Observations and input from CPT workshop activities, transcribed from notes and written comments on maps.
Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan
Community Planning Team meeting notes
Meeting no 1 – 30 November 2016
Notes from Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan Community Planning Team Meeting One
Meeting details
Date: Wednesday 30 November 2016
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Location: Queensland Multicultural Centre, 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
Attendees
Community planning team members:
Wayne, Artemis, Pedro, Cheryle, Ingrid, Greg, Aaron, John, David, Mirko, Jane, Sally, Nectarios, Paul, Sylvana, Richard and Stuart.
Council Officers and Consultants:
Nathan Bambling (project manager), Scott Beard (meeting facilitator), Kerry Doss (Manager, City Planning and Economic Development), Rebecca Arnaud (Urban Renewal Manager), Claire Lawson (Senior Urban Planner), Ingrid Richards (Independent Design Advisory Panel representative), David Cowan, Kathleen Hook, David Eustace, Will Back, Anna McKinven, Justin Lynam, Alex Neary (table facilitators and planners), James Cole (note taker).
Observers:
Gemma Long (Policy Liaison Officer to Councillor Julian Simmonds, Chair of City Planning Committee).
Apologies:
CPT members Emma H, Emma C, Ree, David, Paul, Emma J, Peter, Amanda, Kim, Seraphima, Uthaya, Lucia, Annu; Councillor Julian Simmonds (Chair of City Planning Committee), and Councillor Jonathan Sri (Councillor for The Gabba Ward).
Agenda
- Welcome and Purpose of Meeting
- Overview of Urban Renewal Brisbane and Planning Framework
- Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan Project and Timeframes
- Role of the Community Planning Team (CPT)
- Activity #1 – Getting to Know You
- Overview of the Kangaroo Point Peninsula area – demographics and key themes
- Activity #2 – Issues and Opportunities
- Wrap-Up and Explanation of Next Steps
- Meeting Close
Welcome and purpose of meeting
Scott acknowledged the traditional owners of the meeting place, and welcomed everybody to this first Community Planning Team meeting for the Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan.
In thanking everyone for giving up their time to contribute and for also providing comments through a survey, Scott advised of apologies from Councillor Julian Simmonds, Chair of City Planning, and introduced the Council team that will be managing the planning process and assisting to guide this evening’s activities.
Scott further advised that Council may photograph the session for use in publications, and noted that participants have signed a clearance form or indicated their preference not to be photographed.
An overview of the agenda was then presented to CPT members.
Scott then introduced Nathan as project manager for the neighbourhood plan process. Nathan explained that members of the community planning team bring a unique set of memories, experience and knowledge that will help set the future planning agenda for the Kangaroo Point Peninsula area.
Overview of Urban Renewal Brisbane and planning framework
Claire continued by advising CPT members that Urban Renewal Brisbane (URB) was formed in 1991 with the remit of renewing the suburbs of Newstead, Teneriffe and New Farm. URB consists of a team of planners who are passionate about Brisbane and about delivering positive change where appropriate in the CBD and inner city.
In the early 1990s URB partnered with the community and development industry to transform derelict industrial buildings in the inner-north eastern suburbs of Brisbane into the vibrant, mixed use communities they are today. It is notable that these renewal projects, in addition to providing for delivery of world-class renovated buildings, also secure public benefits such as riverfront pathways and improved, welcoming open space and community areas.
URB has more recently been involved in preparing the City Centre Master Plan, with the aim of revitalising the CBD through land use changes and also through implementing projects such as the Edward Street upgrades. The River’s Edge Strategy has also been prepared by URB to improve public recreation and tourism access to the inner city reaches of the Brisbane River.
All of the work being done by URB fits within a set planning framework and contributes to delivery of the objectives set by the Queensland Government through the South East Regional Plan. Council also has a planning scheme known as the Brisbane City Plan 2014 (CP2014). Within CP2014 are neighbourhood plans which describe locally-specific planning provisions.
Kangaroo Point Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan project and timeframes
Claire began by pointing out that the first step towards a neighbourhood plan is to produce a Renewal Strategy (non-statutory document), and CPT members will be key contributors to developing this strategy. The Renewal Strategy will be a high-level plan outlining a vision for the area’s future, providing a framework for managing development, and ultimately forming the basis for drafting of a statutory neighbourhood plan for inclusion in CP2014.
Nathan then explained that the project aims to update the previous neighbourhood plan so that it responds to the current context. This will provide development certainty for the industry and community alike, and will facilitate positive public realm and built form outcomes. A key component of this process is the opportunity for community and stakeholder input.
The project is currently in the background research and community consultation phase until late 2016. By mid-2017, the draft renewal strategy aims to be ready for public feedback. The draft neighbourhood plan will be due for release and public feedback between mid and late 2017, with adoption of the neighbourhood plan provisionally scheduled for mid-2018.
Continuing, Nathan explained briefly to CPT members what the project can influence within Kangaroo Point Peninsula and what is out of scope due to factors that the project is unable to influence. However, issues of particular influence on the area’s future evolution can be raised for investigation, even if they are not strictly within the plan boundary.
The role of the Community Planning Team (CPT)
The role of CPT members and the Council through the process was explained, as was the proposal to conduct CPT meetings in a collaborative and open manner, encouraging contributions from all participants.
Council needs the participation of the CPT members in the process, to provide valuable local knowledge and insight to inform the draft renewal strategy. In addition to the feedback from the CPT, Council will also factor in a range of other inputs, including formal opportunities for feedback from the wider community and interested stakeholders.
Notes from all CPT meetings will be distributed to members and will be published on the website.
In inviting members to share their views openly and honestly, Nathan indicated that there will be three CPT meetings to guide the process, as follows:
CPT Meeting 1 (tonight) to:
· Introduce the CPT process and the renewal strategy;
· Gather local knowledge and ideas about the area; and
· Gain an understanding of the issues and opportunities within the area.
CPT Meeting 2 (early 2017) to:
· Further develop some of the ideas and strategies for the area.
CPT Meeting 3 (mid-2017) to:
· Present the draft renewal strategy; and
· Seek feedback to guide the neighbourhood plan.
Activity #1: Getting to know you
CPT members completed a brief introductory activity, in which they wrote and shared their backgrounds and discussed their personal interests in and connection to the Kangaroo Point Peninsula area.
Using a pie chart, Members also shared their views about the areas and subjects of most interest to them in contemplating the future of the Kangaroo Point peninsula area.
Overview of the Kangaroo Point Peninsula area
Nathan then displayed a map to show the extent of the area to be covered by the Kangaroo Point Peninsula project and identified that there is development continuing in adjoining areas. It was also noted that the area is a key inner-city precinct located opposite the CBD. Other significant characteristics of the area include:
· Intersected by the Bradfield Highway (Story Bridge);
· Adjoining high-growth areas;
· Prominent historical landmarks e.g. Story Bridge, Shafston House;
· Extensive Brisbane River frontage; and
· Local parks connected by RiverWalk.
Nathan further mentioned that the community profile for the area was unique in comparison to other inner-city areas of Brisbane, with a significant proportion of residents in the 20-39 years age bracket, a large component of single-person households, and comparatively high percentage of dwellings with no motor vehicles. Nathan then advised that the online community survey received over 300 responses and revealed the following most liked features about the area:
· Proximity to the river;
· Parks and green space;
· Proximity to the CBD; and
· Ability to walk to places and not use a vehicle.
The survey also revealed that walking, cycling and public transport (including ferries) were highly-regarded modes of transport by people travelling to, from and around the area to access services and activities.
Some gaps in local services were highlighted in the survey responses, in particular:
· Supermarket / grocer / shops / post office;
· Restaurants / cafes / entertainment; and
· Medical / dental / chemist.
Key themes for the area that came out of the survey included:
· Building heights and form;
· Public realm and open space;
· Economic role and function of the area;
· Transport, traffic and parking; and
· Heritage values.
Activity #2: Issues and opportunities
During this activity, CPT members took part in facilitated discussions to describe and detail their likes, dislikes/issues and improvements/opportunities for Kangaroo Point Peninsula.
Members provided their input via drawings and notations on the plans provided as well as through written notes and discussions. A summary of the issues raised and suggestions provided is included at Appendix A to these minutes.
At the end of the activity, a representative of each table presented the top three likes, top three dislikes/issues and any ideas for improvements/opportunities from their discussions, and these are summarised as follows:
Table 1 (Justin and Alex facilitators):
Likes:
· Proximity to the CBD.
· Unique characteristics of the area – defined boundaries, exposure to the river.
· Potential.
Dislikes:
· Lack of services – restaurants, shops etc.
· Traffic, particularly the entry off Main Street.
· Potential areas for conflict between traffic and pedestrians and cyclists.
· Confusing signage in the area.
Table 2 (Anna and Will facilitators):
Likes:
· Heritage elements strongly valued, especially the Story Bridge, which is considered significant to the precinct as well as to the city.
· Several other heritage places such as Yungaba also well liked.
· Important to preserve these heritage assets, and to also maintain views to and from them.
· The peninsula is a healthy place to live, with many walkways and recreation areas.
· Strong community focus as a self-contained area.
Dislikes:
· Poor development outcomes.
· Apparent non-adherence to development rules.
Improvements:
· Enhance pedestrian areas.
· Enable leisure-focused development along the waterfront.
· Consider opportunities to put the waterfront pavilions to better uses.
· Enhance green spaces and parks.
Table 3 (Nathan and David E facilitators):
Likes:
· The area’s lifestyle.
· Proximity to the river and the CBD.
· Character and vibe.
· Heritage assets.
· Open space.
Dislikes:
· Lack of parking for residents.
· Management of high density and growth.
· Lack of a community hub.
Improvements:
· Put the neglected Dry Dock to better use.
· Increase and diversify the activation of the parks.
· Consider re-purposing the depot at the base of the bridge.
Table 4 (David C and Kathleen facilitators):
Likes:
· Unique village community.
· Proximity to the CBD.
· Access to the river and views.
Dislikes:
· Bus frequency.
· The Dry Dock is an eyesore.
· Overdevelopment and loss of heritage.
Improvements:
· RiverWalk should be extended.
· Also need the pedestrian / cycle bridge to the CBD.
· Consider pedestrian / cycle connections to New Farm and to Mowbray Park.
· Use the wasted and under-utilised spaces under and along the Story Bridge.
Next steps and meeting conclusion
Scott then thanked all present for their enthusiasm, passion and commitment to tonight’s activities, and advised that all information provided during the meeting will now be collated and used as valuable input as the next stages are progressed.
Notes from the meeting will be made available on the website in the near future and CPT members will be advised accordingly. Additional input and comment is welcome at any time and should be directed to the Urban Renewal Brisbane Team on the contact details below.
Members were invited to complete and evaluation form to help Council to conduct future meetings in the best way possible.
The meeting closed at 8.00pm.
Further Contact
Phone: Nathan Bambling on 3403 8888
Email:
Minutes checked/approved
Checked: RA
Approved: MR
APPENDIX A
CPT workshop activity feedback: Likes, Dislikes and Improvement Opportunities
Observations and input from CPT workshop activities, transcribed from notes and written comments on maps.
Table 1 (Justin and Alex facilitators):
Likes:
· Proximity to the CBD.
· Uniqueness – defined boundaries of the peninsula.
· River frontage.
· Potential.
Dislikes:
· Connectivity within and between the peninsula, including RiverWalk.
· Lack of services.
· Traffic into Main Street is very dangerous – conflicts / safety for pedestrians.
· More building form / height consistency.
· Parking issues already existing.
· Wayfinding difficulties / access / getting lost.
· No CityCat stop – can’t get to QUT via ferry.
· Connectivity gaps in RiverWalk – eastern side.
· Cairns and Lambert Streets and Dockside unsafe for pedestrians.
· Dockside not flourishing.
· Safety issues with Captain Burke Park.
· Breaking of 10-story height limit for new developments.
Improvement Opportunities:
· Main Street retail strip / restaurants.
· Maximise river’s edge potential.
· Pocket parks.
· Improve connectivity into the area, to bring pedestrians to the peninsula.
· Bridge from City to Kangaroo Point – issues may result in more parking in the peninsula.
· Need a gateway / entrance.
· Pedestrian path access should be easier – lack of access near cliffs and along river – a lift would help.