Petrol station, childcare development proposed for Riverway Drive, Rassmussen

Those against a development to turn residential properties into a service station and childcare centre at Rassmussen say it could be harmful to children. See the plans.

A proposed development to turn residential properties into a service station and childcare centre could be harmful to children, oppoonents say.

The development, which plans to turn residential properties on Riverway Drive in Rassmussen into a service station and a childcare centre, has been met with apprehension from nearby residents, with a petition accruing 40 signatures.

Among the reasons submitted by those concerned included a possible increase in “anti-social behaviour” and the possibility the gas station would prove hazardous to children nearby.

According to a study cited by councillor Mark Molachino during Townsville City Council’s ordinary meeting, research in Western Australia has indicated proximity to petroleum stations can cause impacts to children’s health.

Sue Blom

Councillor Sue Blom said when similar concerns were raised for a development in Bushland Beach years previous, they had not been taken seriously.

“One of our community members was a daycare teacher and she did all the research that Mark [Molachino] has just done, and it was the same thing, but everyone said it was okay,” Cr Blom said.

“It’s a very difficult situation. We fought one of these applications and lost, so the cost to the community there is huge. The biggest concern for everyone is the health of the kids, but if we fight this again and knock it back and they come back at us, it’ll end up costing the ratepayers in the planning courts as well.”

Cr Blom said it would be “unfair” if one community’s development went ahead, while a decision was made that it wasn’t “fit for purpose” elsewhere.

“The argument is that the daycare in Bushland Beach is a little bit further away, but I don’t think that’s true. There’s a road in between, but we’ve got another daycare beside the service station. There’s three day cares, a roundabout, Coles and Peggy Banfield all on a one-way in, one-way out road. That’s another big issue.

Part of the plot of land where the proposed redevelopment will take place. Picture: Shae Beplate.

“We’ve got a single lane, one access road to Bushland Beach and no one’s interested in doing anything about that infrastructure. It’s awesome to bring progress, but we need the infrastructure with it.”

The submission from residents who live near the proposed Rasmussen development said congestion, and danger from increased road traffic, were also concerns.

“The fact that Sonia, Maria and Teresa Streets are no through roads with the only entry and exit being the Sonia street intersection should also be taken into consideration,” The submission read.

A report to Townsville City Council dated August 18 from the chief planning and development officers recommended the plans be approved “subject to reasonable and relevant conditions”.

Originally published as Petrol station, childcare development proposed for Riverway Drive, Rassmussen