Parents at West End State School have gathered to protest a proposed 16-storey apartment building on Vulture Street, directly opposite the school. The development, which would include 132 units, exceeds the area's zoned height limit of eight storeys.
Vanessa Bertagnole, head of the school's Parents and Citizens group, said the development is 'literally on our doorstep' and that social infrastructure is not keeping pace with rapid development. Protesters held signs highlighting that the building would be double the local height limit.
Brisbane's population is forecast to grow 2.1 per cent annually until 2046, according to a recent report. Planning experts say meeting housing demand requires significant development and difficult choices between preserving character and accommodating growth.
QUT urban planning lecturer Mark Limb explained that Queensland uses a performance-based planning system, where height limits are guidelines rather than strict rules. Developers can seek approval for taller buildings through an impact assessment process that allows public submissions.
Similar concerns have been raised about a separate development in Toowong, where Verso Projects plans three towers up to 58 storeys. CEO Steve Laffey said the design includes more public space than a code-compliant alternative but acknowledged that developers cannot fully fund social infrastructure.
