Revised Toowong Tower Plans Not What the Community Needs, Greens MP Says

The proposed revised plans for Toowong Central have sparked a heated debate about what constitutes affordable housing. At the heart of this controversy is a stark disconnect between developer promises and community needs. Maiwar Greens MP Michael Berkman argues that the revised plans are merely a “build-to-rent” model prioritizing profit over people’s pockets.

The revised plans reduce public space to around 30% of the site, down from 40%, and render a sea of sandstone-colored concrete where once-grassy areas now lie barren. This is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces that foster connection and community. Berkman points out that deep planting has been reduced to 6% of the space, falling short of the council’s general benchmark of at least 10%. The lack of green spaces promotes mental well-being and social interaction.

The notion of affordable housing in Australia has become increasingly abstract. With prices skyrocketing and supply dwindling, developers have co-opted the term to justify high-density developments that prioritize luxury units over genuinely affordable living. Berkman’s call for mandated affordable housing in any development above 25 storeys highlights the need for a more equitable system.

Local councillor Penny Wolff praises the revised plans as a “better outcome” for Toowong, but her endorsement raises questions about whether she has truly listened to community concerns or been swayed by Verso Projects’ promises. The lack of transparency in the planning process only adds to the suspicion that developers are prioritizing their interests over those of the community.

The real question here is not whether we need more development in inner-city Brisbane, but how that development should be managed. As cities sprawl and gentrification takes hold, community voices are often drowned out by developer interests. It’s time for policymakers to take a step back and ask themselves: what kind of city do we want to build?

The Toowong Central proposal is just one small part of this broader puzzle. As urbanization accelerates and climate change looms, our cities must adapt to become more resilient, equitable, and livable. This means prioritizing community needs over developer profits and creating spaces that truly serve the many, not just the few.

The ball is in the council’s court now. Will they listen to community concerns and push for genuinely affordable housing, or will they cave to developer pressure?