South Brisbane set for more apartments as skyscraper rules renewed

The Crisafulli government has defended its decision to extend relaxed rules allowing CBD-height skyscrapers in South Brisbane, and to axe affordable and diverse housing provisions for the area.

Planning Minister and Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie renewed the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct Plan – a temporary local planning instrument, or TLPI – for a further two years just as it was due to expire on October 9.

Major developments, including a 50-story tower next to the Skyneedle, have already been approved within the area. About 5000 units are in the pipeline.

These include residential apartments, student accommodation and hotel rooms.

“[We have] renewed the TLPI, which has been in place since 2023, to deliver planning certainty for industry, community and the Brisbane City Council,” a spokesperson for Bleijie said.

“We removed costly red tape which contributed to Labor’s housing crisis and drove up housing costs.”

Provisions regarding affordable housing and diversity of dwelling types were scrapped, with the government believing they could drive away investment.

The TLPI has drawn the ire of some South Brisbane residents, who believe schools and other infrastructure are being overwhelmed by new arrivals.

West End State School would be the default primary school for new families in South Brisbane. P&C president Vanessa Bertagnole wrote to Education Minister John-Paul Langbroek on Monday outlining her concerns.

“It’s just overwhelming knowing that there aren’t any plans in place that we know of to extend our school or build up the enrolment capacity,” she told this masthead.

“Overcrowding isn’t a healthy and productive teaching environment because you get behavioural issues … and then there’s a lack of resources available.”

The deputy premier’s office pushed back against criticism.

“The Crisafulli government is plugging an infrastructure black hole left by the former Labor government with a record $116.8 billion capital pipeline including new schools, hospitals, roads and rail,” the spokesperson said.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has been supportive of the planning instrument, saying building up will reduce the need for urban sprawl in Brisbane.

“Kurilpa has the potential to become one of Brisbane’s most connected and sustainable neighbourhoods, offering diverse homes within easy reach of jobs, parks and public transport,” he said.

“Our long-term vision is to deliver an anti-sprawl approach that creates thousands of new homes in vibrant, connected communities rather than pushing more cars and congestion into outer suburbs.

“Just like Teneriffe and Newstead were transformed into dynamic destinations, Kurilpa will showcase how Brisbane can grow while keeping the qualities that make our city so special.”

A vast development with three towers – the largest 50 storeys tall – was approved this month fronting Melbourne Street, Manning Street and Edmondstone Street.

Plans have also been lodged next door for a 30-story tower at 37 Manning Street, which could box in the Expo ’88 Skyneedle.

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