“Way too much” for Moreton Bay suburb

Major high-rise plans are “way too much” for Ferny Hills, according to Brian Battersby, who represented the area for 40 years.

The former councillor told Moreton Bay City Council’s meeting last week he “strongly opposed” the proposals for developments up to 12 levels.

In Ferny Hills, north of Ferny Grove Station would be rezoned for mid-rise dwellings up to eight storeys and high-rise to 12. Ferny Way would range from three to 12 storeys.

The plans - which include Arana Hills shopping and business centre - are in response to mandated Queensland Government growth and surging population in Moreton Bay.

Using Council’s Community Comment platform, Mr Battersby said: “I live in one of those streets. I raised my children there and have been resident in Ferny Hills for 60 odd years.

“I strongly urged the three and four level buildings to be more in keeping. To go from single dwellings to 12 levels is way too much.”

Mr Battersby also opposes planning for single car parking spaces as it will “force vehicles onto the nearby streets”.

“That’s a backward step,” he said. “I also see no planning provision for any tradie vehicles in these new buildings.”

Mr Battersby also pointed out “two of the biggest (traffic) hold-ups” are on parts of Samford Rd and Dawson Pde, outside Moreton Bay City Council’s area.

“Samford Rd really needs help,” Mr Battersby said, adding it could be achieved with “small tweaks to the traffic software”.

He said there had been “no real capital works” for the single lane section of Dawson Pde since 1986 and it is now “very heavy am and pm traffic flow”.

Council CEO Scott Waters thanked Mr Battersby and paid tribute to his four decades representing residents in The Hills District.

Mr Waters recommended he also present the community comments to Brisbane City Council and nearest ward councillor.

“Take the (Brisbane) Lord Mayor up on his statement of a roads blitz and what you want to see achieved,” Mr Waters said.