Redlands Coast residents will soon be able to have their say on a structure plan to guide development of an emerging community in Victoria Point.
Mayor Karen Williams said the draft South West Victoria Point Local Plan would progress to community consultation, despite the fact about 40 per cent of the development proposed for the area had already been approved by a State Court.
“The Planning and Environment Court has approved two residential development proposals and one for an over 50s lifestyle village, an outcome which was taken out of our hands,” Cr Williams said.
“Despite this, there are still benefits in continuing to progress the plan to consultation and in continuing to lobby the State Government for the necessary infrastructure to support the development of this new residential community.”
At this week’s General Meeting, Council reaffirmed it would not sign off on the Local Plan until the State Government commits to fund the vital road infrastructure required for the area’s future growth.
“Council’s position in relation to the emerging community has not changed since 2019, when a similar resolution was endorsed,” Cr Williams said.
“Our residents have told us they do not want development without the infrastructure to support the growth and our stance shows Council is listening to these concerns.
“We have previously asked the State to commit to deliver the dual carriage way of Cleveland-Redland Bay Road between Magnolia Parade, Victoria Point and Giles Road, Redland Bay.
“We acknowledge the State’s commitment of $110 million to duplicate part of this state road, between Magnolia Parade and Anita Street, Redland Bay, but ask them to commit to full duplication before we will agree to adopt the Local Plan as an amendment to City Plan.”
Councillors voted to amend the draft South West Victoria Point Local Plan to address State Ministerial conditions. It will then be sent back to the State Planner for final endorsement after which Council will start public consultation, about September.
“The process for this detailed plan began in 2018 so we are happy we are almost at the stage to take it to the community,” Cr Williams said.
The draft local plan covers about 175 hectares of land located between Bunker Road and Brendan Way in the north, Clay Gully Road and Cleveland-Redland Bay Road in the east, Double Jump Road in the south, and Little Eprapah Creek in the west.
Councillor for Division 4 Lance Hewlett said a well-prepared structure plan should ensure that development is appropriate, coordinated and delivered in a timely manner.
“We want this area to be an attractive, functional and walkable urban community that is supported by an accessible neighbourhood centre, integrated open space, active transport network and public transport services,” Cr Hewlett said.
“The local plan will guide new development through a mix of dwelling types, protecting and enhancing ecological habitat and connections, and outline the infrastructure that will be needed to support the new community.”