WHILE some residents remain concerned about traffic management and a need for infrastructure, others are excited about Logan City Council plans to open three suburbs to rapid development.
Under proposed plans, Holmview, Springwood and Underwood have been isolated for change.
This means council expects to re-evaluate the zonings on some land – in the case of Holmview, it will become a “district” zoning, rather than a “local” zoning, potentially meaning more condensed housing development and potentially more business opportunities.
Council talks about the change broadly as an opportunity for more development in those suburbs.
Exactly what that looks like will likely evolve as community consultation takes place in coming months.
Council publicity, along with responses to questioning, has been vague.
They cite a fast-growing region – a population growth to 500,000 people by 2036 – as reason for change, but why these suburbs, and at what cost?
A spokesperson said in a statement late Friday that new plans would “provide development opportunities in locations where they are most needed”.
The plan looks to 2025 as part of a compulsory revision required under state planning legislation.
“Logan Plan 2025 provides for greater connectivity and will ensure development occurs in areas where it is needed most, and in ways that best serve residents’ needs and lifestyles,” council’s statement said.
“Springwood and Underwood are zoned by Council to support development. Council is examining what types of land uses are suitable for those suburbs.
“Elevating Holmview from a Local to a District Centre, and expanding Underwood’s Major Centre, will allow those suburbs to keep up with the growth of the city.”
Council’s spokesperson said Springwood’s Principal Centre would also be expanded, allowing for more businesses within newly-defined boundaries of a CBD.
President of the Logan Regional Chamber of Commerce and Director of DMH Realty, Chyerl Pridham said Logan’s future looks promising.
“Logan has always been a hub of activity, but a little hidden and a little bit special,” she said.
“We are sitting in the middle of the biggest growth corridor in SEQ and I’m feeling positive about the future of Logan.”
Ms Pridham said new developments would bring more jobs, business opportunities and benefits to current homeowners.
“It will bring us more job and business opportunities, as long as the needed road and transport infrastructure is part of the planning,” she said.
“Land values continue to rise, which is a good thing for those who have bought their property years ago. They have the opportunity to move away from the oncoming development if they are not wanting to be part of it, but also have the benefit of a nice little nest egg should they stay.
“It also brings those extra conveniences that everyone loves so much.”
Michael Wardlaw from House Property Agents said some areas of Logan have needed to be updated for a long time.
“I think new developments like business centres, shopping and dining hubs will be beneficial,” he said.
“We especially need more local restaurant precincts. As we are now out of the Covid era people are wanting to go out for dinner more and are steering away from home delivery services.”
With these suburbs already bustling hubs of activity, residents are worried about the traffic flow with future developments on the way.
Underwood resident, Christina Marlow said new developments would mean chaos on the roads.
“As of a morning, the main roads are jam packed with commuters heading towards the city and Mt Gravatt, any additional developments are going to cause even more chaos,” she said.
“Everywhere you turn there is roadworks and construction, I understand there is a need to expand and build, but let’s look at the things that actually need to be fixed first and improve those.”
Council’s spokesperson said roads and traffic flow have not been forgotten.
“Roads and traffic flow are among considerations in finalising the plan. When development applications are lodged with Council, possible impacts on these networks are considered.”
