THE state government has quashed an island lobby group's petition calling for third parties to be given a right to appeal development changes within priority development areas.
It comes after council-owned subsidiary Redland Investment Corporation proposed changing part of the Weinam Creek PDA at Redland Bay to make way for terrace houses at Meissner Street.
Russell Island Development Association president Ian Olsson told the Redland City Bulletin in February that the plans were at odds with a council development scheme published in 2014, which had earmarked Meissner Street for parking.
He had concerns a multi-level car park would be positioned near the foreshore and said people should have the right to appeal such moves.
"The terrace house development application for land at Meissner Street cited in the petition is one where there will be no notification period at all so public consultation will not occur," he said.
"It was lodged after an application for a master plan was lodged with EDQ. It was an area suitable for a five-level car park on Meissner Street away from the foreshore and this was the best location by far.
"The consequences are that next to the foreshore at Banana Street, we have the potential for a four-level car park for 1452 cars with a footprint eclipsing the area of the turf at Lang Park (football stadium).
"It is a rogue development and the people should be able to appeal ..."
Economic Development Minister Steven Miles said in his response to the petitioners that the Economic Development Act, which the petition had sought to change, ensured that development could proceed in a timely manner.
"Although development decisions are not appealable by third parties, there are several avenues available for the community to have their views considered in planning processes for PDAs," he said.
"These include public consultation when preparing PDA development schemes and public notification of specific PDA development applications.
"Both the development scheme and development applications in the Weinam Creek PDA have been subject to public notification."
Mr Olsson urged Mr Miles to revisit the issue.
"The minister's stance is regrettable, as surely controversial PDA developments such as Weinam Creek and Toondah Harbour should also be open to third party appeals ...," he said.
Mr Miles said car park space would be considered when assessing development applications in the PDA.
"I encourage the petitioners and wider community to continue to follow the progress of development proposals in the Weinam Creek PDA, and to make submissions regarding the master plan application ...," he said.
The Russell Island Development Association's petition, which received 755 signatures, also sought to delay decisions on existing PDA development applications.
Read more local news here.
