A major community survey has found strong support for revitalising Wynnum’s Fox Street site, but residents want any redevelopment kept to a manageable scale, with earlier closing hours, adequate parking and limited impacts on neighbouring homes and Greene Park.
The 27-day consultation, conducted by Intego Consulting for the Wynnum Manly Community Group, drew 624 responses and examined views on redevelopment alongside the original Carina Leagues Club proposal before Brisbane City Council.
Of 540 demographically weighted respondents, 69 per cent conditionally supported development at the site and 27 per cent supported it without conditions.
About 7 per cent of all participants opposed any development. Opinion was more divided on the original Carina Leagues Club plans, with 27 per cent supporting the proposal as submitted, 30 per cent supporting it with changes and 44 per cent opposed.
Lead researcher Vanessa Taveras-Dalmau said the results showed the community was not opposed to development itself.
“The findings do not reflect blanket opposition to development,” Dr Taveras-Dalmau said.
“They reveal substantial support for revitalising the site, but that support is highly conditional on the type, scale, and operations of the venue.
“Respondents consistently identified a preference for a smaller-scale venue with no gaming machines, day-time trading and earlier closing times, and effective management of parking, traffic, noise, and environmental impacts.”
The survey found 72 per cent preferred a small or medium-scale venue, while 44 per cent favoured a two-storey building.
A rooftop venue attracted 70 per cent support, subject to earlier closing times and effective noise management.
Trading hours saw 76 per cent preferring the venue to close by midnight or between 9pm and 10pm.
Only 14 per cent supported operation until 2am or 4am. Cafes and brunch venues were the most widely supported use, backed by 93 per cent of respondents.
Parking was the leading concern, raised by 64 per cent of participants, followed by traffic congestion at 51 per cent and noise at 50 per cent.
Gaming machines were another sticking point, with 57 per cent saying poker ma- chines were unacceptable.
Only 13 per cent supported the number proposed in the original application, while a further 22 per cent would support machines only if numbers or operating hours were substantially restricted.
Dr Taveras-Dalmau said respondents also identified potential benefits, including a renewed site, more dining options, waterfront activation and economic activity.
“The findings show that support and opposition cannot be reduced to a simple yes or no position,” she said.
“Across a broad spectrum of opposition and support, respondents identified potential benefits, including revitalisation of the site, expanded dining options, greater activation of the waterfront, and contributions to Wynnum’s economy.”
Wynnum Manly Community Group representatives and Dr Taveras-Dalmau met with Carina Leagues Club chief executive Adam Wiencke in early August to present the findings and discuss changes
