Anger over sale of council block

Gary Hinds is concerned about the drainage issues on this Stack Street land up for auction this month.

Chris Ison

ROCKHAMPTON’S Stack Street could be looking a lot less green in the future, much to the dismay of local residents.

As part of its Review Rationalisation and Realisation Program the Rockhampton Regional Council is selling vacant land at 109 Stack Street for development.

This is one of several blocks across the region which council is selling as part of its push to raise $12 million from real estate assets this year.

However, it wouldn’t disclose how many properties would be sold as the matter had been dealt with in a closed session.

One life-long Stack Street resident, Gary Hinds, said he was concerned about drainage issues in the vacant land.

“It was originally a creek,” Gary said.

“Since there’s been development there they’ve filled the creek in and now in heavy rain water runs down Stack Street itself and can cause traffic problems. If they develop on this land the creek is going to get further filled in and cause a worse water problem for the street.”

Mr Hinds is a plumbing and drainage contractor and has lived in the street on and off for about 58 years.

Former resident Jill Fry also raised concerns about the sale of the land and said it was used as a park by neighbouring residents.

“These small parcels of land looked after by locals, with little expense to council, contribute to the greening of the town and to the liveability of the city,” Jill said.

“I planted a number of trees on this land, hand watered and mulched and managed them until they grew to a reasonable size and were able to look after themselves.”

The concerns have been raised with division eight councillor Tony Williams who, as a resident in the area, said he had highlighted the issue with the council.

“I’m still uncomfortable about the sale and I need to be convinced the blocks aren’t going to be cut off in heavy rain,” he said.

If they develop on this land the creek is going to get further filled in and cause a worse water problem for the street