State LNP weighs in on David and Goliath school fence fight

The state LNP’s education spearthrower, Jarrod Bleijie, has weighed in on a little community’s battle to stop an elite school fencing off its oval.

LNP candidate for Maiwar, Lauren Day, with a letter to residents promising the LNP will block a fence at the Toowong Smart State academy, if it is elected.

Shadow Education Minister Jarrod Bleijie has vowed to stop construction of a fence the state’s top-performing school plans to build around its sports fields, locking out dog walkers and cyclists.

But Mr Bleijie’s promise may not come in time, with the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology already starting work on the fence, which neighbours have labelled “Trump’s Wall’’.

Poles were installed at the Toowong site on Monday morning for a fence residents claimed would be 2.1m high and have locked “prison style’’ gates, similar to an unpopular fence built some years ago at Corinda State High School.

Fence posts erected on Monday morning at the QASMT Toowong site.

LNP candidate for Maiwar, Lauren Day, began letterboxing a leaflet yesterday which promised to stop the fence, if the LNP were elected.

She said she had been inundated with complaints about the project.

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“I share your concerns about plans for precious green space around the Queensland Academy for Science, Maths and Technology to be fenced off,’’ the leaflet read.

“As the LNP candidate for Maiwar at the upcoming state election, I have spoken to many worried locals and I have been inundated with calls.

“I am fighting hard to protect your enjoyment of green space in Toowong.

“That’s why I am very pleased to announce my pledge to you that an LNP Government will not construct a fence around QASMT green space.

“This will allow continued enjoyment of the school oval and cycling and

pedestrian thoroughfares.’’

Mr Bleijie said the structure was unnecessary and would not be good for the community, which has used the land for community gardens and recreation since it was donated to the state by the son of one of Queensland’s pioneering premiers, Sir Arthur Palmer.

His great grandson, Arthur Beau Palmer, said he was furious and the money to be spent on the fence would be better used upgrading pedestrian crossings at Miskin St and Stanley Tce to make them safer for students.

QASMT is undergoing a major building program to cater for more students as it moves from a senior-years campus to a full Years 7-12 campus.

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“An LNP government will ensure the fence is not constructed at this school,” Mr

Bleijie said.

“It’s time for the Palaszczuk-Labor Government to listen to locals and keep precious green space around our local schools.

“Labor needs to stop the project and start the consultation.”

Ms Day said the green space at the school had long been a boon for the physical and mental health of residents, as well as serving as an important connecting point between Miskin and Vera streets.

“Mr Bleijie also shares my belief that locals should be able to enjoy continued access to the Vera St Community Garden,’’ she said.