Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council well on the way to seeing state-owned land parcel developed into transit-orientated development
May 17, 2010
The Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council are well on the way to seeing a state-owned land parcel developed into a transit-orientated development (TOD) at Yeerongpilly.
State Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe and Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman recently signed a memorandum of understanding to confirm their commitment to the retail/residential project and outline how the partnership will proceed.
Hinchliffe says by working together, the State and Council had a unique opportunity to bring essential land to market when it is needed most.
“A TOD is a mixed use residential/retail precinct within walking distance of a rail or bus station which allows people to live, work and play closer to the central Brisbane CBD with a reduced reliance on cars,” he says.
“Over the next 12 months the State Government and Council will finalise planning for the site which could see the first parcels of land available to the public by early 2011.
“It’s vital for housing affordability that this land be developed, but it’s also imperative the community have their say. Community consultation will begin in coming months to inform residents and help shape the proposal.
“In the face of population growth transit oriented developments help make the most of available urban land while enabling more compact and accessible communities, improving local services and increasing housing diversity and affordability.”
Newman says population growth is a challenge for South East Queensland and the Council is committed to working with the State Government to help address the issue.
“This planning work will help Brisbane City Council achieve the 156,000 new dwellings target set out in the State Government’s South East Queensland Regional Plan,” he says.
“We’re looking forward to working cooperatively with the State Government to deliver this exemplar TOD project.”
In December 2009, Queensland Premier Anna Bligh announced the joint State/Council partnership to progress the Yeerongpilly site.
The Department of Primary Industries site is opposite the Yeerongpilly Railway Station and within walking distance of the State Tennis Centre and Mirvac’s Tennyson Reach development.
The proximity of the site to the station, and other public transport facilities, makes it a suitable TOD development.
The proposal will improve accessibility for the surrounding community to local services and public transport.
The development, bordered by Fairfield Road, King Arthur Terrace and Tennyson Memorial Avenue, is expected to include a small commercial area to provide services currently missing in the region.
To provide safe and convenient access to public transport, the State Government has committed to extending an existing pedestrian footbridge to cross Fairfield Road by 2011.
Tenders to prepare a plan of development for the 14ha state-owned site will close on May 14. The successful applicant is expected to be short-listed by early June and a plan of development is scheduled for completion by the end of 2010.
Dwelling numbers, building heights and other layout details are to be formalised through the design and consultation process.
Community consultation will begin in coming months to give residents an opportunity to learn about the proposed TOD and get involved in the planning process.