What we’re concerned about
Moreton Bay Council’s Draft Ferny Hills Precinct Planning Future Directions sets out major changes to the area of Ferny Hills around the train station.
It proposes the introduction of:
Elevated living
(up to 12 storeys; 150 dwellings/ha)Mid-rise living
(up to 8 storeys; 100 dwellings/ha)Diverse living
(up to 3 storeys; 25 dwellings/ha)Reduced and unbundled car parking to encourage transport use.
Key concerns:
The report lacks detail to inform genuine consultation and feedback. Crucial information that is missing from the report includes:
how many people the proposed developments are intended to accommodate
who the housing is designed for (e.g. families, singles, older residents)
the balance between residential, retail, commercial and other uses
how state government infrastructure impacts (roads, rail, schools, services) will be managed and funded
how natural hazards such as flooding and landslip are being assessed and addressed
how community feedback will be weighed and how final decisions will be made
when development is likely to occur and over what timeframe
how First Nations perspectives have been, or will be, included.
Without this information, it is extremely difficult for residents — or community organisations — to provide informed, constructive feedback.
We also don’t think that the current engagement process that Council has outlined is appropriate for a proposal of this scale. Following this brief, four-week consultation, Council intends to move to a final plan, before progressing to amending the local planning rules.
This isn’t good enough.
We are seeking an extension of the current consultation period and will be working with the Council to seek and will provide further information to our community when we have it.
What you can do:
Sign the petition calling on Moreton Bay Council to extend consultation on the draft Ferny Hills Precinct Planning Future Directions Report.
Did you know?
The City of Moreton Bay Council has proposed a similar development plan for Arana Hills.