Brisbane City Council has put forward proposals to create high-density residential zones adjacent to significant shopping centres, specifically in Upper Mount Gravatt and Chermside. These plans were approved by the council, which is primarily led by the Liberal National Party (LNP), and received support from other political factions including the Labor party, Greens, and independents. The proposals aim to enhance residential living options in close proximity to commercial amenities, reflecting a push towards urban density.

Despite the support for the high-density plans, the LNP council members rejected suggestions from the Labor opposition to include targets for affordable housing within these new precincts. Councillor Adam Allan articulated the concerns from the LNP viewpoint, arguing that the inclusion of affordable housing requirements could deter developers from investing in these new projects, potentially impacting the economic viability of the developments. This discussion surrounding affordable housing reflects broader concerns about housing accessibility in rapidly growing urban areas.

The next steps for these precinct plans involve submission to the Queensland government for final approval, signaling the beginning of a potential transition in these communities. As these high-density developments move forward, stakeholders will be closely watching how they affect local infrastructure, housing market dynamics, and overall community well-being in Brisbane, particularly in relation to affordability and accessibility in housing.