General News
16 May, 2025
Units a direct action on housing
THE move to in-fill residential areas with higher-density homes became a reality last month when Mareeba Shire Council approved a proposal to build three units on a block in Kowa Street despite strong opposition from neighbouring properties.
In a sign of the times, the approval went ahead even though each unit was three-bedroom, instead of two, on a block of 1,012m2, with the proportional size of the development exceeding the maximum stipulated for the low-density residential zone.
The council was advised that in the assessing officer’s opinion, “the proposal does not represent an overdevelopment of the site, and in fact promotes a range and mix of unit sizes in the township”.
“The proposal represented a logical and efficient use of the land for multi-unit development, which will only help to improve the township’s housing stock,” an assessment report to the April council meeting said.
The single story units would provide off-street parking space for two vehicles per unit. Landscaping was also a condition of approval to ensure neighbourhood amenity was maintained.
However, in opposing the development, three submissions argued the units were too big, and that the impact on residents was counter to the zoning intent.
“Kowa Street has no multi-dwellings at all,” one submission said.
“Under the council’s own Low Density Residential Zone code, it clearly states that council maintain the integrity of established residential areas, which are characterised primarily by dwelling houses and dual occupancy developments and provide forms of residential development where existing character and amenity will not be compromised.
“I don’t believe that three three-bedroom dwellings meet this criteria. I am only in favour of one single dwelling to be built on that land.”
Another issue raised was stormwater run-off, which had already been a problem along the street.
In the assessment report, council was told the applicant would have to take “all necessary steps to ensure a nonworsening effect on surrounding land as a consequence of the development”.
“Council officers acknowledge that the site has some issues to overcome in terms of drainage but appropriate conditions have been included to ensure a sound engineering outcome is achieved on-site and for surrounding residents,” the report stated.
Concerns about green space were countered with requirements to landscape the unit block, and privacy concerns would be alleviated with a minimum 1.8m high fencing.
The impact of the units on water pressure were also refuted as “not likely to have a noticeable impact”.
And while the report said it was “correct” that the development would increase traffic along Kowa Street, it would “not result in a noticeable increase in vehicle movements when compared to the total daily movements experienced on the street”.
The development also met the council’s projected outcomes for infill development that would account for “20% of new dwellings constructed in Mareeba by 2031”.
Speaking after council’s meeting, a spokesperson said the units were completely suited to Kowa St, which had residential homes as well as a council depot located there.
Suitable infill of some residential areas was inevitable, and essential, in addressing the housing shortage and the consequent price jumps in real estate.
