New structure plan for Victoria Point emerging community

Redland City Council has resolved to prepare a structure plan for a new emerging community south of Victoria Point.

Redland City Mayor Karen Williams said the structure plan would cover land to the south-west of Victoria Point that is currently included within emerging community zone of the adopted Redlands Coast City Plan.

“This area has been earmarked for a number of years for growth by the State Government, and they have incorporated it into the urban footprint and directed Council to structure plan the area,” Cr Williams said.

“Now that the city plan has commenced and the area is included in the Emerging Community zone, it is an appropriate time for Council to commence a structure planning process.

“The structure plan will facilitate the delivery of a well-planned urban community by integrating all necessary components of the built and natural environments in an orderly, integrated and coordinated land use pattern.”

Cr Williams said Council had deferred its decision on development applications in the area until the structure plan was in place to ensure growth in the area was managed appropriately. “Since 2015, Council has received two development applications for the area – the first for 289 lots within a portion of the eastern area of the zone (Clay Gully Road and Brendan Way) and the second in 2017 over land on Bunker Road seeking reconfiguration for 176 lots,” she said.

“Council resolved in March this year that the application lodged for the Clay Gully Road-Brendan Way development be deferred until a Council-led structure plan is completed for the whole emerging community, or the Victoria Point Local Development Area.

“As part of today’s decision, Council will ask the State Government to outline what work they are planning on roads in the area, including Cleveland-Redland Bay Road and the recently announced planning on roads associated with a proposed Victoria Point bypass.”

Cr Williams said the community would be engaged during the development of the structure plan, which would be delivered in nine stages with a target of September 2019 for final approval and incorporation into the Redlands Coast City Plan.

“A critical component of the structure plan is effective and appropriate community engagement,” Cr Williams said.

“Residents need – and expect – to know what is happening on their doorsteps and Council has an obligation to tell them.

“We will be engaging our community following the formulation of the draft land use plan and once we have ministerial approval to commence detailed consultation.

“It is expected that this will occur in the second half of 2019.

“A well-prepared structure plan supported by an appropriate public consultation strategy should minimise risks and ensure the area develops in an appropriate and timely manner.”