Hinchliffe calls in controversial FKP project

The State Government has called-in FKP Property Group’s (FKP) Milton-based transit oriented development (TOD), challenging a community action group that has appealed against the project.

Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe says the decision was made on the grounds of ‘state interest’, citing the South East Queensland Regional Plan 2009-2031.

“The regional plan identifies the importance of additional residential redevelopment in well located urban areas to meet Brisbane’s infill dwelling targets,” he says.

“The delivery of TODs is a key policy if we are to meet these targets.”

Local action group CRAMED (Concerned Residents Against Milton’s Excessive Development) had appealed approval of the 31-storey mixed-use development The Milton to the Planning and Environment Court.

But Hinchliffe says such an appeal would cause too many delays for the development.

“Calling-in this development allows a reassessment of the development application and final decision on the project to be made in a much shorter time frame.”

FKP executive general manager Evian Delfabbro welcomes the government decision to place the approval process under the direct control of Hinchliffe.

“This will deliver greater certainty for the local community by ensuring that a decision on the issue is made without delay,” she says.

“As part of the project the community would receive new facilities, including upgrades to the existing Milton Railway Station entrance and a new café precinct.”

She says the station upgrade alone is worth $5 million, with the building itself made up of 300 apartments, as well as retail and commercial offerings on the ground floor.

“This is a key development because it will link homes with infrastructure and promote the use of public transport in Brisbane.”