Big increase in homes planned for northern Brisbane suburb

2 weeks ago 3

Brisbane City Council plans to boost the number of homes in Alderley after the northside suburb was unveiled as the latest focus of the Lord Mayor’s precinct renewal program.

The suburb will join Stones Corner, Wynnum and Mount Gravatt in having development streamlined as part of the Suburban Renewal Precincts Program.

Full details have not been fleshed out, but possible changes would be centred around the South Pine Road and Enoggera Road corridor from Railway Street to Moran Street.

The suburb of Alderley is about four kilometres north-west of the Brisbane CBD.

“This area has all the ingredients to support more homes,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said in an announcement on Tuesday.

“This plan will create more housing choice and affordability, while supporting small businesses and revitalising the local economy.”

Chairman of the Better Suburbs Initiative, Ross Elliott, said plans for Alderley were in the early stages, but, with community consultation, would aim to improve local infrastructure while boosting density.

“People are looking for more opportunities to do things closer to home ... whether that’s work or shopping or entertainment or healthcare or schooling,” he told this masthead.

“The idea of suburbs just being dormitories where people live and then asking them to keep travelling very long distances to access the things they need, I think that’s what we’re trying to change.”

Labor councillor Steve Griffiths said he was concerned about the influence of developers in shaping plans.

“I’m very, very concerned about this process,” he told councillors on Tuesday.

“I don’t believe this is best for our city, I believe this is the best outcome for developers.

“This council is about developers, and at the bottom of the rungs comes residents.”

In Stones Corner, a council proposal announced last year would allow apartment buildings up to 20 storeys on some blocks. Total dwellings were projected to climb from about 800 to 2000 by 2046.

On Tuesday, Elliott said the changes in Alderley would likely differ from those proposed for Stones Corner.

“The thing to keep in mind is that each of these suburban precincts is very different,” he said.

“It’s about what’s best suited ... it’s very much a horses-for-courses approach. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to suburban renewal.”