“Left upset with no answers”, is how a Thagoona family says they feel after requesting more understanding from Ipswich City Council Mayor Teresa Harding and Division 4 Councillors Russell Milligan and Kate Kunzelmann in regard to developments that are proposed in the area.
One of the two developments that the family (who asked to remain anonymous) are concerned about are a proposed development of a supermarket, fuel station, tavern and an array of different shops that was submitted in January of this year.
The other is an application that was lodged in June of 2022 for housing to accommodate the anticipated population growth in the region.
The family said they raised their concerns with Cr Milligan and Cr Kunzelmann at a mobile office that the councillors held on February 13 at the Rosewood Village Shopping Centre.
“The responses that we received from Cr Milligan and Cr Kunzelmann were beyond disappointing, and we were advised that we could comment on the development, but we could not change what is inevitably going to happen,” they said.
“We were also told that if we wanted a quiet life, then we should have thought about moving somewhere else, basically the councillors said sell up or deal with it.
“To be told to move from our house is not what we thought we would hear.
“We felt that the councillors did not consider our situation and that they were condescending when responding to our concerns. We are very upset.
“When we purchased our home, we researched any future plans for development and this development did not come up, the councillors informed us that this development was hidden, and only those families who have lived in the area for 10 or more years may have known what was coming.
“We acknowledge that progress is going to happen but we would like to know why Thagoona, a rural area, was not considered for larger lot blocks like Pine Mountain, Haigslea and Karalee.
“This would leave the feel of rural to have half acre and acre blocks while providing the area with better airflow.”
Increased crime and traffic noise are also of a concern to the family as more tightly packed developments are approved.
“Thagoona was never established as an urban area, we have the rail line that is used for commercial reasons as well as public and the noise that we have from the RAAF base at times can be deafening.
“If the plan is to now add thousands of houses into the area this will increase traffic and that would be the third impact of noise that we do not currently have now. Noise pollution is a real concern.”
The family also has concerns about rainwater run-off that may have an impact on their street and also their property.
“Our genuine concern is that the Clarefield Court easement will have a higher volume of water come through and this could flood our homes which currently does not occur,” they said.
“We would also like to know if there is a plan in place where stormwater pipes will lead directly through to O’Sheas Gully, so it will not impact our homes.”
The family is asking that Mayor Harding speak directly with the residents of the Thagoona area on what exactly is being proposed.
“We would like some clear and precise information and consideration to alter the development so that residents have some areas left that are large acreage blocks for those who want to live with open clear air and space around them,” they said.
“Walloon is already losing its country appeal with the houses so close together and with the number of houses being built.
“Increase the number of parks in our area for those communities on either side of us, and consider amenities for families who already call the area home.
“The replanting of native plants would also be a positive way forward to bring in the wildlife that have already had to move on because of the current development.”
The Moreton Border News asked the Division 4 Councillors to respond to the concerns raised.
Cr Kate Kunzelmann said Thagoona is another of Ipswich’s outer suburbs that is experiencing significant growth.
“Residential housing and businesses are included in new developments planned for the area, which neighbours Rosewood, council has an obligation to encourage a variety of housing options, and community consultation is always a priority for council in these circumstances,” she said.
“A shopping centre development proposed for 929-991 Karrabin Rosewood Road, Thagoona is impact assessable, which means there will be a formal public notification phase and an opportunity for the community to make submissions during this period.
“Public Consultation will occur after the applicant has responded to council’s information request, which was issued on February 14, 2023.
“The current scheme was amended in a significant way in 2006 which was following a consultation process on the planning study for Walloon and Thagoona.
“Existing development approvals will not require further community consultation, as it has already been undertaken.
“There is also the opportunity to review the plans for this area with the new Ipswich Planning Scheme, and the community is encouraged to review this and share their views with council.
“It is anticipated that public notification and engagement on this will occur in 2023.”
Cr Russell Milligan said that in making a submission, local residents or business will need to nominate which housing developments are being referred to in order to accurately advise whether they trigger impact assessment.
“For example, the application on the land north of Pindari Drive at Thagoona (application number 13198/2022/CA) is Impact Assessable and will require public notification,” he said.
“Existing development approvals exist over land at Langdon Road, so much of this housing estate will not require further community consultation, as it has already been undertaken previously.
“We welcome new developments into the area as part of Ipswich’s growth story and each and every application will be considered on its merits and in consultation with locals.
“Council has indicated that two-level townhouses can be built in the Thagoona area, the current planning scheme envisages the use of some land in Thagoona for this form of development.
“The Walloon Thagoona land use concept master plan was included in the July 2006 Ipswich Planning Scheme.
“Not every proposed development in the planning scheme requires formal impact assessment.
“However, councillors want to hear from community members on any concerns, and we encourage residents to provide feedback on development in the region.
“Rosewood Karrabin Road is a state-controlled road corridor and, as such, the question of will this road be extended into a four lane road, will need to be asked of the Queensland Government.”
