Inner Urban Character in Queensland Cities and Towns

Why is it Significant?

Queensland is known for its character housing – a dominant tradition of timber houses with corrugated iron roofing and timber stumps of varying heights. This design was a response to the sub-tropical nature of the state’s climate and its (then) ample timber resources. Also contributing to the character of Queensland’s towns and suburbs are nineteenth century masonry commercial buildings and interwar apartment blocks, some in central or close-to-transport locations.

Why is it at Risk?

Planning provisions are being challenged by the pressure for urban densification, in particular around transport corridors. This is changing the character of inner suburbs. Character houses and heritage places are at risk of being overshadowed by or even replaced with residential towers. Recent experiences have shown that incorporating remnants of a heritage building in a proposed development through ‘partial demolition’ does not guarantee those elements will be retained.

What needs to be done?

A strengthening of planning provisions to ensure that, given the pace of development in Queensland, character housing precincts and heritage places are protected in accordance with community expectations.