30-STOREY TOWERS FOR VALLEY, MILTON IS CITY PLAN APPROVED

So we see the first parts of the draft city plan being approved.

We can hope this will kick-kick-start some development in these areas and provide more large scale non-stimulus package work for the construction industry.

But will it be good for Brisbane?

“BRISBANE’S inner city will grow up and out, with City Hall’s draft neighbourhood plans for Fortitude Valley and Milton foreshadowing increased building heights – up to 30 storeys in the Valley – and increased population densities.

The Brisbane City Council strategy for the near-city suburbs, approved yesterday, follows plans for more high rise and population growth in South Brisbane and West End.

Now Fortitude Valley could see 22,000 more residents by 2031 and 75,000 more workers.

Lord Mayor Campbell Newman claimed the Valley plan was an opportunity to create a great new community.

“If we do not go up we will continue to have an affordability crisis,” Cr Newman said.

Neighbourhood planning chairwoman Cr Amanda Cooper said the community had been clear on focusing the city’s growth around local centres and transport.

The Milton plan allows for up to 20-storey developments close to the central business district and mass transport. It also determines that Park Rd will remain a key entertainment and retail hub.

While the draft Milton plan was passed by the full council, Opposition councillors voted against the Valley neighbourhood plan. Labor leader Shayne Sutton (pictured) said Opposition councillors were against the lack of green space.

Bruce McMahon”