Boost to Northside Housing Affordability

At least two thirds of homes built in the first stage of the state’s third Urban Development Area at Fitzgibbon will cost less than the average Brisbane house, the State Government said today.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas and Member for Sandgate Vicky Darling unveiled plans for the first 35 hectare stage of development on the site.

Mr Lucas said developing the site through the Urban Land Development Authority meant not only more affordable housing but also better design and transport opportunities could be created from the ground up.

“We want to see Fitzgibbon as a transit oriented community centred around existing and proposed transport infrastructure of Carseldine Station and the future Northern Busway,” Mr Lucas said.

“The first development precinct within the urban development area is a 35 hectare area that will contain around 670 homes ranging from units to four bedroom detached houses.

“It is anticipated this first precinct will become home to around 1500 people.

“Land costs will vary from $130,000 to around $270,000. Building costs will also vary however at least two thirds of homes in the development will cost no more than the median Brisbane house price, which is currently $388,000.

“This is a clear step the State Government is taking to ensure we provide affordable housing.”

“Development of the first stage of the UDA will be underway within six months, with land going on the market within 12 months. People should be able to start moving into their new homes by late 2009.

“We are aiming to complete the major residential development, which will be north of the Carseldine railway station, within five years,” he said.

Ms Darling said work on the area could deliver dedicated green space and better road and rail connections.

“This is about delivering community infrastructure and completing the suburb of Fitzgibbon,” Ms Darling said.

“Large amounts of green space have been included in the Fitzgibbon UDA to ensure the unique environmental attributes of the site can be protected and consolidated.

“The plan includes a dedicated conservation area and a waterway corridor that will be rehabilitated and landscaped to create a quality open space environment.

“The Urban Land Development Authority has been consulting with the Brisbane City Council and in line with council planning for the area is looking to fast track the development of a Beams Road rail overpass and improve road connectivity through the area.

“Integrated development of the site means we can plan a community that has better access to public transport and has more options for getting around on foot.

“Not only is it a development that will deliver more affordable housing but it’s also a cleaner and greener lifestyle that will mean a better-connected community.”

Mr Lucas said investigations to inform the preparation of the Development Scheme for the site would begin immediately.

“I encourage the community to participate in upcoming consultation activities to ensure their needs are captured in the planning process.

“The existing community will obviously be interested in the development of the area and will have the opportunity to comment on the plans for development as well as guide the inclusion of parkland, walking and cycling paths and community facilities.”

Media inquiries:

Deputy Premier’s Office: Robert Hoge 0419 757 868
Member for Sandgate: 3269 7018

• Located 12 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD, the Fitzgibbon Urban Development Area (UDA) covers 295-hectares of land in the northern suburbs of Fitzgibbon, Carseldine, Bald Hills, Taigum and Deagon.
• The Fitzgibbon UDA is bounded by the Aspley School district to the south, Telegraph Road to the north, Gympie Road to the west and the Gateway Motorway to the east. Landmark places within the UDA include the Carseldine Railway Station, Carseldine Campus of QUT, Bill Brown Sport Fields and the Environmental Protections Agency’s Hydraulics Laboratory.
• The boundaries of the Fitzgibbon UDA were chosen to coordinate planning for the large tract of State owned land in the area and to consolidate development strategies with future transport planning around Carseldine Railway Station.
• The Queensland Government has identified Fitzgibbon as a transit oriented community based around the existing and proposed transport infrastructure of the Carseldine Station and the future Northern Busway.