State calls-in heritage-listed Yungaba development

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Paul Lucas has today “called-in” a development application for the State heritage-listed Yungaba Immigration Depot at Kangaroo Point.

“A development application by Australand to preserve, restore and adapt the heritage-listed Yungaba building, and build a new multicultural centre plus three, eight-storey apartment blocks on the site, was approved by Brisbane City Council on 27 June 2008,” Mr Lucas said.

“The new multicultural centre included plans to provide community groups with a dedicated home, offering facilities such as a 200-seat auditorium, kitchen, and offices and conference rooms.”

The Yungaba building was constructed in 1887 and was used as a reception centre for immigrants over the last century and was the first building protected on the State-listed Heritage register.

An appeal has been lodged in the Planning and Environment Court meaning a final decision on the project could take up to another 18 months. Under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 the Planning Minister has the discretion to call in a development application on State interest grounds and decide the application in place of the relevant local government.

“The decision to call-in this development application will allow me to use the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) to reassess the application and make a final, binding decision in a much shorter timeframe.” Mr Lucas said.

“Proposals to redevelop the site have been around since at least 2003. Making this call-in is the start of providing certainty to the community about whether the project will go ahead and what conditions may be placed upon it if it does.”

Media inquiries: Robert Hoge – 0419 757 868 or Matthew Klar – 0437 435 223