Brisbane State High School wants playing fields, not apartment towers at Visy riverside site

“The school is already under significant enrolment pressure, and current government projections suggest an additional 8000 to 10,000 residents will move into the area over the next 15 years.”

The Education Department said the school had a maximum capacity of “some 3000 students”, although more than 3500 are currently enrolled. Enrolments were predicted to hit 3851 by 2029.

The 7.1-hectare Visy site – about one kilometre from State High – was previously earmarked for the Brisbane 2032 International Broadcast Centre. Those plans were scrapped after the state’s 100-day Olympic review.

It was once also eyed for parkland in what backers, including Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, had dubbed “South Bank 2.0”.

It is among several land parcels in West End and South Brisbane that have raised concern for locals, who worry there is insufficient community infrastructure for potentially thousands of new residents.

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The area is covered by a municipal planning instrument that enables residential buildings to reach city heights at select locations.

Gabba ward councillor Trina Massey said the Visy site sale was effectively “locking families out” of classrooms, green space, and community facilities.

“There is clearly no plan to meet our community’s education needs today, and no vision for the classrooms and facilities families will need in the future,” she said.

West End State School has almost 1500 students enrolled – almost triple the average of a primary school in Brisbane.

“With West End State School and Brisbane State High buckling under enrolment pressure, families and children will pay the price,” Massey said.

The State High P&C planned to meet early next week to organise its next step to fight the proposed development.

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