THE questions came thick and fast when developer Moremac presented to the Beaudesert Chamber of Commerce.
Moremac, the developer behind Beaumoor, has controversially applied to vary the Scenic Rim Planning Scheme 2020 to significantly reduce the minimum lot size in a move they say would address housing affordability and availability issues.
If their application is approved, the minimum lot size will be 125m2 for terrace house lots and 350m2 for standard lots, with an average standard lot size of 500m2.
Of the 250-hectare project site bordering Alice Street, Tubber Street and Birnam Range Road, 65 per cent is dedicated to open space, including stormwater infrastructure.
Some locals have voiced their concerns about the push for smaller lots, citing worries about increased flooding, pressure on infrastructure, particularly the Mt Lindesay Highway, and socio-economic impacts.
At the November 26 Chamber meeting, Moremac Queensland General Manager Andrew Brimblecombe and CEO Tom Trevaskis gave a mostly well-received presentation about their hopes to offer a greater diversity of housing, particularly for smaller households.
“We don’t think the product that’s being provided now meets future requirements of what the township needs or what’s needed now,” said Mr Trevaskis.
“So, what we want to do is create a diverse product mix that we think creates the best vibrant, diverse community.”
Queries abound
Chamber members and established locals Mark Rowe and Tom Plunkett both raised the well-known issue of flooding through the paddock behind Tubber Street.
“In our misspent youth, we could boogie board in a good storm from up near John’s house to the Logan River,” Mr Rowe said.
“I don’t think you really understand how much water comes down.”
Mr Trevaskis took their point but also said he was confident in the significant discussions under way around stormwater management for the site.
In response to a question from the Bulletin about how Moremac’s application for smaller lots aligned with their award-winning marketing campaign focusing on larger lots, Mr Trevaskis cited buyer feedback.
“It is a good question. Obviously we had to get the project going so we submitted in line with the planning scheme and that was very successful,” he said.
“What our customers are telling us – and there are 3808 in the database – is they are seeking smaller, more diverse product.
“We’ve got a lot more robust data now and we talk to our customers every day so we hear what they want, and we try to accommodate that.”
Chamber President John Powell challenged Moremac.
“You mentioned people coming from Yarrabilba and Flagstone because they don’t like what’s happened there but it appears to me you’re trying to duplicate Yarrabilba and Flagstone with the size of lots you’re proposing,” he said.
“I don’t like Yarrabilba and Flagstone either and I certainly don’t want that in Beaudesert. I think everybody should have somewhere to live but I don’t think a paddock in Beaudesert is the place to put 125m2 terrace house lots. We have no public transport, no services, those blocks should be somewhere in the city where they’ve got those sorts of linkages.”
Mr Brimblecombe respectfully disagreed with Mr Powell and said Beaumoor was a very different urban design to Yarrabilba.
At time of print, Moremac’s application was still with Council.
