Kangaroo Point homeowners can breathe a sigh of relief following the confirmation that their properties will be spared from demolition, which would have paved the way for the construction of the athletics warm-up track for the highly anticipated 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The updated plans for the Raymond Park transformation were released Monday, 31 July 2023, putting an end to weeks of uncertainty and vocal protests from residents who were vehemently opposing the potential loss of their homes and public green space.
Initially, there were fears among Kangaroo Point homeowners that their homes would be among those resumed to accommodate the temporary warm-up facilities. The decision to utilise Raymond Park as the warm-up venue was necessitated by the lack of available space around the nearby Gabba Stadium, which is set to undergo a substantial reconstruction at an estimated cost of $2.7 billion.
However, Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee president Andrew Liveris reassured the residents, stating that no home resumptions would be required.
“Heritage structures within the park will remain in place, and the Queensland Government will work with the local football club to build a new clubhouse within Raymond Park,” Liveris said.
“Importantly, there are no expected impacts for Raymond Park until much closer to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“We are committed to being good neighbours to the residents of Raymond Park and will work closely with the Queensland Government to ensure the community is kept informed of planning and progress over the coming years.”
Deputy Premier Steven Miles also confirmed that the revised plans for the Olympics refurbishments “will fit in Raymond Park without resuming houses.” The updated plans would include a thinner track to fit within the current dimensions of the park, thus minimizing impacts on residents and preserving larger, older fig trees. Any impacted trees will be relocated, replanted, or replaced to ensure no net loss.
Despite the relief of no home resumptions, Kangaroo Point homeowners were still vocal about their concerns regarding the scale of the proposed development.
Local Greens MP Amy MacMahon, who has been actively championing their cause, expressed her disappointment with the complete overhaul of Raymond Park. She supported a petition to save the park that garnered over 3,000 signatures.
“This design doesn’t address what the community has been calling for – the scrapping of the $2.7 billion Gabb redevelopment, saving Raymond Park, saving East Brisbane State School, and saving billions in public money,” MacMahon said.
“Hopefully it’s fact and cannot wait for the official notification from the state government,” Kangaroo Point resident Marcia Pavlos said on the Friends of Raymond Park, Kangaroo Point group. “This is a massive breakthrough and is life changing for those who have endured much stress, sleep deprivation and adverse health issues just knowing that we could be displaced just like that for a temporary facility.
“Some sanity seems to have prevailed and consideration and some respect have finally been shown to affected local residents. The fight continues though with saving the school and park. We will keep the community spirit going until the crazy plan for the Gabba is abolished and athletics is moved to another venue.”
Published 1-Aug-2023
