A MAJOR overhaul of Wynnum’s CBD has drawn strong community interest, with more than 400 submissions lodged as residents weigh up the future of the bayside precinct.
Speaking during debate on the Wynnum Suburban Plan Renewal, Cr Alex Givney said the level of engagement showed just how deeply the community cared about the area’s future.
“We have a strong sense of identity, and when people hear about change, it’s natural that some feel concerned about what it might mean for the place that they love,” Cr Givney said.
“I want to acknowledge that upfront — the feedback we received during consultation reflected a range of views.
“Some residents supported the proposal, others supported it in part, and some opposed it altogether.
“In total, council received more than 400 submissions during this consultation process.
“That level of engagement tells me something very important — people care about Wynnum, and they want to see its future handled thoughtfully.”
The proposal forms part of Brisbane City Council’s broader suburban renewal program, aimed at increasing housing supply and boosting economic activity in key centres.
Cr Givney said the vision for Wynnum was to create a “vibrant, mixed-use centre” while maintaining its bayside character.
“For Wynnum, the goal is simple: to support a vibrant, mixed-use centre that reflects our bayside character, while allowing more people to live close to Wynnum Central train station, shops and services,” she said.
A key point of contention has been building heights, with the plan proposing increases in parts of the CBD.
However, Cr Givney argued historical planning controls showed similar provisions had not led to rapid overdevelopment.
“In 2009, the city plan was updated to allow for buildings of five to eight storeys in this precinct. And yet, in the 16 years since, Wynnum has not seen hundreds of new buildings appear,” she said.
“In reality, only about a dozen developments have been completed in that time.
“It’s an important reminder that planning provisions do not mean immediate or uncontrolled development.”
Changes were made following consultation, including reduced heights in some areas.
“In particular, there has been a decrease at the northern end of Bay Terrace,” Cr Givney said.
“The block between Clara and Edith Streets has been reduced, while keeping Bay Terrace to 12 storeys on the western side.”
Under the proposal, most smaller sites could accommodate buildings up to 12 storeys, while larger sites may reach 15 storeys — although only a handful of landholdings meet that threshold.
Beyond building heights, the plan also includes public realm improvements, including a proposed green corridor linking Wynnum Central Station to the foreshore.
“These are the kinds of changes that will make Wynnum Central more liveable for everyone,” Cr Givney said.
Concerns around infrastructure, parking and services have also been raised by residents — issues the councillor acknowledged.
“These concerns are all legitimate,” she said.
“As a community grows, planning must ensure that supporting infrastructure grows with it.”
Cr Givney said future planning through the Local Government Infrastructure Plan, along with coordination with agencies such as Queensland Rail and Urban Utilities, would be critical.
She also pointed to growing pressure on local businesses as a key driver behind the need for change.
“One shop owner recently said something that stayed with me,” she said.
“She said that in the past three years, Wynnum has lost eight significant retail businesses — businesses that once drew people from across Brisbane to shop, have lunch and spend time in the area.
“Without enough people nearby, it becomes harder and harder for these businesses to survive.”
Despite concerns, Cr Givney backed the plan, arguing growth was necessary to sustain the local economy.
“If we want a vibrant community, we have to let it grow,” she said.
“Growth does not mean losing what makes Wynnum special.
“Done properly, it means supporting local jobs, sustaining local businesses, and giving more people the opportunity to live close to the bayside that we value.”
