Housing

HOUSING

What is your view about the desirability and appropriate extent of medium density development in Toowoomba, especially the replacing of stand-alone houses with multiple dwellings in selected areas?

I believe town planning is critical for Toowoomba Regional Council. Presently, we are seeing the introduction of low-medium density zones behind Highfields and Glenvale to the West. Low-medium zones equals 200 metre blocks which means units, town houses and the like. Given that I'm told we have an over-supply of units and similar dwellings in our area, why do that?

We need development, but not at the expense of the people who will live there. I want to change the planning rules:

·         Residential developments need sufficient parking for residents either in the residential blocks or on the estate. I think 2/3rds rule of parking for residents. There should be parking spaces for 2/3s the potential number of residents on a given block.

·         Residential developments in low-medium density areas need to compensate residents with appropriately sized and useable parks and recreational facilities that are fit for purpose. (Not land that they can't build on.)

·         Preference to local firms in developing residential and community projects, with fee and rate reductions for locally based developers and landlords.

·         Developments must be in keeping with the heritage and style of our community

·         Suitable public transport available to minimize vehicle congestion

·         Developed streets with provision for trees and public gardens

·         Ensure environmental land buffers are included for maintaining flora and fauna.

I want our decisions today to be good for the present, but also for future generations.