Budget discussions continue, the intent being to put the draft to a vote at a Special Meeting of Council on July 9, 2025 (to be confirmed).
Land-banking and unmaintained properties – by all means, buy property on the Mountain and hold it until the Planning Scheme eventually changes to allow subdivision into tiny lots or “lifestyle villages” and you can cash in, usually at the expense of adjoining property owners. However, such purchasers are required to maintain their properties, mow regularly, control weeds and ensure their property does not detract from the amenity of the local area. There are several properties that fall into this category where no upkeep has occurred since the date of purchase. Please report any such properties to me or directly to Council and I will ensure that the owners are contacted.
Have your say – Perhaps the two largest development proposals ever put forward for the Mountain (Hyacinth may have been bigger however the developer did not get what they wanted) are now simultaneously open for submissions, either in favour or opposed. Combined, these total an additional 200 (yes, 200!) dwellings for our constrained area. Submissions need to be factual, based on Planning Scheme issues and unemotional.
MCU24/025 – 30 Kidd Street – Retirement Facility – 676 page information response has been provided to Council which includes revised plans and a reduction of dwellings from the proposed 166 to 141 and is somewhat responsive to the concerns raised during engagement with the community. The development application (DA) has now been advertised in this local paper with a submission period of June 20 – July 11, 2025. The developer intends to hold a community information session during this period once a suitable venue has been booked.
MCU24/174 – 24-34 Macdonnell Road – retirement facility – 59 dwellings – 847 page information response submitted. The real estate signage has been removed and the property has had a cursory slash. This DA is also open for submissions June 6-27, 2025 however the developer did not advertise this in a locally available paper, preferring obscurity in the Beaudesert Times, nor has there been any community information session held to inform locals. A case of “this is what we want, get over it” perhaps? There have been four submissions as at June 14 – two in support and two opposed.
Advertising signage – a reminder that signage is controlled under Council’s Subordinate Local Law 1.4 Installation of Advertising Devices – one portable sign is permitted on the footpath directly adjacent to commercial premises. At present, the shop corner opposite Beacon Road looks like a dog’s breakfast. Real Estate “temporary” signs are required to be on or within the property boundary – not where the best exposure is achieved and not advertising “coming soon” sales. Limit of one sign per agent (a maximum of three) for each property. Signs placed on State Controlled Roads must be able to produce evidence of the State approval upon demand. The corner of Main Western Road and Lahey Road can expect some compliance action soon.
