REDLANDS councillor Shane Rendalls says the city has no power to stop homes being built across the Southern Moreton Bay Islands, despite growing community concern about rapid development.
The Division 5 councillor said frustration about tree loss, infrastructure pressure and changes to the islands’ character was understandable — but legally, council’s hands were tied.
“We can’t stop people building on SMBI. Short of us buying their land, we can’t stop people building on approved residential lots they own,” Cr Rendalls said.
“I and council have been criticised for allowing too much housing growth on the SMBI.”
Residents have raised concerns about clearing of vegetation, increased demand on public infrastructure, parking pressures and a perceived loss of the quieter island lifestyle.
Many long-time locals say the islands are changing fast as more houses are built on blocks that have sat vacant for decades.
But Cr Rendalls said the reality dates back more than half a century.
“In 1970/71 SMBI was subdivided into residential lots, this was more than 50 years ago. At the time the islands were not part of any council, and the subdivision was approved by the state government,” he said.
“In Queensland, anyone owning a residential block of land is entitled to build on that block. This is regulated through the Queensland Building Regulation.
“There is no legal mechanism for council to stop the construction of houses compliant with Queensland Building Regulation.”
Cr Rendalls said Redland City Council’s role in the building process was limited.
“The only aspect of construction that Redland Council determines is compliance with wastewater treatment guidelines,” he said.
While development on existing residential lots cannot be prevented, Cr Rendalls said council would not support further subdivisions on the islands.
“I will not support and Redland Council will not approve any further subdivisions on SMBI,” he said.
“Existing rural properties cannot be subdivided and residential lots owned by council are not being released to market.”
He said council was also encouraging landowners to merge adjoining properties as a way to reduce housing density.
“Redland Council also encourages residents to purchase adjoining blocks and merge properties to reduce the number of residential blocks,” Cr Rendalls said.
“Merging lots reduces the rates payable.”
Council has also undertaken buy-back programs targeting environmentally sensitive areas and land with high bushfire risk.
However, Cr Rendalls said a large-scale buy-back scheme to reduce development was unlikely.
“While targeted buy-backs are still occurring, a mass buy-back program to reduce development is not economically viable given current property prices,” he said.
“I will be continuing to argue within council for increased buy-backs, but the budget for this is limited.”
