High-rise plans for key suburbs

A blueprint for the future of Morayfield and Caboolture South includes three precincts, higher density living and 20-storey buildings.

The latter would be in “high intensity mixed-use areas”, while developments in moderate intensity mixed-use areas would be around 11-13 storeys (39m).

Morayfield Neighbourhood Planning Project Future Directions Report outlines ways to increase housing diversity and supply, manage growth and protect rural areas.

The 35-page publicly available report was compiled following community consultation and endorsed by Moreton Bay City Councillors this month.

It includes sections on the environment/waterways/green space, centres/meeting places, housing and movement/transport.

The Housing plan proposes three “mixed-use” precincts – Centre North, Morayfield Central and Morayfield Station.

Centre North - would be between Morayfield Rd and the railway line from south of Oaklands Drive to just beyond Wattle Way. This would include “moderate intensity” residential around 11-13 storeys (39m).

Morayfield Central - is from south of Wattle Way to just short of Station Rd, but including an area either side of Michael Ave, on the west side of Morayfield Rd also with “moderate intensity” residential around 11-13 storeys (39m).

Morayfield Station - would generally be from Station Rd to just beyond the Walkers Rd intersection, including sections on both sides of Morayfield Rd. This would see some high intensity housing around 20 storeys (60-70m) and 11-13 storeys (39m).

Other proposals include areas along Walkers Rd and Torrens Rd be zoned for 8-10 storeys (30m) and around Caboolture River Rd and east of Morayfield Rd 6-7 storeys (21m).

The report says these precincts will “increase opportunities for higher density residential uses close to services and public transport including the Morayfield bus station and train station”.

“Increasing residential density within the centre will increase the diversity of housing types in the neighbourhood, which will better cater for residents as their life and housing needs change.

“The increased building height will incentivise and support the feasibility of higher density residential, centre and mixed-use developments.”

Mayor Peter Flannery said density helps provide housing options for built-up but under-utilised areas of Morayfield, such as commercial precincts and around the train station.

“These areas already have infrastructure and services in place and can be upgraded over time as more growth occurs,” he said.

Under the ShapingSEQ plan, Council must plan for an additional 308,300 people and 125,800 extra homes by 2046.

At the same time, Council aims to preserve its pledge of keeping 75 per cent of the region for rural and natural landscapes.

“We want everyone from first home buyers to retirees to have the opportunity to decide where they live rather than being forced out to other suburbs,” Cr Mark Booth (Div 2) said.

Cr Adam Hain (Div 3) said good planning "can increase density in the right places to maximise current infrastructure, which promotes more shops, services, cafes, events, parks and playgrounds within walking distance".

Changes in the report won’t come into effect until Council legally amends the Planning Scheme through a statutory process via the State Government.

It will only impact new developments and not be applied retrospectively.

Visit www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Building-Development/Planning-Schemes/Neighbourhood-Precinct-Planning