‘Keep towers out of suburbs’

VETERAN councillor Dawn Crichlow doesn’t want to see any more high-rises built outside of Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach until more transport infrastructure is put in place.

Her comments come after Cr Pauline Young said the City Plan was not working for the Mermaid Beach area while developers took advantage of a 50 per cent bonus introduced by the State Government. The bonus allows developers to exceed height and setback limits to increase the population density and reduce urban sprawl.

She was the second councillor in less than a week to declare frustration with the City Plan. Previously, Cr Daphne McDonald said it should be thrown in the bin.

But Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the City Plan, which was introduced in February 2016, was working.

“The City Plan is actually working and is doing what it is designed to do – that is, place the focus for future development along key transport corridors in our city,” he said.

“The challenge for our city is to ensure we build up, not out.

“Building up minimises the environmental footprint, unlike widespread urban sprawl which takes away green space, costs ratepayers millions more in the delivery of infrastructure, and adds to road congestion with more cars commuting further distances.’’

Cr Crichlow said the city should wait until the transport infrastructure was built before approving more high-rise developments.

“I believe the areas of Southport, Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach provide enough high density for the city and are well serviced by the light rail,” Cr Crichlow said.

“Until further transport infrastructure is in place, I don’t believe any more high-rises should be approved in other divisions.”

Former mayor and current Division 7 councillor Gary Baildon said he had issues with the City Plan.

“I have spoken in council a number of times regarding building heights, minimum setbacks and excessive podiums, particularly in the high density Surfers Paradise, Main Beach and Chevron Island precincts,” he said.

“The City Plan is constantly being reviewed where I will continue to make appropriate representation.”

Division 11 councillor Hermann Vorster also had concerns. “The one size fits all approach to town planning isn’t the best way forward,” he said. “There are developments in Varsity Lakes that have woefully inadequate car parking.”

Division 4 councillor Kristyn Boulton said the public needed to understand the development application process.

“As councillors, we need to work within the parameters or rules that have been set by both council and the State Government,” she said.