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?
In a new estate in Glenvale, I
personally witnessed developer defects such as a light post at 20 degree angle,
a mains pipe blow sending water so high into the air that I could see clearly a
kilometre away. On a recent walk, I saw cars parked two deep on the footpath
because there is a lack of provision on the properties and the streets too
narrow. With no yards, the children play among the cars because the park is
located on difficult ground to develop (and play on). Some of the homes are
built along water courses, that in 2011 was a natural flood plain. It defies
logic. The same development has buildings so close that a curious cat will get
stuck there for future generations to find. It is future generations I worry
about with developments like this. Cheaply built homes with limited privacy,
space or capacity for good living. For people in less congested developments
nearby, can they expect declining property values and crime?
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.
Authorised C Marendy 11 Burnell Crt,
Toowoomba, QLD, 4350
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