Calls for redevelopment of Rocklea flood site to protect creek and neighbours

The new Dutton Park Inner City South State Secondary College sporting fields will be in Rocklea. Here’s what people are saying about the planned development.

Submissions on the State Government’s development of sporting fields in Marshall Rd, Rocklea closes on December 20. Pic Peter Wallis

Concerns about flood mitigation, creek protection and increased traffic demands are plaguing a proposed sporting hub planned for Rocklea.

The Department of Education has released details of the new sports and education facilities at 161-167 Marshall Rd, Rocklea.

The site, which has been subject to local flooding, would support the new Inner City South State Secondary College (ICSSSC) at Dutton Park, providing sporting ovals, multipurpose courts and carparking.

An Education Department spokesman said the hub would be a major boost for the local community.

He said it would be used by students but it would also be possible for the facilities to be available to local sporting teams or groups.

Rocklea resident of 12 years Rhys Daniel said the facility would be a huge boost for the area which has “been overlooked for far too long.”

“As soon as this starts happening there will be interest and growth to the area,” he said.

But Brisbane City Council Councillor Steve Griffiths (Moorooka) said the redevelopment came with concerns about flood mitigation and impacts on the local waterways.

A car stranded during flooding at Marshall Road in Rocklea. Pic Peter Wallis

A council spokesman said the project would also cause “significant extra demand on the local infrastructure network” and council was prevented from “collecting infrastructure charges to alleviate this increased demand on road networks”.

Council has lodged a submission with the State Government about its concerns with the proposal in its current form.

Cr Griffiths, in a submission to the State Government, raised concerns about the “impact and interference that hard infrastructure” could have during flooding with locals advising “at least part of this site is severely impact by flooding on a regular basis.”

He asked that the development of the area also “improve its functioning as a habitat for a range of native species”.

“This area links to the Granard Wetland a major environment corridor which is being progressively being restored.”

Toohey MP Peter Russo at the proposed development site in Rocklea. Pic supplied.

State Member for Toohey Peter Russo said flood mitigation for the site was his priority and urged community to have their say.

“I would be keen to see that the facility goes ahead but subject to provisions,” he said.

Rocky Waterholes Bushcare spokesman Grey Tasney told the Southern Star it appeared most locals were supportive of the development, and “it would be a win for the local environment if the landowner as a government body would lead by example in remediating and revegetating the creek edge”.

He said a 20m canopy buffer along the length of the creek would create a habitat for local flora and fauna and protect the existing “biodiversity hotspot for birdlife”.

Public submissions close on December 20.