Rural Environmental Planning Association Inc.

Newsletter No. 4/2004 September 2004

Print Post Approved PP439224/00011

REPA supports the Moggill Community Association in its battle against the proposed Goodna Bypass

REPA has shown support for the Moggill Community Association (MCA) in its concern that a Goodna bypass be constructed across the tip of Priors Pocket, involving two bridges across the Brisbane River.  The stated purpose of this proposed road is to alleviate traffic congestion on the Ipswich Motorway.  REPA understands that the Queensland Department of Main Roads favours widening the existing Ipswich Motorway; whereas Cameron Thompson, the Federal Member for Blair initiated the proposed Goodna Bypass project.  Michael Johnson, the Federal Member for Ryan, also supports it. 

REPA considers the proposed Goodna bypass to be undesirable for many reasons, including the following: -

·         Its construction across the river at Priors Pocket would cause considerable environmental damage along the river banks where it crosses the river and in Priors Pocket, a known koala habitat.

·         According to an independent report by Ian Cameron (resident of Pullenvale and formerly of Cameron McNamara) and Howard Westmoreland, building the proposed Goodna by pass would be much more expensive than widening the existing Ipswich Motorway, particularly as much of the alignment of the proposed bypass route passes through land that is below accepted flood levels.

·         Its construction, involving two bridges across the river, would have detrimental effects on the amenity of the Brisbane River at Priors Pocket and on Priors Pocket itself. 

The current plans do not include either an on-ramp or an off-ramp on the north side of the river, i.e. in Priors Pocket.  The MCA is very greatly concerned that it would only be a matter of time before such on- and off-ramps were constructed and that such further construction would entirely change the amenity of the whole district, particularly Moggill and Kenmore.  The effect on Moggill Road could be crippling. 

In the last, special edition, Newsletter, members were advised of the Public Meeting to be held on Thursday, 22 July at Kenmore State High School about the proposed bypass.  Attendance numbers for the meeting vary from 700 to around 1000.  The meeting concluded with a virtually unanimous vote of no confidence in the proposed Goodna bypass: the only dissenting vote was that of Cameron Thompson.  REPA awaits further developments.

Subdivisions at Bellbowrie

As mentioned in the May Newsletter, Cr Abrahams, then Chair of the BCC Urban Planning Committee and Juergen Hanisch, Senior Town Planner, met with REPA members in April to discuss several matters, including the increasing density of subdivisions at Bellbowrie. 

A small working sub-committee has been formed comprising three members of REPA and three members of the Moggill Community Association.  Les Thompson has drafted some Codes to be submitted to the Brisbane City Council for consideration for incorporation into the Bellbowrie Local Plan.  The object of these Codes is to provide for better adherence to the existing Plan through the provision of the suggested Codes and consequently to prevent future subdivision into small lots of less than 900 m² in area.  We plan to submit these Codes to the new Chairman of City Planning, Cr David Hinchliffe, shortly.

Revised Structure Plan for subdivision of Pineapple Farms at Moggill approved

In August, REPA was advised by Brisbane City Council that the revised Structure Plan application by the Mirvac Group for the Pineapple Farms at Moggill has been approved.  REPA submitted an objection to the City Council last year on several grounds, namely: non compliance with Bellbowrie Local Plan, traffic considerations and environmental considerations (Eucalyptus curtisii, the rare Plunkett Mallee, is found on site).  REPA has been advised that there were 347 objections to the original Structure Plan.  Consequently the Structure Plan has now been revised and REPA understands that it does now comply with the Bellbowrie Local Plan and makes provision for ecological protection areas.  The Queensland Department of Main Roads has also approved the plan subject to conditions involving the widening of Moggill Road along the development frontage.  The fact that the Structure Plan has been revised following the receipt of objections demonstrates the value of making submissions to Council. 

In summary, REPA understands that the revised Structure Plan complies with City Plan.  As a consequence, any appeal against the decision approving the Structure Plan would be unlikely to be successful. 

Proposed subdivisions at 66 Ellerby Road & 84 Livesay Road, Moggill

REPA has objected to the proposed subdivision of nearly 5 hectares in two lots at 66 Ellerby Road and 84 Livesay Road, Moggill into 51 lots.  The grounds for objection are that the proposed lot density is greater than that envisaged in the Bellbowrie Local Plan, traffic considerations (impact on Moggill Road) and deleterious effect on neighbouring properties.

Mt Coot-tha and Mountain Bikes

The Mount Coot-tha Management Plan has now been released and REPA has been given a copy by BCC (if anyone wishes to see it could they please contact Jenny or Bryan Hacker).  An enclosed plan designates tracks for various purposes including tracks for use by mountain bikes and multi-use tracks.  THECA, the Moggill Creek Catchment Group (MCCG) and REPA are all concerned by the damage being done by mountain bikes on Mt Coot-tha.  There is a move to establish a committee/working group between BCC, representatives of the biking community and the three environmental groups to review and advise on strategies for optimising environmental outcomes.  BCC have appointed a Trail Care Co-ordinator to Team West, based at Indooroopilly.  REPA recognises that the use of mountain bikes provides a valuable form of recreation for many, but considers that it should not be allowed to damage valuable environmental resources.

Kholo Quarry Haul Route

A further risk assessment is being prepared for Brisbane City Council on the proposed haul route crossing of the Brisbane River above the Mt Crosby weir.  This has not yet been forthcoming.

Meeting at Brookfield, 25 August 2004

About 80 – 100 people attended a meeting called by Cr. Margaret de Wit at the Brookfield Hall on Wednesday, 25^th August.  The purpose of the meeting was to provide an opportunity for people to discuss concerns with respect to infrastructure, and in particular to discuss BCC proposals for works in Boscombe Road by the Brookfield School.  Those at the meeting were clearly not in favour of extending the built footpaths along Boscombe Road, but were in favour of the provision of speed bumps and widening Boscombe Road where it crosses Moggill Creek

Annual Walk

REPA regrets that it will not be holding an annual walk this year as our plans did not materialise.  Nevertheless we have special plans for next year, so watch this space!

John Bristow            Chairman, REPA, 84 Essendon Road, Anstead, 4070            Phone 3202 6534   Fax 3202 8836

Jenny Hacker            Secretary, REPA, 41 Gap Creek Road, Kenmore Hills, 4069        

Phone 3374 1468   Fax 3374 0609

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Last updated: 12 November 2004