Council strengthens unique character of rural townships

Council today agreed to better enhance and strengthen the current traditional character of City of Moreton Bay’s unique rural township places. 

As part of the Better Housing Amendment adopted by City of Moreton Bay today, the township character of D'Aguilar, Dayboro, Samford Village, Wamuran and Woodford will be recognised to ensure development outcomes are aligned with the individual and unique identity of each location. 

This will also reinforce the rural community and country town character in relation to the natural and man-made streetscapes and landscapes associated with these areas. 

City of Moreton Bay Mayor Peter Flannery said Council heard loud and clear from residents that maintaining our identity and character was critically important in the face of population growth.

“City of Moreton Bay’s rural townships have a long history and established individual character that has evolved over time,” Mayor Flannery said.

“The special character of our small townships provides an identity and conveys a particular image, especially to visitors.

“We know our much-loved rural townships play an important social and economic role in City of Moreton Bay as a popular tourist destination for both residents and visitors, so we need to ensure this is maintained.

“This is not a prescriptive tool; it’s just intended to raise general awareness about design ideas and innovative solutions for any future development, including traditional township scale, form, design and front setbacks in order to achieve consistency with the surrounding township character.

“This will enhance and manage the landscape, scenic and townscape values rather than prohibit development and land use. 

Councillor Darren Grimwade (Div 11) said that although City of Moreton Bay is experiencing rapid population growth, in these townships, any growth needs to be sympathetic to their rural lifestyle.

“Residents have told us how important it is that each townships maintains its unique identity and avoids becoming just an extension of major urbanised environments,” Cr Grimwade said.

Councillor Tony Latter (Div 12) agreed saying that Council believes that development should retain and also enhance the unique character and identity of each place.

“This will in turn support better social interaction, liveability and tourism in these local areas,” Cr Latter said.

Mayor Peter Flannery added: “We are extremely lucky to have such a diversity of places across City of Moreton Bay and it’s this unique character of our rural towns and villages that we hope to enhance and manage into the future. 

“The unique rural community character in out township residential areas of D'Aguilar, Dayboro, Samford Village, Wamuran and Woodford will continue to be cherished.”