Pinjarra Hills "plans" are hypothetical

The University of Queensland has no short-term plans for its Pinjarra Hills land and will listen to local communities before taking any future steps regarding the site.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said ideas of 10,000 people living on the site had not come from the University.

He said the University would definitely not sell or subdivide the land, and that any proposals covering the 280ha site would not have effect for about 15 years.

“I can state categorically that the land will not be sold or subdivided. It was a gift from Dr James Mayne in 1923 and is prized as the University’s foundation asset,” Professor Greenfield said.

“We would want to be sure that the great research, education and community enjoyment potential of this land was achieved - in coming decades – in a way that enhanced Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council land use and infrastructure plans, maintained green space, created jobs and generally served the economy.”

‘Plans’ referred to in the media were part of a hypothetical ‘master class’ to improve the design skills of professionals involved in planning. The master class’s report includes the following disclaimer: "Whilst the University of Queensland has consented to the site being the subject of the Master Class, the consent does not in any way imply any intent of the University of Queensland insofar as the site is concerned."

Professor Greenfield said no university plans would hatch ahead of community consultation.

“We would want any proposal to mesh with community needs, respond to community concerns, and avoid putting a strain on existing infrastructure.

“UQ is not seeking rezoning of the land, but is seeking a change to its status under the South East Queensland Regional Plan.

“That is part of a very long-term strategy to ensure that any plans which emerge in the future facilitate integration of planning with other SEQ regional planning considerations.”

Media: Fiona Kennedy (3365 1384 / 0413 380 012)