Ferny Hills Archives - Albany Creek News

Pipeline Pressure

A report by urban consultancy firm Urbis warns that the region’s apartment supply is at risk. Beyond 2027, around 35 per cent of the pipeline is considered to carry a moderate to high risk of delay. Urbis points to two main pressures: escalating construction costs and the expected pull of subcontractors and tradespeople toward Olympic infrastructure projects ahead of Brisbane 2032.

Urbis partner Paul Riga has said apartment completions are expected to remain “well under the targets that are needed” over the next three to five years.

Those figures coincide with significant population growth in Queensland. Property analytics firm Cotality reports that Queensland absorbed more than a quarter of Australia’s total population growth between early 2020 and the end of 2025, more than any other state. New home completions in Queensland over that same period accounted for less than 20 per cent of the national total.

Local Concerns

Residents have formed a community group, Ferny Hills Futures, which has publicly stated it does not oppose greater housing density in principle. However, the group has flagged gaps in the draft documentation, including a lack of detail on master planning, design, infrastructure upgrades, and natural hazard mapping. The group cited those gaps as contributing to the mixed response from the broader community.

Council Response

City of Moreton Bay councillor Matt Constance has described the rezoning process as being at the “very early stages” and identified infrastructure as a “key challenge” and “priority focus” for the council. He said a detailed infrastructure plan would be developed in consultation with the state government and utility providers once the final rezoning report is complete.

Residents can lodge feedback on the draft plans via the City of Moreton Bay website before the consultation period closes on 24 April 2026.

Published 17-April-2026

Arana Hills and Ferny Hills could see major changes to their suburban landscape, with new planning proposals opening the door to higher-density housing in key areas.

The City of Moreton Bay has since extended the consultation period to 4:00 p.m. on April 24, 2026, and has urged residents to refer to official project information amid reports of misinformation circulating in the community.

Growth targets driving changes across local suburbs

Council’s statement confirms the scale of change facing the region, as it works to meet targets under the Shaping SEQ 2023. The plan requires Moreton Bay to prepare for more than 300,000 additional residents and over 125,000 new homes by 2046.

Council leaders have indicated that population growth is unavoidable and must be planned carefully to avoid strain on services and the environment. Rather than expanding further into undeveloped land, the approach focuses on increasing housing in already built-up areas.

This means directing future development into well-connected parts of Arana Hills and Ferny Hills, particularly near public transport, shopping centres and existing community services.

Higher-density pockets proposed near transport and centres

The draft plans outline potential zoning and building height changes aimed at supporting more housing in selected areas. Council representatives have indicated that higher-density development would be concentrated in pockets, including around the Ferny Grove train station and the Arana Hills commercial centre.

While the official release does not specify exact building heights, it confirms that changes are being considered to allow more diverse housing types. These may include apartments, retirement living and specialist accommodation, giving residents a broader range of housing options within their own communities.

Housing supply concerns raised alongside development plans

The planning push comes amid wider concerns about whether enough new homes can be delivered across South East Queensland. Industry analysis has suggested that a large share of the apartment pipeline could face delays in the coming years due to rising construction costs and labour shortages.

There are also expectations that major infrastructure projects linked to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games may draw workers away from residential construction, placing further pressure on housing delivery timelines.

At the same time, population growth in Queensland has outpaced new home construction in recent years, adding to the urgency around planning for future supply.

Community response highlights need for clearer detail

Locally, the proposals have prompted mixed reactions. Concerns raised include the need for clearer planning around infrastructure, design standards, and how natural risks and environmental impacts will be addressed.

Council representatives have acknowledged that infrastructure planning remains a key challenge and have indicated that more detailed work will follow after the current consultation phase. They encourage residents to review official materials, including draft Future Direction Reports and frequently asked questions, to better understand what is being proposed.

Officials have also stressed that the plans are still at an early stage and that community feedback will play an important role in shaping the final outcome.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Feedback can also be submitted in person at community pop-up sessions or by mail to: City of Moreton Bay, REPLY PAID 159, Caboolture QLD 4510.

Published 15-April-2026

Tag: Ferny Hills

Moreton Bay Rezoning Plans Could Delay Apartment Delivery, Industry Report Warns