Help shape Moreton Bay's future

Published 6:00am 13 August 2023

Words by Nick Crockford

Residents can help update Moreton Bay’s planning scheme which will address key issues such as off-street parking and retaining green space.

Moreton Bay City Council has prepared an amendment package, known as the Better Housing Amendment, which proposes changes to five key areas:

Next Generation Neighbourhoods
Off-Street car parking
Secondary dwellings
Student accommodation
Warner Investigation Area boundary reduction.

A Planning Scheme Policies Amendment includes changes to guidelines for the Better Housing Amendment and preserve townships of D ’Aguilar, Dayboro, Samford Village, Wamuran and Woodford.

“Our population growth has consistently exceeded expectations year on year, and we now have a commitment to protect 75 per cent of Moreton Bay’s landmass as greenspace,” Mayor Peter Flannery said.

“That means we need to think more strategically about how we accommodate for growth within better neighbourhoods, while containing our urban footprint.

Moreton Bay City Council Mayor Peter Flannery

“A big part of that means updating our planning scheme (adopted in 2016) to reflect the changing needs of our community as we continue to grow.

“We’re making changes to Next Generation Neighbourhoods to combat overdevelopment by prioritising green space and larger yards for residents.

“Off-Street Parking is a common concern for residents, so we’re addressing it by ensuring all new houses, units and townhouses will now need to provide sufficient parking to cater for both residents and visitors.”

The Mayor said Secondary Dwellings, like granny flats, will only be possible on blocks big enough to accommodate them so impacts on the privacy of neighbours can be managed.

Density limits are being set for Student Accommodation developments with requirements for more sufficient off-street parking.

There is also an update to the boundary of the Warner Investigation Area to protect the environmental values of the area.

“This is just a snapshot of the Better Housing Amendment Council has prepared, but you can view the full changes on the Your Say Moreton Bay website,” the Mayor said.

“So please make sure to leave your comments for consideration so we can build better housing and better neighbourhoods for everyone in Moreton Bay as we continue to grow.”