MORE than 70 Rosewood residents filled the Girl Guide Hall on Tuesday evening to voice strong concerns about the proposed 15 Edward Street residential development.
When first submitted last year, the developer sought approval for 61 housing allotments, however, recently the lot layout was changed and the proposed subdivision now comprises more than 90 allotments.
State Member for Ipswich West Wendy Bourne, Division 4 councillors Jim Madden and David Martin, and Ipswich City Council General Manager of Planning and Regulatory Services, Brett Davey, attended the meeting to hear from the community and respond to questions.
Residents’ objections centred on long-standing flooding issues at the Edward Street site.
Locals shared personal experiences of floods over the years and expressed deep scepticism about the developer’s proposed flood mitigation plans.
Many fear the measures would not only fail but potentially increase flood risks to neighbouring properties and the wider township.
Community members also highlighted the looming impacts of climate change, warning that more intense rainfall will exacerbate flooding threats in the years ahead.
Other concerns raised included:
• Traffic and infrastructure: Residents questioned whether existing roads and community services could cope with another large development in the rapidly growing western corridor.
• Lack of green space: The proposal contains no public parks or green areas, leaving families without safe, open spaces to gather, play and relax.
• High density and heat impacts: With lots as small as 375 square metres, residents argued the design would generate significant urban heat from extensive roof surfaces, creating a ‘heat sink’ effect in Rosewood’s traditionally semi-rural setting.
The meeting underscored a growing frustration among Rosewood residents about large-scale developments being advanced without adequate planning, infrastructure or consideration of community needs.
The western corridor, from Ipswich to Rosewood, will experience significant growth in the next few years with the demand for housing in Queensland at an all-time high.
Large development applications are being assessed by Ipswich Council for Thagoona and Walloon.
Submissions expressing concerns about the 15 Edward Street development can be made via the Ipswich City Council website.
