Arana Hills and Ferny Hills Rezoning Plans Explained

Arana Hills and Ferny Hills Rezoning Plans Explained

Residents in Arana Hills and Ferny Hills are being asked to have their say on proposed rezoning plans that could reshape parts of the Hills District over the coming years. The changes are part of a broader push to prepare for population growth across the Moreton Bay region, with significant increases in housing expected by 2046.

At this stage, the plans are still in draft form, but they offer a clear look at how these suburbs may evolve and where future development is likely to be focused.

Why These Changes Are Being Proposed

The City of Moreton Bay is required to plan for more than 300,000 additional residents and over 125,000 new homes in the coming decades.

Rather than expanding further into undeveloped land, the current approach is to increase housing within existing suburbs. This means building more homes in areas that already have access to transport, shops, schools and services.

The goal is to:

• Reduce urban sprawl
• Protect natural areas and green space
• Improve access to amenities
• Offer more diverse housing options

This shift reflects a wider trend across South East Queensland, where growth is being directed into established communities instead of pushing further outward.

What the Rezoning Could Look Like

The draft plans focus on creating higher density pockets in key locations rather than changing entire suburbs.

Areas expected to see the most change include:

• Around Ferny Grove train station
• Near the Arana Hills shopping and business centre

In these zones, changes could include:

• Increased building heights
• More apartments and townhouses
• Retirement living and supported accommodation
• Mixed-use developments near commercial centres

Some reports suggest buildings could reach up to 12 to 15 storeys in selected areas, depending on final planning outcomes.

Outside of these pockets, much of the existing low-density character is expected to remain.

Community Response So Far

Feedback from residents has been mixed.

Some locals support the need for more housing and better use of existing infrastructure, particularly near public transport. Others have raised concerns around:

• Traffic and congestion
• Pressure on schools and healthcare
• Parking and local roads
• Preserving the leafy character of the area

There have also been calls for clearer detail around building heights, design standards and how infrastructure will keep up with growth.

Council has indicated that this consultation phase is about gathering input, with more detailed planning to follow.

How This Will Impact Surrounding Suburbs

Even though the focus is on Arana Hills and Ferny Hills, the effects will extend across nearby parts of Moreton Bay.

Increased Demand in Nearby Areas

Suburbs like Everton Hills, Albany Creek and Eatons Hill may see flow-on demand as buyers look for more affordable or lower-density alternatives nearby.

Transport and Connectivity Improvements

With higher density centred around train stations and major roads, there is likely to be investment in:

• Public transport access
• Pedestrian and cycling connections
• Road upgrades linking surrounding suburbs

This could improve connectivity across the broader Hills District over time.

Changing Property Market Conditions

As new housing types are introduced, the area may attract:

• Downsizers looking for low-maintenance living
• First-home buyers priced out of inner Brisbane
• Investors targeting well-connected suburbs

This can gradually shift pricing and demand across neighbouring suburbs, particularly those within a short drive or train commute.

Pressure on Infrastructure

Growth in one suburb rarely stays contained. Increased population in Arana Hills and Ferny Hills will likely place added pressure on:

• Schools in surrounding areas
• Local shopping centres
• Health services across the region

This makes infrastructure planning a key factor in how successful the changes will be long term.

What Happens Next

The current plans are still open for community feedback, with residents encouraged to review the proposals and make submissions before decisions are finalised.

Once consultation closes, council will assess feedback and refine the plans before any formal changes are made to the planning scheme.

This means no immediate changes, but it does set the direction for how these suburbs could look over the next 10 to 20 years.

The Bottom Line

The proposed rezoning of Arana Hills and Ferny Hills signals a shift toward more urban-style living in parts of the Moreton Bay region. While change is not immediate, the long-term impact could reshape the character, housing mix and property market across the Hills District.

For residents and buyers, this is an early opportunity to understand what is coming and have a say before plans are locked in.