Since 1915 the Tamborine Mountain Progress Association (TMPA) has fought hard to protect the unique environment of the mountain.
However, in 2023 the unsuccessful Eagles Retreat Place Development court proceedings dealt it a significant blow, causing the organisation to fold.
A new entity has emerged as Tamborine Mountain Preservation Association (TMPA).
The new Association, again led by Jeanette Lockey, who held the position of President from 2005 to 2023, is embarking on a fresh chapter with renewed vigour.
Jeanette welcomed the newly elected Scenic Rim Regional Council’s responses to planning applications, saying they are in stark contrast to the previous regime, pushing back on developers to protect and positively contribute to the current landscape with strict conditions being imposed.
However, she said the previous Council’s performance dealing with the region’s Growth Management Strategy cannot be reversed.
TMPA held its first meeting on June 4 and discussed a number of immediate issues affecting the mountain: These included:
- Kidd Street development, for an over 50s retirement village, which TMPA sees as the next big battle for the mountain.
- Material Change of Use application for 19-25 Capo Lane, for short-term tourist accommodation. This is currently at Council decision stage and TMPA views the application as inconsistent with the Residential Zoning.
- The ongoing Young Street appeal currently going through the Planning and Environment Court.
- As well as the landslide issues at The Shelf, which residents are in discussions with Council over.
Jeanette said with over 90% of the community here for the lifestyle it offers, she has the skills to continue to protect it.
“These days developers have deep pockets, and they pursue a favoured inappropriate spot with vigour,” she stated.
“It is here that TMPA, a group of people who have a long understanding of the planning scheme and know how to go about replying within a short allowed timeline, is of benefit to residents.
“Over the past three decades, there were many people on the management committee who could respond. This has shrunk to Roly Lindenmayer, Stuart Wright and me.”
She said the TMPA often take up court battles on behalf of distressed residents, sometimes on the side of the Council, sometimes opposing it.
Jeanette explained that questionnaires and other forms of community consultation have consistently highlighted residents’ overarching concerns are environment, water and population caps.
She said over the years thousands of residents have poured their hearts out to the TMPA in letters saying they have come to a place they love and don’t want it to be destroyed.
“Pretty gut-wrenching,” Jeanette said of the letters.
“Hence our determination to keep fighting off inappropriate development applications.”
