gravatt and Chermside precinct plans will now be submitted to the Queensland government for approval.
Expert and Government Commentary
Dr. Rachel Gallagher, a lecturer in urban planning at Griffith University, said planning policies often fail to consider implementation feasibility. She noted that half of Brisbane's land zoned for townhouses and apartments is less than 600 square metres, which she stated is too small to support such developments.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie stated the state government is resetting planning partnerships with local councils and reviewing regional plans.
A spokeswoman for Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner declined to comment on Gallagher's research.