Locals are fired up about a plan to refurbish the Stafford Bowls Club, which has fallen into disrepair since closing in 2016.

In a controversial plan announced last year, the Brisbane Racing Club took over the lease and plans to put in gaming machines and a new sports bar.

Joe Woolley is among the locals who’ve gone public with their opposition to the redevelopment.

He’s started petitions to voice the community’s concerns to the Brisbane City Council.

“Council’s own process is to offer facilities like the Stafford Bowls Club to community groups and to open that process up for public comment and community input and consultation, they didn’t do that,” he told Neil Breen.

He said the Brisbane Racing Club has no connection with the community at all.

“Stafford is not under-served for poker machines,” he said.

“I think that part of the community’s opposition to this is they are saying look we know that these things are harmful to the broader community.”

Instead, they’d like to see a multi-function sports facility, and a place that becomes a focal point for the community.

Press PLAY below to hear him explain their opposition to the plans

Image: Google Maps