Calls for council to buy flood plain to stop Brisbane Polo Grounds development

A waste magnate’s bid to build a transport depot on the flood-prone Brisbane Polo Grounds has been labelled a potential ‘environmental catastrophe’ by nearby residents.

Villiers St resident Craig Squires at the polo fields. Picture: Danielle Buckley

RESIDENTS are concerned about a proposal to build a massive shed on the Brisbane Polo Grounds, put forward by the owner of a major waste treatment company.

Brisbane Polo Grounds, owned by Austin BMI director Balfour Irvine and David Charles Evans, has lodged a development application to Brisbane City Council to build a transport depot on the 16,885 sqm Tingalpa site.

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The plans include a 7000 sqm depot with a 16m-tall warehouse with facilities to store, wash and repair B-double semi trailers.

The depot would be built on the Brisbane Polo Grounds development at Tingalpa, off Murrarie Rd.

Tingalpa resident Craig Squires is the spokesman for the V Streeters — an action group that is opposed to the development of the site, which is zoned for special purposes and backs onto Bulimba Creek.

Mr Squires said residents feared that the depot would be used as a waste transfer station.

“(Balfour Irvine) is the director of a major waste industry,” he said.

“Although in the plans there is no indication that he is intending to do that but we are very (worried).”

Jaylah, 11, and Chloe, 8, Newcombe would have a backyard view of the development form their Tingalpa home.

Brisbane Polo Grounds said there is “no intention to use the proposed transport depot as a waste transfer station”, and that the property is code assessable and consistent with the zoning.

Mr Squires said if approved, the depot would be an “environmental catastrophe” that would set a precedent for future developments that could “consume the entire flood plain in years to come.”

“This is one of the last remaining flood plains of the Bulimba Creek catchment area,” Mr Squires said.

“It is frequently inundated with flood waters from king tides, from river flooding and creek flooding.

“It certainly is an area that needs to be protected.”

Labor candidate for Doboy Jo Culshaw has started a petition online against the development.

Mr Squires alongside Labor candidate for Doboy Jo Culshaw have started a petition online that is calling on Brisbane City Council to reject the development — and to buy the land to ensure it is not developed in the future.

“People bought their houses here because they were next to quiet acreage, not a huge depot,” Ms Culshaw said.

“They’re used to looking at ducks, not trucks.”

Councillor Lisa Atwood is planning to meet with residents this weekend.

LNP councillor for Doboy Lisa Atwood said she would also recommend the council refuse the application.

Cr Atwood will host a public meeting with residents on July 13 at Vera Place Park, Tingalpa from 10am.