Brisbane council delays decision on Murarrie plan
By Bill Mason
BRISBANE — The City Council has delayed a final decision on approval for BHP's proposed metal-coating facility at Murarrie, reverting to its original deadline of November 5.
The future of the $160 million industrial plant now seems doubtful, with deputy mayor John Campbell now publicly opposing the plan, under pressure from strong local community protests.
A Murarrie Progress Association survey found that 87% of Murarrie residents would vote against ALP Mayor Jim Soorley and local councillor Campbell in the March 1997 council election if the 24-hour plant proceeded.
Campbell recently wrote to his Doboy ward constituents opposing BHP's rezoning application, citing smell and leaching of excavated pond sludge/ooze, intrusion of industry into a residential area, increases in noise and lack of parkland contribution.