Planned Medium Density Development Triggers Strong Reaction From Betoota’s Empty Nester Community

ERROL PARKER | Editor-at-large | Contact

A proposal to rezone a section of Betoota Heights for medium density housing has sent shockwaves through the town’s most vocal and idel demographic, with dozens of empty nesters describing the move as “an attack on heritage.”

The Queensland Government, in partnership with the Betoota Shire Council, has approved plans to convert a large parcel of land near the old HomeWorld Betoota display village into what city-based developers describe as “tasteful, family-orientated apartment living.”

The development will include communal gardens, play areas, a small café, and shared facilities for residents. All designed to attract young families who cannot afford Betoota Heights’ trademark five-bedroom display homes built in the mid-2000s.

However, local residents who bought their homes during the golden age of the Hotondo/HomeWorld are furious, arguing that the rezoning will “destroy the character” of the neighbourhood.

“This is a community of detached, brick veneer homes with media rooms, rumpus rooms, and triple garages. We didn’t move here to look at balconies,” said long-time resident Karen McDougall, who raised two children in her 530-square-metre home before they both moved to Brisbane.

Another resident, Greg Whitlam, said the area’s history should be preserved.

“This area was once a wetland. A wasteland even. Now these homes are a time capsule. You can still smell the original sales office candles if you go into the ensuite. We moved in a week before the Sydney Games. All those memories will be lost. This is where Betoota’s aspirational class learned how to live,” he said.

Council planners have rejected claims that the project will diminish the area’s character, arguing that HomeWorld Betoota was never a heritage site but a “weeping anal fissure” on the “shithole that is Betoota Heights/”

“The old Hotondo homes are barely 20 years old and most still have plastic wrap on the light fittings. The new development will help young families live close to work and schools,” said Betoota Mayor Keith Carton.

Despite this, protest signs have begun to appear on front lawns across Betoota Heights reading “SAVE OUR DISPLAY HOMES” and “NO TO DENSITY.”

Residents have vowed to fight the rezoning through every legal channel available, while council staff have quietly confirmed that bulldozers are already scheduled to arrive in February.

More to come.