Brisbane City Council’s proposed precinct plan for Sandgate is the number one topic of discussion on local social media pages.
With the draft plan still to be released, residents and groups have been busy putting forward their ideas for the future of development in the 4017.
The Sandgate Bayside Chamber of Commerce has launched the Activate Sandgate website, outlining their vision.
Chamber president, Bill Gollan, said change was coming to the bayside suburb, whether people liked it or not.
“If we don’t participate, these decisions will be made by faceless men in government,” he said.
“This is the time to speak up for what we do want. The concept for Activate Sandgate was designed by leading industry experts backed by economic data.”
He added that Sandgate was facing challenges, including population growth, and that higher density in housing was necessary.
“There are people who have lived their whole life in our area and when they get older and want to downsize, they’re unable to stay here and I don’t think that’s fair,” he said.
“One of our other basic issues – if you have a wedding or a milestone birthday in Sandgate, where are people going to stay? There’s no short-term accommodation and we are missing out socially and economically.”
Community Perspectives and Next Steps
Local Facebook group, Protect Sandgate’s Character, is also putting forward a submission to Council.
Group administrator, Neil McCrossin, said he welcomed discussion around Sandgate’s future.
“We’re taking an evidence-based approach, which is a work in progress,” he said.
“We recognise higher density does have to come to Sandgate in some form, and we’re interested in shaping what that could look like.
“We’d like to see some consistent form of streetscape design that any developer would have to adhere to, so we can see a concept of how the whole main street would work together.
“And there’s a nuanced view as well, of how high rise looks at one end of the main street opposite the library, vs how high rise would look on the hill at the other end of the main street.”
He added the group would be pushing for greater transparency from Council around the background reports being used to draft the precinct plan.
“Those reports cover issues like traffic, drainage, economic impacts, environmental considerations, stormwater, and heritage and character assessments,” Neil said.
“But until Council releases the draft plan, we can only put forward ideas. We’re open to discussions around this issue, and we really want to bring people together to discuss the future we want to see in Sandgate.”
Bill added that Activate Sandgate was designed to spark discussion and he welcomed suggestions.
“Firstly, we want to protect character homes in Sandgate, and in the avenues,” he said.
“Everyone wants access to better facilities, and we believe we can bring Sandgate back to the vibrant, day-trip, seaside location it once was.”
To see the Chamber’s vision for Sandgate, go to sandgatebayside.com.au/activatesandgate or follow Activate Sandgate on Facebook.
To see the vision from Protect Sandgate’s Character, go to protectsandgate.org where you can find help on making your own submission to Council. You can also follow the group on Facebook.
Anyone can make a submission to the planning team and Council at Neighbourhood.planning@brisbane.qld.gov.auDeagon Ward Councillor, Jared Cassidy, has previously announced residents making submissions can also send a copy to his office at deagon.ward@bcc.qld.gov.au
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- Movie Review: A Loose End
- Podcast Review: The Rest is History
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- What You Need to Know About AI and Your Data
- Listen to the Band!
- Local Businesses Behind the Thriving Fishing Community
- RAAF Sandgate History Inspires Local Author’s New Book
- Quota Sandgate Fashion Parade Supports Local Community
- Seniors’ Expo Returns to Sandgate Town Hall
- Forrest Gump Themed Venue Running Into Sandgate
- Reconciliation Week: A Time to Listen, Learn and Grow
- Sandgate Dressmaker Saves the Day
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- Brisbane Greeters Launch Free Guided Tour In Sandgate
- First Sandgate Comedy Festival Sets Bar Hilariously High
- How to Get Your Wardrobe cReady for Winter
- Residents Call for Council Funding
- Free Things to Do in Sandgate This Winter
- Professional Dancers Bring Ballroom Lessons To the 4017
- Local Father Turns Childhood Curiosity into New Book
- Samford Arts Trail Opens Doors to Creativity
- Organic Gardening in June
- Community Spirit to Shine at St Joseph’s Fete
