By George Bellinger
Two appeals have been lodged with the Planning and Environment Court following council’s refusal of developments for retirement facilities.
The separate appeals relate to the proposed developments at 30 Kidd Street, and 24-34 Macdonnell Road.
Former councillor Nigel Waistell, who has spoken out against the developments, said Scenic Rim Regional Council has registered as a respondent for the Macdonnell Road appeal but has not yet registered for the Kidd Street appeal.
LG Resorts, the appellant in the Kidd Street development appeal, has also registered as co-respondent for the Macdonnell Road appeal.
“LG Resorts have registered themselves as a co-respondent by election for Macdonnell Road, which is unusual,” Mr Waistell said.
“They have joined Macdonell Road in trying to fight that case. I don’t know why – maybe they’re trying to set a precedent before their case is heard.”
He explained that LG resorts may have registered as a co-respondent to strengthen its own case in the Kidd Street development appeal.
“They’re just trying to boost the case for Macdonnell Road,” he said.
“But maybe Kidd Street will be heard before Macdonnell Road, we don’t know.”
Mr Waistell has lodged an application to attend court as co-respondent in support of the Council in both cases.
“I’m going to court in support of Council to say that our refusal was correct. They’ll be arguing that our refusal was bad,” he said.
If the two developments proceed, they are expected to have a significant impact on the local area and would bring over 200 new homes to the mountain.
“If they go ahead, it will certainly change. It’ll set a precedent for retirement facilities, which will have subsequent impacts on the mountain, especially medical,” he said.
“Medical currently can’t cope with the current population, and, if we add another 250 elderly people, that will make the situation worse.”
