An approved development application to transform an old cottage on the Bribie Island beachfront has been receiving many questions from the residents.
Lodged with the Moreton Bay Regional Council in October 2020, DA/42055/2020/V2M details the transformation of one of the oldest cottages on South Esplanade in Bongaree into a five-storey dwelling with eight three-bedroom units.
The property became controversial when nearly 40 residents opposed the development, citing lose of cultural significance. Members of the Council also discussed the size and scale of the planned transformation that could violate the planning scheme and affect future developments.
Following the Council meeting, however, officials voted to approve the project on the condition that the developer redesigns the top unit to comply with the regulations.
Barry Clark, the founder of Bribie Island Historical Society Inc, said that the approved development will mean the demolition of some of the original cottages at the Bribie Island beachfront.
Mr Clark said that South Esplanade was one of the first Bongaree streets to be surveyed for subdivision development in 1912 and the house that could be demolished, because of this approved application, was the former home of a resident who helped build the Bribie Island bridge.
“Bribie has experienced many inappropriate developments in recent times that impact the valued heritage and environment. Councils continued acceptance and destruction of the current and future “Value” of the island’s unique features, is short-sighted,” Mr Clark wrote to Council.
Council approved the development application on 28 April 2021. GM Enterprises Australia Pty Ltd and P3 Projects Pty Ltd are involved in the project.
