RAAF’s new neighbours
A RESIDENTIAL development in Garbutt has been approved by Townsville City Council despite objections from residents and the Department of Defence.
The 3.91ha land parcel at 78- 94 John Melton Black Drive is currently identified in the Townsville City Plan as being within the “open space” zone, acting as a buffer be- tween homes and the combined civilian airport and RAAF Base Townsville precinct.
It is also within the boundaries of a current Department of Defence environmental investigation into the presence of potentially toxic firefighting foam chemicals at RAAF Base Townsville.
The land, which also borders the end of Peel St, was purchased in November 2014 for $ 2.42 million. Property and company records show the land is owned by Gold Coastbased Garbutt Developments Pty Ltd, co- directed by Mi- chael Kelly and Jan Westera. Documents obtained by the Bulletin show part of the site has historically been issued with an approval for the development of 33 residential lots and two balance lots as well as an approval for associated engineering works.
In July last year, the council proposed an amendment relating to reclassifying a significant portion of the “open space” site to a “low density residential” zone. To approve the proposal, council engaged in public consultations and it received five submissions objecting to the development.
“Concerns raised included traffic issues, impacts on local amenity, and the proposal’s proximity to the airport,” a council spokesman said.
“Council listened to these concerns and made changes that ensured areas with significant noise impacts from the airport would not be developed and would remain as open space.”
The Department of Defence said it provided comment on the proposed rezoning of the site last year and a previous approval for the residential development.
A Defence spokeswoman said they raised concerns primarily regarding the impact of aircraft noise, given its vicinity to the RAAF base and civilian airport.
Defence also noted the site was within Defence ( Areas Control) Regulations, which relates to tall structures within 15km of an air base, lighting, and the risk of bird strike.
“Defence is keen to ensure that the long- term viability of the base is not compromised by incompatible development on surrounding land,” their submission to council in May 2014 read. The Defence spokeswoman said the on- going environmental investigation had not identified exposure concerns at this site.
“Scientific analysis has not identified a need to sample the property,” she said.
At their ordinary council meeting in November, council carried a motion which included writing to State Minister for Planning Cameron Dick requesting the adoption of the proposed major amendment.
Ann- Maree Greaney was the only councillor to vote against the motion.
The amendment of council’s City Plan now requires the approval of Mr Dick.