Council’s back zoning of 13 streets in Kangaroo Point is a victory for community protest group
12 October, 2010
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Council has announced the back zoning of 13 streets and parts of another 10 streets to protect the tin and timber houses as part of the Draft Kangaroo Point South Neighbourhood Plan. Back zoning means that unit buildings can not be built in the residential streets of Kangaroo Point.
“This is a great win for the Preserve KP community action group and I am delighted to have worked with them to achieve this outcome’ said Councillor Helen Abrahams, The Gabba Ward.
Preserve KP formed as a result of a public meeting of approximately 100 people angry about the proposed 8, 10 and 20 storey buildings.
This community group never let up. They organised 230 submissions to Council’s proposal objecting to the loss of character housing and the proposed height of buildings.
“I congratulate members of Preserve KP and particularly Natasha Bowe who was always seeking my advice, assistance with petitions and distribution of fliers.
The Kangaroo Point community was well informed and their voices were heard due to the work of Preserve KP” said Cr Abrahams.
“However, I still have concern for the Russian Community. The Draft Kangaroo Point South Neighbourhood Plan means the Russian Orthodox Cathedral on Vulture Street will be overshadowed by a 20 storey building next door. I am calling for changes to reduce this impact” said Cr Abrahams.
“The protection of the character houses should be accompanied by the protection of significant ‘landscape’ trees. For example the huge fig tree on the corner of Main Street and Vulture Street must be protected.”
The Draft Kangaroo Point South Neighbourhood Plan should contain a process so residents can nominate the protection of ‘landscape’ trees in the new character residential areas.
Council did this in the past. It should be included in this Neighbourhood Plan as trees are as much a part of the landscape as the character houses themselves.
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