FUTURE MAKING, NOT FUTURE WAITING!
On 12 May 2026 the Planning and Environment Court of Queensland refused a development application (DA) proposing a mixed-use multi-level commercial building on a site near the Samford roundabout. Samford Progress, residents of Junction Street, and more than 90 resident co-respondents have been fighting this development since it was first lodged in late 2022. The key objections primarily related to the lack of demonstrated need for the building and its encroachment into a designated residential area. There was also a lot of conjecture over the impacts on the character of the village.
This is more than an objection to an individual project. It’s a statement about the determination of the community to stand up for the character and lifestyle of our township and resist the ‘suburbanisation’ being imposed on our semi-rural area. It’s an important planning outcome for our region and would not have been possible without the commitment and generosity of so many people.
Samford Progress’s Involvement
Samford Progress became involved in this matter after hearing from residents and businesses deeply concerned about the visual, social and economic impacts of the development for locals and the broader community. The proposed site is far more than just a patch of land ready for development—it forms the visual and physical gateway into Samford and surrounding districts.
The question being asked by many locals was: “How could this unsuitable, unwanted and unnecessary development ever be considered acceptable?” It became clear that this development had significant repercussions for the wider community, not just the neighbouring residents.
For an objection of this scale to be effective, it needed a coordinated effort. Samford Progress’s objectives support five key themes: Pride, Protection, Representation, Promotion and Community. Members saw the importance of preserving the village character and speaking up for shared community interests and therefore Samford Progress took a lead role, providing assistance and representation.
Why Community Action is Still Needed
Continual growth and change in our community are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have any say or influence on the way they occur. Yes, planning laws exist, but the protection they ultimately provide can often fall well short of community expectations. For example, speculative developments based on investment opportunity rather than meeting real community needs will always be a particular concern.
If we become complacent and do not get involved in future planning for our local area, we risk having to accept planning decisions and outcomes set by others – even if they are not compatible with the community’s needs and priorities.
To be clear, this is not about being NIMBYs (i.e. Not in My Back Yard) or being ‘anti-development’. It is simply about ensuring development (whether it be residential, commercial or industrial) is compatible with our semi-rural environment and makes sense for our region. Samford Progress believes that with good planning, ‘progress’ and ‘protection’ can complement rather than oppose each other.
So, What’s Next?
An essential step for good planning is to understand what the future needs and expectations of a growing community are, together with its short and longer-term priorities. For example, the City of Moreton Bay Council’s recent announcement that it will undertaking a major review of its Planning Scheme over coming months, presents a key opportunity for areas such Samford and surrounds to have their say. There are also other government policies, programs and projects that could benefit from early ‘proactive’ whole-of-community input. Samford Progress is aiming to increase the awareness of key decision-makers through a number of actions including:
- undertaking a review of the outcomes of the community-led Samford Futures project;
- consulting with members of the community who live and work here (including a proposed survey);
- developing a consensus view of our community’s needs and priorities;
- providing advice and assistance on proposed developments raising concerns;
- advocating on developments and other projects that have a community-wide impact.
Of course, this and other work of Samford Progress is not possible without people and the resources supporting it.
How You Can Help
Put simply, consider getting involved. Samford Progress is made up of volunteers. If you care and want to have a say in the future of our region, you could volunteer your time, skills, specialist expertise, knowledge or useful resources.
Some simple ways you could help are:
- Become a member of Samford Progress and/or help the work of its sub-committees.
- Attend monthly meetings at the SCHUB, 7pm, third Wednesday of the month.
- Contribute your views by responding to community surveys, questionnaires etc.
- Stay informed through the Village Pump and social media.
- Monitor proposed projects and developments in our area.
Importantly, this is about locals standing together to speak up about what we care about and why we choose to live or work here.
David Harrison