Rangeville residents are angry they were not consulted about the construction of 16 social housing units in Lovett Street which is due to start in September. 

Lovett Street resident Debra Hives has lived there for almost 30 years and was shocked to only learn of the two-storey development last week. 

Mrs Hives said she and her neighbours were concerned about the social, traffic and economic problems the 16 one-bedroom apartments may bring. 

“The units’ residents will be able to look down and watch the children at the daycare centre,” she said. 

Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki has received numerous phone calls, letters and visits from residents distressed over the lack of consultation by the Department of Housing and Public Works. 

“Residents are also concerned about traffic issues during construction and after completion” Mr Janetzki said. 

“We need to provide housing for those vulnerable in our community and the department needs to consult and work with the community and council when developing these projects,” he said. 

The two-storey units will back onto the Rangeville Early Education Centre. 

Lovett Street resident Helen Roberts’ daughter Ava, 2, and Cooper, 4, both attend the childcare centre. 

“We don’t want people being able to look in and see what our children are doing day-to-day,” Mrs Roberts said. 

“We are absolutely considering removing both our children from the centre and selling our house,” she said. 

Mr Janetzki said his office had written to the department to advocate on behalf of local residents. 

It is understood Toowoomba Regional Council voiced their concerns about the height of the units and some issues with fencing. 

Mr Janetzki said he looked forward to the department meeting and working with concerned residents in the next few weeks.

Caption: Member for Toowoomba South David Janetzki MP with Lovett St residents Debra Hives, Helen Roberts and daughter Ava who were not consulted about the housing commission project.