What's Happening At The Oxley Secondary College Site?

The former Oxley Secondary College site has been vacant since 2000, but recently plans have been announced for a development project aiming to bring new life to the area.

Currently, the Queensland Government is seeking feedback on the development proposal which is projected to be 40 percent residential.

The other 60 percent is to be used for open space, environmental protection, recreation, roads and the betterment of the Oxley community.

Jess Pugh, member for Mount Ommaney, says “For too long, large parts of the Oxley Secondary School site have been left unused, and the site has so much potential.”

“This proposal will set aside around 60 percent of the site for open space, recreation, environmental protection, community use and roads, while also allowing for a better flood free location for Yuingi child care and a new retirement and/or aged care facility.

“Some of the existing playing fields will be retained for open space and recreation and community facilities including a garden have also been proposed,” Ms Pugh says.

A diagram produced as part of the community consultation for the project. Image: Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning

The government is focussed on making the project environmentally responsible through protection of existing and endangered vegetation, and environmentally friendly initiatives like planting vegetation to stabilise landslip areas and protecting water quality.

The new design for the space will not only incorporate beautiful streetscapes and open space, but aim to keep as much existing vegetation as possible and focus on sustainability.

It will include a retirement facility, a childcase relocated from a current, flood-prone site and a community centre and garden.

While many have asked why the site couldn’t be used for another school, Education Queensland has established that existing schools will be able to cope with current and future student numbers.

During 2016, initial surveys for the future of the site began, however, due to landslides, had to be paused until the area was safe.

A community garden is also proposed, similar to the community garden at Graceville (pictured). Image: Georgina Auton.

Work has already begun to stabilise landslide areas and fill in sinkholes, and once the site is declared a priority development area (PDA), work can officially begin.

The maximum height for residential dwellings within the site is three storeys, and the retirement complex will be a maximum of six.

Oxley is the perfect area for this kind of project to revitalise an vacant site and bring about important community infrastructure.

“As an Oxley local myself, I have a first-hand insight into the traffic issues facing our area,” Ms Pugh says, adding “I use Seventeen Mile Rocks Road every morning to drop my kids to school.”

“That’s why it’s fantastic that most of this site will be set aside for public purposes, and proposed housing will be large-lot, low-density housing to minimise impact on the local road network.

“With significant parts of the site at less than a five-minute walk from the train station, many people will also view the close proximity to public transport as a key drawcard.”

The character of Oxley is important to locals. Image: Georgina Auton

One thing that locals love about Oxley is the bushland feel in large parts of the suburb and its surrounding areas. Its leafy, green and family nature is why families and commuters alike reside in Oxley.

“Locals tell me that they don’t want to lose the character of Oxley as a suburb,” Ms Pugh says.

“That’s why it’s great to have a project which prioritises maintaining the character of the Oxley precinct.

“With a development which embraces the leafy nature of the site, this project will be carefully planned to complement the existing Oxley community.”

For more information, head here.

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Cover Image: Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning