What’s been happening?
In late 2020, a developer lodged an application for two 26-storey towers right on the edge of Davies Park at 297 Montague Rd – currently the TOMRA recycling centre and QBBC building.
This development application exceeds the neighbourhood plan height by 14 storeys. If built, it would set a new precedent for building heights in the area. The towers would also cast big shadows over the park and contribute to significant traffic congestion along Montague Road.
The community mobilised against this unsustainable project, and reminded Brisbane City Council that further development in West End must be supported by greater investment in public transport and facilities. More than 800 residents signed our petition calling for this development to be rejected, and for the site to be acquired for public parkland.
In April 2022, the Brisbane City Council asked the developer to reduce the tower height, to address traffic concerns, and to set aside more space for deep-planted trees.
Developers have come back with a Davies Park proposal that is still way above neighbourhood height limits.
Manly Properties are now proposing two 20-storeys on the 281-297 Montague Road site (currently the QBCC building and TOMRA recycling). This will reduce the number of apartments down from 470 to 349. So we're relaunching pressure on the council
What’s next?
While the council could still end up approving a bad development on this site, we now have a critical opening.
Brisbane City Council has also just approved a development application at 5 Dudley St, Highgate Hill, which will demolish 14 existing affordable units to replace them with just 7 luxury apartments. This demands a strong response from the community.
We need to make it absolutely clear to the property development industry and to Brisbane City Council that we won’t stop at submissions and letters - the community are ready to disrupt work if decision-makers don’t meet our demands for sustainable development that improves affordability for people on low incomes.
It’s also time that we reminded other companies within the local development industry that we won’t let them off the hook if they support dodgy developments. Hanson wants to be a good neighbour, but to do this they need to back the community. They need to start refusing to work on projects that have widespread community opposition, like the towers next to Davies Park, and the demolition of affordable housing at 5 Dudley St, Highgate Hill.
Our community is rapidly growing and we need affordable housing, not luxury towers.
1. Sign the petition to stay updated with the campaign!
3. Do a quick google review for Hanson Concrete West End, to let them know, that if they support dodgy developments, we won't be letting them off the hook.
4. Join myself and Jonno Sri for a snap action on Saturday 18 June to fight back against this proposal - RSVP here
5. Sign up to volunteer and help us fight for affordable housing!
You can also watch my speech in parliament about this issue here
