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Plans have been lodged to subdivide a Boondall chicken farm into a subdivision with 55 lots; however, locals are divided over two issues: the possibility of increased risk of flooding in the area and the housing crisis.

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DA A006180454, filed by New Style Developments on the 20th of Dec 2022, details the intention to build a subdivision with 263 to 568 square metre blocks within two stages. New Style also outlined plans to raise the land by one metre and create a drainage reserve as part of its floodproofing procedures.

The applicant, which had pre-lodgement meetings with Council, also submitted a Flood Report from Water Technology Pty Ltd, which cited that:

“There are no adverse flooding impacts from proposed filling of the site to external properties upstream, downstream or adjacent to the site in all design events analysed. Sufficient drainage capacity has been provided for the local and external upstream catchments.

“Minor impacts are noted near the Muller Road access, however, these do not fundamentally affect flooding conditions on the road nor impact trafficability. Nonetheless, it is expected these impacts will be further mitigated and potentially resolved as part of subsequent operational works detailed design.

“Minimum flood planning levels for the site can be readily achieved and far exceeds the minimum design standards applicable in the flood hazard overlay code owing to a 1% AEP design criteria being applied for overland flow path flood sources.”

It’s not the first time such a proposal has been brought up — and then disapproved — for Nadra Eggs, the family-owned chicken farm business that produces eggs, milk and produce. The family farm was established in 1948 and it’s currently managed by the family’s third generation. 

However, Cr Jared Cassidy said the DA is “Impact Assessable” and thus has to be advertised for submissions that “must be taken into account when Council makes its decision.” 

“I’ve been contacted by a number of local residents who have concerns about flooding, traffic and loss of local amenity – this will be a significant amount of houses in a small space if approved,” Mr Cassidy said. 

“I hate the idea of so many ‘houses’ being built here in a flood zone, an eye sore for the community and a natural disaster waiting to happen in heavy rainfall and storm season,” one local wrote in the DA submission.”

“In flood and rain events, the land on 61, 65 and 69 Muller Road plays a vital role in preventing our house and our neighbours’ from flooding – by capturing the majority of the water in the area,” a neighbour wrote.

“It’s imperative to highlight that the flooding occurrences on Muller Road, Zillmere Road and Groth Road are not ‘once off events’. Due to Zillman Water Holes Creek overflowing during major storms, or heavy downpours of rain, these three roads flood significantly. Existing drainage and infrastructure systems are insufficient to handle large amounts of rain, or water making the vacant undeveloped land crucial to flood mitigation. This is evident whenever this area receives an excess of rainfall.”

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But some locals also support the subdivision plans as a “critical need” for housing in Boondall. 

“Given the housing crisis I’m grateful that this will allow others to have their own home. I love the egg farm and cherish the memories of taking my little ones there for so many years. But I will say… where are the houses? Where can people buy or rent if progress doesn’t go ahead?” Rochelle Courtenay wrote in the comments on Mr Cassidy’s post.

“I appreciate some people will have concerns about flooding, traffic and loss of local amenity. However we need to look at the bigger picture – South East Queensland’s population is booming and there is a housing crisis with people struggling to rent or buy,” Katie Emmert said. “Infill development in existing suburbs is a key way to provide more housing and ensure new residents have access to amenities and services.

“I am a property owner in an established local suburb and I support infill development,” she added. “I want people younger than me to be able to rent/buy in the area. New development also provides housing options for existing residents – perhaps an older person struggling to maintain their existing house and land who wants to move to a smaller property nearby with lower maintenance. The more diverse housing options, the more diverse people that can live and maintain an ongoing connection to an area.”