ORMISTON College has reaffirmed its commitment to delivering world-class facilities for its students while working closely with the local community and environmental groups during the planning process for its proposed campus expansion.
The college has applied for a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) – a state-level process that allows for streamlined delivery of key infrastructure – to support a range of new facilities, including a 50m Olympic swimming pool, a new boarding house, an indoor sports complex, and junior sporting fields.
Headmaster Michael Hornby said the college had already made substantial changes to its original masterplan following feedback from residents and the Koala Action Group during extensive community consultation in 2023.
“We have reduced the overall footprint in this area based on feedback received by residents and the Koala Action Group,” Mr Hornby said.
“The plan has removed some of the development we had originally proposed to allow for more trees on our school site.”
Mr Hornby emphasised that the college’s vision was about equipping students with the facilities they need to thrive across a wide range of disciplines.
“The 50m Olympic pool is a key part of the sporting infrastructure planned at Ormiston College,” he said.
“We have a proud sporting history and want to ensure our local students have every opportunity to fulfil their potential – whether on the sporting field, in the pool, academically, in the arts or as future leaders.
“It is important our kids have the best facilities, resources and infrastructure to succeed in an ever-changing world.”
The college says it is focused on balancing growth with environmental responsibility and has committed to enhancing onsite habitat restoration.
“The college has made significant changes after our community consultation in 2023,” Mr Hornby said.
“We have increased the footprint of onsite habitat restoration and made other changes based on the local feedback that was given.”
The MID process is overseen by the State Government and removes third-party appeal rights, but Mr Hornby said
the college welcomed continued community engagement.
“There has been and will continue to be strong accountability and transparency in everything we do,” he said.
“There is a requirement for the school to undertake a round of formal consultation, which will commence very shortly.
During this, we will seek feedback from the local community and key stakeholders.”
Division 1 Councillor Wendy Boglary confirmed Redland City Council would lodge a submission outlining any concerns as part of the state’s assessment process.
“I have met with Council officers to discuss the MID, and Council will lodge a submission with any concerns for consideration by the State Government,” Cr Boglary said.
“Residents can lodge submissions, which I encourage, and also contact our State Member Amanda Stoker to advocate on their behalf if they feel this is required.”
Council confirmed the application did not fall under its jurisdiction.
“As you would be aware, the MID application is not a Council-led assessment process, with the State Planning Minister being responsible for assessing and making the infrastructure designation,” a Council spokesperson said.
“Council has no comment to add at this stage.”
