A development proposal has been referred for review after a residents’ petition raised safety concerns about plans to route traffic through a steep residential street.
At Sunshine Coast Council’s Ordinary Meeting on April 23, councillor Ted Hungerford tabled a petition with 72 signatures relating to development applications for 131–135 Burnett Street, Buderim.
The application, lodged on April 7 by Project Urban on behalf of the landowner, seeks approval to subdivide the 10.49-hectare former Mercury Mufflers site into three lots.
Cr Hungerford told the meeting the petition raised concerns about plans to route primary vehicle access for a proposed medium-density residential development via St Martins Terrace.
Reading directly from the submission, Cr Hungerford said, “St Martins Terrace is a narrow, steep residential street gradient at 16.7 per cent with a documented history of near misses.”
“Council previously instated yellow no parking lines in the same location following safety concerns.”
The submission also raised concerns about increased traffic, stating, “The proposed development would increase daily vehicle movements on St Martins Terrace by more than triple the current levels.”
It adds this would pose “a serious and avoidable safety risk to residents including children, pedestrians, and vehicles using the street.”
Cr Hungerford read from the petition that the site “has existing access points on Burnett Street capable of serving the development”, adding Burnett Street is a through road intended for higher traffic volumes and appropriate access.
Rick Hoy, who lives on St Martins Terrace and is coordinating opposition alongside neighbours Voni de Lussanet and Buderim Foundation chairman Rick Woods, said the proposal raised serious concerns.
“This is a commercial decision being dressed up as a planning one,” Mr Hoy said.
“Burnett Street was built to carry heavy traffic. St Martins Terrace was not. The only reason the developer is using our street is because it’s cheaper and quicker to get approval.”
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However, the development application report presents a different assessment of the proposal and its impacts.
“Primary vehicle access to Lots 11 and 12 is provided from St Martins Terrace, a local road, which reduces potential conflict points, queuing, and disruption to traffic flow on the higher-order road network,” the report states.
The report notes access to Burnett Street would be retained but only in a limited capacity and not used as the main entry point, reducing turning movements onto the state-controlled road.
It also says the proposal would not result in a significant increase in traffic generation beyond what could reasonably be expected for the site.
“The proposal avoids any works, protects environmental and landscape values, satisfies all relevant state and local assessment benchmarks. Approval is warranted,” it states.
The petition, seconded by Councillor Taylor Bunnag, was referred to the CEO for action, with the application still in its early stages and subject to council consideration.
