CAPALABA’S Jones Rd to Old Cleveland Rd precinct is on the brink of significant transformation, with Redland City Council moving forward with plans to shape the area’s future development.
Mayor Jos Mitchell said the community would be consulted on two draft change scenarios that demonstrated how growth in the area could be realised over time.
The first option involves a moderate increase in residential housing and mixed-use spaces, providing a balance between growth and maintaining the character of the precinct.
Scenario two envisions more significant growth, including taller apartment buildings, potentially up to 30m high, and an aggressive expansion of mixed-use developments, particularly in the southern section of the precinct.
Mayor Mitchell said one of the main purposes of the Local Area Plan initiative was to identify opportunities for growth and consolidation in locations that were well serviced by or in proximity to existing infrastructure, public amenities, services, employment, and lifestyle opportunities.
“Our city must identify and promote opportunities for greater housing diversity and increased density consistent with the objectives identified in the Queensland Government’s Redland Housing Strategy 2024-2046,” Cr Mitchell said.
“All proposed growth in the Jones Rd area will happen over time and in a manner that respects and compliments the character of the surrounding neighbourhood.”
However, one of the most pressing concerns in both development scenarios is traffic congestion.
With the area already facing issues with its road network, traffic consultants have warned that the existing infrastructure may not be able to handle the additional pressure if development continues without major upgrades.
The proposals have been further complicated by Bunnings’ 20-year plan for a major retail and commercial development in the area.
This development could further increase traffic in the area, particularly as Bunnings wants to connect Brewer and Anderson streets to its site, potentially leading to more vehicles on the streets.
Redlands2030 president Steve MacDonald welcomed the Council’s decision to have public consultation about its precinct planning but expressed concerns about the impact extra development would have on already congested main roads.
“Council’s 2010 Capalaba Master Plan should be updated and expanded to include all parts of Capalaba proposed for high and medium residential density together with fit-for-purpose transport infrastructure improvements,” he said.
Public engagement activities are scheduled to start towards the end of February or early March.
Councillors chose to withdraw a second item around making planning changes via a Temporary Local Planning Instrument to facilitate residential development on properties on Finucane Rd by adding a new left-in/left-out intersection.
