Plan extension’s veto
QUEENSLAND developer Graeme Juniper has blasted the Townsville City Council’s commitment to jobs and tourism after being refused an extension to an approval for a 24-lot housing development at Magnetic Island’s picturesque Radical Bay.
But Mayor Jenny Hill queried Mr Juniper’s commitment to development after failing to upgrade the Radical Bay Rd and doing nothing with his freehold site for 17 years.
It was left to a council planning officer to give the news to one of Queensland’s biggest resort developers, initially by phone and then by letter.
“I thought it was a joke at first. I thought it was a hoax call,” Mr Juniper said.
“We have spent many millions of dollars and 17 years trying to work with the Townsville council on this.
“I’m flabbergasted that’s how you would treat someone who wants to help your economy and grow it into a tourist area.”
Cr Hill said she was open to talking with the developer about Radical Bay but said that given nothing had happened with the site through two development applications and 17 years, a new application would be needed.
“We want to see an upgrade of the Radical Bay access track and the right type of development to occur in the area,” Cr Hill said.
“Junipers has owned the land at Radical Bay for 17 years and during this time there has been two separate development approvals, and nothing has happened.
“Given that nothing has happened in such a long time, the council has decided not to extend the current DA but we are willing to meet with Junipers to discuss their intentions for the site.
“The DA was rejected by council in the first place on community grounds, particularly because it would have restricted public access … it’s appropriate that the community has a say on any development proposal.”
The council letter received by Junipers says the extension is refused because the development “is not consistent with the Townsville City Plan” and “in particular the environmental management and conservation zone, the bushfire hazard overlay code and natural assets overlay code”.
Magnetic Island Ratepayers and Residents Association spokesman Cameron Turnbull said most people wanted the road restored and a publicly accessible resort built at Radical Bay.