Residents of a Townsville suburb are mounting a determined campaign against a proposed housing development they fear will transform their streets into dangerous flood zones during heavy rainfall.
Neighborhood Unites Against Development Plans
The peaceful community of Cranbrook is facing what locals describe as a potential flooding catastrophe. A development application for 49 new housing lots on a 2.2-hectare block at 245-249 Ingham Road has sparked widespread concern among homeowners who already battle regular inundation.
Long-term resident Helen Maund, who has lived in the area for 15 years, expressed the community's deepening anxiety. "We already get significant flooding in our streets during heavy rain," she told local media. "Adding more hard surfaces and reducing natural absorption areas will only make this problem much worse."
The proposed development sits in a known flood-prone area, with residents pointing to existing drainage infrastructure that already struggles to cope during Townsville's notorious wet season downpours.
Council Faces Growing Community Pressure
The controversy comes as Townsville City Council prepares to make a crucial decision on the development application. A council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 13 will determine the project's fate, but not before considering 17 formal submissions from concerned residents.
Local homeowners have conducted their own investigations, discovering that the land was previously used for fill material extraction. They argue this history, combined with the area's natural topography, creates perfect conditions for worsening flood events.
"The water has to go somewhere," explained another resident who wished to remain anonymous. "When you cover natural ground with concrete and roofs, that water flows faster and gathers in greater volumes straight into our streets and properties."
Stormwater System Under Scrutiny
At the heart of the dispute lies the capacity of existing stormwater infrastructure. Residents report that during recent rainfall events, water has risen to concerning levels, with some streets becoming impassable and properties at risk.
The development proposal includes its own stormwater management plan, but skeptical locals question whether it will be sufficient during extreme weather events that are becoming more common in North Queensland.
Townsville City Council has confirmed it is reviewing all aspects of the development application, including comprehensive flood impact assessments. A council spokesperson stated they are taking resident submissions seriously and will ensure all planning requirements are met before making a determination.
As the decision date approaches, Cranbrook residents continue to gather support and evidence, determined to protect their properties from what they see as an preventable flooding disaster in the making.
