This petition is to express our strong opposition to the proposed redevelopment of Benowa Gardens Shopping Centre, which seeks to introduce an overwhelmingly large complex topped by three medium-rise residential towers. This proposal, which includes 397 residential and short-term accommodation units rising up to 13 storeys, threatens to irreversibly alter the character of our beloved neighbourhood and surrounding suburbs.  

The plan outlines that the apartments would sit above three basement levels and a four-level podium comprising 10,000sq m of retail tenancies and 3000sq m of office space/medical. While we understand the pressing need for affordable housing within our city, this development is simply too substantial for our small community and is not compatible with the character of our neighbourhood.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, our area is already densely populated, and this proposed development would heap further pressure on our local services. To exacerbate matters, local traffic congestion, which is currently a pressing issue, would significantly increase thus impacting daily life and putting the safety of our children and residents in jeopardy. The proposed redevelopment will heavily impact 2 primary schools, 1 high school, a private hospital, 2 child care centres, and an aged care facility, along with many private medical offices - all within 100 meters of the development. The increase in population density would put a strain on our already overburdened infrastructure, leading to increased traffic congestion, noise pollution, and strain on our public services.  The construction of this project would result in significant environmental impact. The type of housing being proposed is simply not in keeping with the character of our neighborhood, and surrounding suburbs. It would also drastically alter the aesthetic of our area, replacing the existing open spaces with a monolithic, high-density housing complex.

This campaign is not about objecting to growth – it's about smart, sustainable growth and maintaining the unique characteristics and needs of our local community and surrounding suburbs. Thus, we urge our city officials to thoroughly review the potential impacts this redevelopment could bring about, and we call upon them to reconsider such large-scale construction in our small community. Sign this petition in an effort to preserve the spirit of Benowa and the surrounding suburbs.