Samford Village is entering a critical phase in the legal battle to protect its character and future. The Planning and Environment Court case over the proposed multi-level development at the corner of Main Street, Junction Street and Samford Road is heading to a full hearing, scheduled to commence on 9 March 26 and run for five to six days.
For many in our community, a great deal remains at stake. When the development was first proposed in 2022, more than 300 people lodged submissions to Moreton Bay Regional Council, with all but one raising significant concerns. Those concerns remain
unresolved, particularly:
1. The inappropriate size, scale and bulk of the proposed building;
2. The impact on Samford’s character and streetscape;
3. The traffic implications at the village roundabout, given most traffic to the site must pass through it twice for each visit; and
4. The proposal’s reliance on rezoning two homes in the adjoining Junction Street residential area, which the developer intends to demolish to expand the commercial site next to and opposite existing family homes.
Samford Progress members, along with 94 local residents and families who are active participants in the Court case, continue to strongly oppose this development. The proposal represents too much building mass on a large and highly prominent gateway site and is not what the community wants for Samford’s “welcome.” Worst still approval would set an unwelcome precedent, potentially opening the door to similar developments and accelerating urbanisation one project at a time.
We are not NIMBYs. We support appropriate, well-designed development, as demonstrated by our constructive engagement with other recent projects in the village. What we strongly oppose is inappropriate development—particularly where there is no compelling need to change the established character and growth pattern of the Main Street precinct. The development is promoted as delivering 14 new commercial tenancies: a pharmacy, a café/restaurant, one large shop, and 11 offices upstairs (with two possibly converted to health services). What ‘real’ need exists for such additional services? Council’s own economic need expert has concluded there is little if any economic or community need for this proposal particularly given the imminent opening of the Ferny Grove Central Development.
Council’s late change in position—from refusing the proposal to indicating a willingness to approve it—has left the 94 local co-respondents and Samford Progress carrying the full burden of legal and expert planning costs to oppose the development. Significant funds have already been committed over the past three years, and continued community support is essential to ensure this case can be properly run.
Will you stand with us to protect and preserve our village? Financial support and community awareness are vital if we are to defend Samford’s character for the long term. Further information is available through Samford Progress, either at their monthly meeting or from the Secretary.
Don Cousins, AM, CSC Co-Chair, Samford Progress Development Committee
THANKYOU
Samford Progress and the Development Committee members are so grateful to residents who have responded to our request for financial assistance to help pay the extensive legal and professional costs to continue this fight for the community.
So far an amazing $29,655 has been donated by more than 110 residents. This, coupled with Samford Progress’ commitment to cover the costs estimated at upwards of $80,000, will ensure we have the best representation and expert advice to oppose this development in its current form.
It’s not too late to donate. We’d appreciate your support.
Samford & Districts Progress & Protection Association.
Bendigo Bank. BSB: 633 000
ACC: 178 1/6 337.
If you’d like to keep updated about this development and other things happening in this community, you’re invited to attend a monthly Samford Progress meeting. They’re held on the third Wednesday of the month, 7pm at the Samford Community Hub.
Contact the Secretary for further information and to register: secretary@ samfordprogress.org.au
