Residents in the Cairns suburb of Bungalow are sounding the alarm, fearing a repeat of a controversial demolition after a property developer purchased a second classic Queenslander home in the area.
A Pattern of Concern Emerges
The community's anxiety stems from the recent sale of a property at 148 Sheridan Street. This timber home, a prime example of the region's architectural heritage, was bought by JYH Group for $1.35 million in late 2023. This purchase follows the company's acquisition and subsequent demolition of another iconic Queenslander at 180 Sheridan Street in 2022, an action that sparked significant local outcry.
Long-term resident Mick Borzi, who has lived opposite the newly purchased site for 47 years, expressed deep concern. He witnessed the loss of the home at 180 Sheridan Street and fears the same fate awaits its neighbour. "It's a worry," Borzi stated, highlighting the rapid change in the suburb's character. His sentiments are echoed by other locals who value the streetscape defined by these historic homes.
Developer's Plans and Council's Role
While the JYH Group has not publicly disclosed specific plans for the 148 Sheridan Street site, their previous project informs community fears. The demolished home at 180 Sheridan Street is now the site of a modern 15-unit apartment complex currently under construction. This has led residents to suspect a similar high-density development is on the cards for the newly acquired property.
The core issue, as identified by the community, is a perceived gap in local planning protections. Although the Bungalow area is covered by the CairnsPlan 2016, which includes codes for preserving character housing, residents argue these rules lack the teeth to prevent demolition. They point to the existing character code, which they feel is too easily overridden, allowing developers to replace single homes with multi-unit blocks.
Cairns City Council has acknowledged the concerns. A council spokesperson confirmed that the property at 148 Sheridan Street is not listed as a local heritage place. However, it is subject to the CairnsPlan character overlay. The spokesperson explained that any development application would be assessed against these codes, which aim to retain the traditional building form and style of the streetscape.
A Community Calls for Stronger Protection
The situation has galvanised the Bungalow community, with residents now actively pushing for more robust safeguards. Their goal is to prevent what they see as the incremental erosion of the suburb's unique identity. The loss of each Queenslander is viewed not just as the loss of a house, but as a blow to the area's history and visual charm.
This case highlights a growing tension in many Australian cities: the balance between necessary urban development and the preservation of historical character. For the residents of Bungalow, the fight for 148 Sheridan Street is about setting a precedent. They are urging the Cairns City Council to rigorously enforce and potentially strengthen its planning schemes to ensure that character codes translate into real-world protection for their suburb's iconic homes.
The coming months will be critical. Once the developer lodges a formal application with the council, the community's fears will be put to the test. The decision will signal whether the character of Bungalow can withstand the pressures of modern development, or if the fate of 180 Sheridan Street is destined to be repeated.
