Mansfield, Queensland

Mansfield is a suburb of Brisbane, Australia, situated approximately 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) south-east of the CBD. It is located in the region of the city which is now colloquially known as the "Bible Belt" due to the large number of people who have settled there to be close to Christian schools and churches. It was named in 1967, after the Queensland governor of the time Sir Alan Mansfield.

The suburb recorded a population of 8,473 at the 2011 Australian Census.^[1] The suburb has a moderate Greek presence with under 3% of the population speaking Greek as a first language.^[1]

Part of the eastern boundary of the suburb is marked by the Gateway Motorway.

Demographics

Bulimba Creek at Wecker Road, 2014

In the 2011 census the population of Mansfield was 8,473, 51.8% female and 48.2% male. The median age of the Mansfield population was 38 years of age, 1 year above the Australian median. 69.8% of people living in Mansfield were born in Australia, compared to the national average of 69.8%; the next most common countries of birth were New Zealand 3.8%, England 2.9%, South Africa 1.5%, India 1.4%, China 1.1%. 76.1% of people spoke only English at home; the next most common languages were 2.8% Greek, 2.6% Cantonese, 1.3% Mandarin, 1.2% Arabic, 1% Hindi.

History

The suburb has an agricultural past, consisting mainly of dairy cattle and sheep grazing. Original fencelines can still be found in remaining pockets of bushland. There was also light development of industries related to agriculture, such as wool processing and scouring. Also the quarry once located on Ham and Wecker Roads, excavated large amounts of sandstone used throughout some of the historic landmarks of Brisbane, such as the Brisbane City Hall.

Recently reopened, the "Rock Arena" at the Mansfield Tavern was in its heyday a popular venue for touring musical acts and has starred such acts as The Offspring, Hunters & Collectors, Madness, Statoz Quo, Hoodoo Gurus, The Angels and great British rock band The Cult.

Housing and land use

Large portions of Mansfield were originally constructed as government housing estates, however these have progressively been replaced by more modern private residences. Due the increasing unavailability and expense of land closer to the CBD, the area is currently experiencing a period of socio-economic growth and renewal.

There is a medium-sized industrial estate situated in the northern part of the suburb, in which an Australia Post mail delivery centre is located.

Education

Mansfield State High School, 2014

There are three schools within Mansfield; Mansfield State Primary School, Mansfield State High School and Christian Outreach College. The first of these schools to open was Mansfield State Primary School in 1970 and Mansfield State High School in 1974.

Transport

Mansfield has regular bus services to the CBD and to the Westfield Garden City shopping centre at Upper Mount Gravatt.

Parks

Arguably the greatest asset of the Mansfield area is its remaining pockets of bushland and parklands. The largest public park in Mansfield, Broadwater Park, is a reasonably large open space with barbecue areas and children's play equipment. Adjoining this parkland is a large bushland reserve which follows the course of Bulimba Creek (a tributary of the Brisbane River).

References

External links

• University of Queensland: Queensland Places: Mansfield

Coordinates: 27°32′S 153°06′E / 27.533°S 153.100°E / -27.533; 153.100