State and local leaders are demanding full public consultation over a proposal to grant St Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace, access to heritage-listed Bedford Playground Park at Spring Hill.
McConnel MP Grace Grace and Central Ward Councillor Vicki Howard spoke out after residents accused Brisbane City Council of advancing the plan without adequate community input.
The private boys’ school is seeking alternative sports space after losing access to Victoria Park due to Olympic construction.
A recent St Joseph’s College newsletter stated that lease arrangements with council were being finalised. It outlined plans to level playing surfaces, enhance landscaping, remove concrete slabs and create additional space for sport and co-curricular activities, with the college committing to fund the works.
Ms Grace, who grew up in Spring Hill, said the lack of consultation was concerning.
“Some of my fondest memories are playing in Bedford Park with family and friends,” she said.
“Any proposal by council should be subject to full community consultation. It dismays me that locals haven’t had the opportunity to raise concerns and feel heard.”
Cr Howard said no decision had been made and community feedback would be critical.
“If the proposal doesn’t have community support, it will not proceed,” she said.
Community advocates, including the Spring Hill Community Group, contacted Village Voice, saying they were alarmed that the council appeared prepared to allow the school to modify parts of the park for sport and physical education.
The group wrote to senior councillors calling for the proposal to be paused and subjected to a full public process.
Spring Hill Community Group member Dr Neil Peach said the process lacked transparency.
“We’re starting at the wrong place here – the starting point seems to be what the school wants, without any clear evidence to justify it,” he said.
“What is the actual impact on the school if it doesn’t get access…?”
“Hundreds of people have been, or are about to be, displaced from Victoria Park.”
Council’s Spring Hill Renewal Strategy previously identified a master plan for the park as a priority, but in 2022 the Lord Mayor said no funding had been allocated.
Bedford Playground Park has been heritage-listed since 1998 as one of Queensland’s earliest supervised playgrounds.
The proposal has intensified concerns over shrinking inner-north green space, with up to 66 per cent of Victoria Park/Barrambin slated for clearing for Olympic venues.
Feedback can be submitted via the Brisbane City Council website by searching “Bedford Park” until July 26 or scan the QR code below.
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