Plans to attract high-density residential projects to South Brisbane have been deemed unsuccessful by councillor Trina Massey, as only one application was received in six months. The Brisbane City Council had received state government approval in 2023 to encourage high-density living of up to 90 storeys in the South Brisbane corner of the Brisbane River. Massey expressed disappointment in the lack of development applications despite the initial optimism surrounding the project.
Massey highlighted the Kurilpa plan as a potential model for urban and suburban renewal projects across the city to unlock housing and create a supply pipeline in an agile and targeted manner. However, the results have fallen short of expectations, with only one development application being submitted within the plan six months later. The Brisbane City Council explained that additional information was being sought from the developer of a 30-storey project on Melbourne Street due to its impact assessable nature.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner expressed a lack of concern over the low number of applications within the Kurilpa plan, attributing it to the challenging conditions faced by construction companies in the market. Schrinner emphasized that feasibility studies are crucial in determining the viability of development projects, and market forces will ultimately reveal the potential for future growth. Despite the slow progress, the council remains hopeful that the high-density plan will attract more interest and contribute to the revitalization of South Brisbane.
Deputy Mayor Krista Adams criticized the Greens for being hypocritical in their stance on new home construction. She accused them of demanding the construction of new homes while also protesting against their development, creating a conflicting message. Adams suggested that the Greens’ inconsistencies may be hindering the progress of high-density residential projects in South Brisbane, adding to the challenges faced by developers and the city council in attracting interest from the private sector.
Overall, the efforts to attract high-density residential projects to South Brisbane have faced setbacks due to the limited number of development applications received within the Kurilpa plan. Despite the initial optimism surrounding the project and the potential for urban renewal, the slow progress has raised concerns among city officials. Market conditions and feasibility challenges have been cited as reasons for the lack of interest from construction companies, highlighting the need for further evaluation and potential adjustments to the plan to attract more development in the future. The ongoing debate between council members and criticisms from Deputy Mayor Krista Adams add complexity to the situation and underscore the challenges of balancing growth with community concerns.
