The Community Question section of Community Forums is an opportunity for Council to answer the most requested questions from the community.

Ahead of the Gladstone Community Forum on 20 November 2024, we received the following question:

The following response regards DA/39/2029 at 2 Dave Burns Drive, West Gladstone, more formally described as Lot 7 on SP312056.

For more information visit Council's website.

In 2018 Council amended the staging of the existing Preliminary Approval over the site for the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct Development. This decision included precinct planning for a suitable development footprint for the site on balance with the approximately 9 Ha of Environmental and Conservation precinct and approx. 1.2 Ha Open Space/Drainage precinct.

In 2020, Council invited Expressions of Interest to construct an aged care facility on the lot adjacent to the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct. Council did not receive applications and did not proceed any further.

In July 2023, Council distributed an Expression of Interest for a parcel of land at Philip St, Gladstone – Lot 7 SP312056, 2 Dave Burns Drive. This EOI considered “any form of social or affordable housing and all expressions must be in accordance with the Philip Street Communities and Families Precinct Development Code.” Three submissions were received, with the preferred applicant being Community Housing Queensland Limited (CHQL).

In June 2024, Council resolved to lease the land (at Philip Street) to Community Housing (QLD) Limited at a 4 June General Council Meeting. Report states that “During preliminary pre-lodgement meetings with Council’s Development Services Team, CHQL has proposed an affordable housing development of up to 230 dwellings and supporting services, which is consistent with the use for this land.”

Through leasing of the land, Council has the ability to condition the development that is proposed to take place on the site. This ensures that the development meets Council’s intended purpose, reaches pre-determined development milestones along with any other specific conditions that Council feel are required.

The development application has been submitted and will be assessed in line with the Gladstone Regional Planning Scheme.

Council has already received a number of submissions, some raise issues in relation to the lease arrangement, financial capability and conflicts with the perceived intent for the site. However, these concerns are not relevant to the development assessment of the application.

Community members are invited to share their feedback on the Development Application by making a public submission (closes 21 November 2024). Submissions can be made via email to info@gladstone.qld.gov.au or submitted in writing to Council offices and Rural Transaction Centres.

Visit Council's website for more information on making a public submission.