Planning scheme amendment paves way for Caboolture West development

Moreton Bay Region’s largest single growth area in history has moved a step closer to reality, with Council voting to amend its planning scheme to unlock residential development in Caboolture West.

The area is expected to become home to about 69,000 people in 27,000 dwellings over the next 40 years.

At the last meeting of Council for the year, councillors voted to amend the Moreton Bay Region planning scheme in partnership with the State Government.

Detailed planning

The amendment will pave the way for detailed planning of the area’s development.

Mayor Peter Flannery says it will allow Council to map out each major road, park, shopping centre, and housing development within Neighbourhood Development Plan Area 1.

“I want locals to have confidence that right from the outset we’ll be considering how to best balance environmental, housing, transport and infrastructure outcomes.

“This work will also clearly articulate for developers what our expectations are.

“This is a major milestone moment for Caboolture West which will ease population growth pressures by providing housing for nearly 70,000 new residents.”

Economic boost

Mayor Flannery says the area’s development will bring $9.5 billion in economic activity during the construction phase alone, and provide 17,000 local jobs once complete.

Councillor Tony Latter (Div 12) says with a development the size of Caboolture West it is important steps such as this are taken to give confidence to the community.

“Council sought external advice from independent planning consultants Ethos Urban, who handed their report Caboolture West Outline Plan to Council in October,” he says.

“It is important to provide accurate and easy to understand information that gives confidence in the process to residents.

Infrastructure the key

“We’re making that report publicly available in the interests of transparency and will work with other levels of government to resolve some of the key issues it identifies - specifically the need to deliver key infrastructure like roads and water, which will require their financial support or project delivery.”

Cr Latter says the long-term project will be a major boost for jobs and the economy in the north of the region.

But he believes it is important the area currently known as Caboolture West gain its own identity.

“I am of the view we need to look at an alternative name for Caboolture West that protects the existing Caboolture area and respects what the locality represents and its rich history.”

Cr Latter says the vote empowers Council to formally engage with the Minister for State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning to streamline the amendment process to enable the first development to occur in the area.

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