Published May 2025
An application late last year for a 28-storey residential complex at Shafston House, Kangaroo Point, has met with objections from over 100 people, including the local councillor.
Kangaroo Point resident John Mowbray, whose relatives were early settlers in the area, wrote: “I am forever grateful my Grandfather sold the family estate so we citizens can enjoy a wonderful local amenity.”
“…Unless there is an overall plan on height and aesthetics Brisbane loses out to more rapacious development.”
Mr Mowbray made a further comment to the Village Voice, saying: “Today Kangaroo Point is under incredible development stress…
“Now within a very small area we have four tower blocks and absolutely no respect at all for the historic links of the area, or when it is done we are left with a real mishmash (of architectural styles).”
His key objections were the destruction of amenity for neighbours, increased parking and traffic issues, and the precedent this sets for the future – a “higgledy-piggledy approach to high rise construction and developers’ influence on Brisbane’s aesthetics”.
This application follows on from another successful application to Brisbane City Council in 2022, in which the Melbourne developer, J2 Projects, sought to build a 15-storey residential high rise on the site.
The newer application includes 51 dwellings and a marina with enough space for six vehicles, preventing council plans for the riverwalk to be extended.
Gabba Ward Councillor Trina Massey said she objects to the change of application.
“The proposal disregards key provisions of both the City Plan and the Kangaroo Point Neighbourhood Plan, particularly regarding heritage preservation, building design, neighbourhood impacts, and infrastructure requirements,” Cr Massey said.
“By increasing the height and density of the development, the proposal will overshadow neighbouring properties, reduce vital open space, and obstruct heritage views, thus detracting from the area’s historical and visual significance.
“The inclusion of a marina and the encroachment on the riparian zone will interfere with the planned Riverwalk, a critical component of the city’s future connectivity,” she said.
Other residents like Gary Lawrence are also concerned about the impact of the development on the neighbourhood.
“I initially bought in Peninsula Apartment back in 2013, and they assured us that Shafston House and the grounds are heritage listed, never to be built on,” Mr Lawrence said.
“We’re just worried that they’re going to build so close to Shafston House that it…could affect the foundations of the house.
“You know, we’ve destroyed so much stuff in Brisbane, let’s at least keep these grounds pristine,” he said.
