Council tells State Government: No growth without infrastructure

Redland City Council has put the State Government on notice that it will not sign off on the South West Victoria Point Structure Plan until the State commits to the critical transport infrastructure needed to service the area.

Mayor Karen Williams said last week’s decision was about drawing a line in the sand by not accepting growth without the essential State infrastructure the community needed.

“The community has told us they are tired of development without the necessary State infrastructure to support the growth and this decision shows Council is listening to these concerns,” she said.

“Following last week’s decision we will continue to progress work on the South West Victoria Point Structure Plan, including submitting it to the State Government for review and consulting with our community, but we will not include it in our City Plan without the essential State transport infrastructure upgrades needed to support it.”

Division 4 Councillor for Victoria Point Lance Hewlett said Council’s resolution specifically identified the duplication of Cleveland-Redland Bay Road as critical in supporting new growth in the area.

“Specifically, we want the State to commit to upgrading Cleveland-Redland Bay Road between Victoria Point Centre and Redland Bay, giving residents in the south of the city the confidence the State Government is committed to delivering key transport infrastructure upgrades before new urban areas are developed,” Cr Hewlett said.

“The State Government has committed to duplicating part of this road already and today’s decision asks them to commit to full duplication between Victoria Point and Redland Bay before we agree to support new additional growth in the area.”

Division 6 Councillor Julie Talty said Council’s decision followed recent lobbying of the State Government with respect to infrastructure and development.

“Council is planning the local government infrastructure to support the growth of this area, such as water, sewer, local roads and parks, which will be funded by developers in the structure area,” she said.

“Residents told us through our recent community survey that they want State infrastructure to match development and this decision shows them that we hear them and we agree.

“Recently we also tabled a series of resolutions to the Local Government Association of Queensland, calling on the State for clearer planning legislation and longer term infrastructure plans so the community knows what to expect in their neighbourhoods.

“These resolutions combined with this decision puts the State Government on notice that our community will no longer tolerate new growth without appropriate State infrastructure upgrades being provided.”