New bid to clear way for sports field lighting and sports hall/performing arts complex at Ferny Grove State High School
A petition has been launched to end a standoff with Brisbane City Council that is preventing three major projects going ahead at a major Brisbane school.
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A PETITION has been launched in a bid to force Brisbane City Council to allow three projects, including a 2000-seat sports/performing arts complex, to be built at Ferny Grove State High School.
The school has funds for sports field lighting and a car park, as well as the hall, but needs access through council parkland on the eastern side of the campus.
It has sought a permanent arrangement with council for a two-lane, 6m-wide road, though the park off McGinn Rd.
The issue also affects Arana Touch which wants to relocate its 750-player strong touch football competition there in August but needs the field lighting.
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Arana Touch president and the principal petitioner, Gary Madders, said the park had been used for decades to access the rear of the school but council put a bar across the gateway and locked it last year.
“We’re going nowhere. We’re really in a bind,” Mr Madders said.
“It’s not a park. In 38 years living out here … I’ve never seen anyone having a picnic in it.”
The petition, sponsored by State Labor MP for Ferny Grove Mark Furner, calls for support, saying access to the land will let the school complete projects already budgeted for by the State Government.
The complex is due for completion in November 2020.
Mr Furner said the community had fought hard to get new facilities for Ferny Grove State High School.
“ … it is a slap in the face to see them held up for such a petty reason,” Mr Furner said.
“These projects will provide students a state-of-the-art performing arts and sporting facility, improve parking and enable 700 people involved in Arana Touch Football to use the school ovals for club meets.
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“The school community is anxious to see these projects go ahead and so am I.
“The Palaszczuk Government has secured the funding, we just need the Council to get out of the way.”
The News has been seeking an interview with Councillor Steve Toomey (LNP, The Gap) on the issue.
In November, a council spokesman said vehicle access through the parkland had never been approved and a lock rail had been replaced due to safety concerns.
“Road and pedestrian safety is our top priority and we will continue to carry out important upgrades, especially around schools and other highly pedestrianised areas, to help residents get home quicker and safer,” the spokesman said.
“The parkland is an important habitat and wildlife corridor for squirrel gliders and Brisbane City Council is committed to actions that protect Brisbane’s clean and green environment.”
The petition is online at https://bit.ly/2SVeRyn
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