A Brisbane City Councillor has defended council’s approval of the redevelopment of the derelict Stafford Bowls Club, after opposition from locals.

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.

Marchant Ward Councillor Fiona Hammond said there was a lot of “mistruths” in the community about the plans.

“Let us just be very clear here: council does not approve pokies, what council approved was a $7.5 million upgrade onto a site .. it is run down,” she told Neil Breen.

“But this site is going to be a community space.”

But Neil pressed the councillor on the racing club’s plans.

Cr Hammond: I am not sure if you are aware of, there was always pokies at the Stafford Bowls Club.

Neil: But there hasn’t been for 6 years.

Press PLAY below to hear the full exchange

Image: Google Maps 

Community voices concern over pokies plan at old bowls club site