Council approves Helidon subdivision
Lockyer Valley Regional Council has unanimously approved a development application for a new residential subdivision in Helidon, increasing housing stock for the region.
Lodged by Fernvale Land Co Pty Ltd, the development seeks to reconfigure four hectares of vacant land at 40 Plant Street, Helidon into 62 lots plus a drainage reserve.
Planning and Development Portfolio Councillor David Neuendorf acknowledged the 124 properly made submissions lodged by the community, which raised concerns about small lot sizes, density, and impacts on rural character, among other matters.
Of the 62 lots, 39 are small residential lots between 400m2 and 600m2, and 23 are standard lots between 601m2 and 961m2.
“We understand this development has caused some angst in the community, and we must stress that our officers have undertaken an extensive assessment and worked with the applicant to ensure the density and lot size of the final subdivision layout are acceptable and comply with the Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme,” he said.
“Councillors and officers reviewed and considered all the submissions but is unable to apply restrictions to the development application based on non-planning related matters.
“Living on a 400m2 block may not appeal to everyone, but it does to people who are retiring or downsizing, and to young couples or young families who are trying to enter the property market.
“We must cater to people at all stages of life, and not everyone wants or can afford a 1,000m2 block.
“This subdivision is in walking distance to Helidon State School, McGovern Park and the Helidon town centre, and has easy access to the Warrego Highway.
“More housing is something our region needs, and this subdivision is well located and already has water and sewerage infrastructure readily available.”
Cr Neuendorf hoped the development would be the start of a “reinvigoration” of Helidon.
“Living in the area all my life, I have seen so many businesses close on the main street of Helidon. We used to have a bakery, doctor’s surgery, butcher’s shop and now they are defunct.
“I believe this is only going to be good for the town.”
As part of the development, the applicant must install a vegetated buffer to separate agricultural land, upgrade existing surrounding roads, and build new internal roads to Council standards which will include new footpaths as well.
The land was zoned ‘Urban Residential’ under the former Gatton Shire Planning Scheme and is now zoned ‘Low Density Residential Zone (Suburban Precinct)’ under the Lockyer Valley Planning Scheme, which came into effect in 2024.
