Imagine a city where towering apartments rise beside bustling shopping hubs, promising convenience but potentially leaving everyday families behind. That's the vision Brisbane City Council is pushing forward with its latest proposal to create high-density zones near Mount Gravatt and Chermside's Westfield shopping centres. But here's where it gets controversial... While the plan aims to reduce car dependency by placing taller buildings near public transport, it's sparking a heated debate about affordability and who truly benefits.
The council, dominated by the LNP but with support from Labor, Greens, and an independent member, unanimously approved the precinct plans. However, the unity ended when Labor's proposal to include affordable housing targets was swiftly rejected. And this is the part most people miss... Councillor Adam Allan argued that such targets would deter developers, claiming that 96% of Brisbane's housing relies on private investment. "Overburdening developments with conditions simply means they won't get built," he stated. Yet, Labor Opposition Leader Jared Cassidy countered that without affordability measures, these new apartments would cater only to the wealthy, pricing out working families. "Units costing $2 million and rents of $900 a week do nothing for ordinary people," Cassidy pointed out, accusing the LNP of ignoring the affordability crisis.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner defended the choice of locations, citing their proximity to public transport—Mount Gravatt sits next to the new Brisbane Metro line, while Chermside is near a proposed future Metro route. Schrinner doubled down on his stance against affordable housing targets, insisting that increasing supply is the sole solution to Brisbane's housing challenges. Is this a fair approach, or are we sacrificing inclusivity for growth?
These precinct plans are part of a broader bipartisan effort to densify urban areas, encouraging taller apartments near transit hubs. The council has already taken bold steps, reducing the minimum block size to just 120 square meters and cutting car parking requirements for new developments. Other areas like Stones Corner, Wynnum Central, Salisbury, Moorooka, and Alderley are also in line for similar transformations. Now, the Upper Mount Gravatt and Chermside plans head to the Queensland government for approval before returning to the council for final details, including rezoning specifics and height restrictions.
But here’s the question we can’t ignore: As Brisbane grows vertically, who will it truly serve? Will these developments become symbols of progress or exclusion? Share your thoughts—do you think affordable housing should be a priority, or is the market best left to its own devices? The debate is far from over, and your voice matters.
