Wednesday, May 5, 2010

High-rise living goes under the microscope

PROPERTY


An upcoming Politics in the Pub debate will look at the push for higher density residential living in our urban renewal hotspots, and pose the question: “High Rise High Life?”
“Population Growth, Density and Development in Brisbane: Connections, Community and Changing Perspectives” rounds out the topic at the Brisbane Powerhouse turbine platform, New Farm on Thursday May 6 from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Nick Collyer, Community Development Co-ordinator at the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre, says there’s no charge for the event and no need to RSVP.
Now in its eleventh year of bringing people from the community together who share a common interest but bring different views or perspectives on various topics, Politics in the Pub is a free community conversation which discusses local issues from a range of different angles.
The discussion panel on May 6 will examine the issue of population growth and high housing costs driving new approaches to planning communities where medium-high housing is combined with critical infrastructure such as railway stations, employment, schools and parks.
The speakers will be addressing the question: Are we ready to embrace higher density housing? What are the implications? How do we hold on to and facilitate strong community connections in the new landscape, so that neighbourhoods are places of belonging??
Panel members include:
• Professor Peter Spearritt – University of Queensland, Deputy chair Queensland Shelter
• Councillor David Hinchliffe - Brisbane City Council Central Ward • Michael Kerry - Urban Planner, member of various Planning Boards
• Mary Philip - member Brisbane Youth Service Committee of Management and Chair, Community Gambling fund, and
• Larissa Waters, - Representative of the Queensland Greens
The forum will be chaired by Helen Ringrose. Meals and drinks available for purchase at the bar.