Red light for transport depot plan

Plans for a transport depot in Caboolture have been turned down – despite support for the business in the Council chamber.

Mayor Peter Flannery and Councillor Brooke Savige both acknowledged the business' success, applicants' hard work, job creation and contribution to the City of Moreton Bay.

But, Moreton Bay Regional Council’s Planning Scheme prevents such developments in rural residential areas and councillors voted unanimously against the application. 

The proposal included parking for up to 45 vehicles – light trucks, utes, ride-on mowers and trailers - on the back of an 8000sqm property at 35 Leahy Rd, Caboolture.

Prosperity

There would also be minor servicing/maintenance work by staff, which ranged from 15-20 casual employees in the peak summer season and 5-10 casual employees off-peak.

Cr Savige (Div 1) said she found the application “very difficult to reconcile”.

“We have a small/medium size business who worked hard, employ local residents, service our area, who are positively and proactively contributing to the city’s prosperity,” she told a full Council meeting.

“But the location has led to complaints from residents who wish to enjoy their homes, chosen because of the strict provisions of the planning scheme and what is and isn’t able to be done on these sites.”

Submissions

There were 25 submissions to the development application of which 21 opposed the plans.

Cr Savige said parcels of rural land which fit the criteria for a transport depot had to be 16 hectares or more, which are “hard to find and expensive”.

Mayor Peter Flannery said successful businesses are "what we want".

He hoped “(Council’s) economic development staff may be able to help these people, where appropriate, with a size of land and zoning which would support their business, because we do want to see business succeed.”