Rochedale, located on the southside of Brisbane has evolved from expansive pineapple and strawberry farms into a half-billion-dollar master-planned suburban community.

The $500 million project by the Pask Group will deliver around 1,000 residential lots and 800 townhouses across a 52-hectare site. Known as Arise at Rochedale, the development sits off Miles Platting Road, east of Garden City Shopping Centre at Mount Gravatt, and between Gardner and Rochedale Roads. An industrial estate and buffer zone will separate the new neighbourhood from the Rochedale Landfill, located one kilometre away.

For long-time locals like the late former pineapple farmer Kev Vanstone, the rapid change brings mixed emotions. Vanstone's family has farmed in Rochedale since 1912, when his father first bought 10 acres dedicated mostly to pineapples.

Before Mr Vanstone passed away, he said: "I was born here and I must say it is a bit sad in one way to see all this going on," "I would have liked to have seen it stay as it was, but time goes on and you have to be realistic. You've just got to move with the times-and the time is now."

Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said Rochedale represents one of the city's final opportunities for large-scale greenfield residential development.

"Rochedale is a growth area as it is one of the few greenfield sites left in our city," Cr Quirk said. "As we go forward, Brisbane will be about 75 per cent redevelopment and just 25 per cent new development, so this is one of the last significant open-space opportunities."

Developer Nev Pask said planning for the estate began more than a decade ago, with work first starting during the mayoralty of Jim Soorley.

"Both he and I realised that Rochedale was the perfect destination for a new urban village," Mr Pask said. "That was my vision back in 1999. Now, working with my third lord mayor, I believe we've created a wonderful opportunity for families to live in a high-quality residential environment."

A small number of homes are already under construction, with the first of an expected 4,000 new residents to move in by early 2012. Over the next 20 years, Rochedale's population is projected to grow by more than 10,000 people, and future public transport links are being planned to support the expansion.

Honouring a Local Legacy

Rochedale's community identity also continues to evolve alongside its growth. Kev Vanstone Park, named in honour of the respected local farmer born in 1929, remains a valued community space recognising his long-standing contribution to the region.

A proposed dog off-leash area within the park was cancelled in 2023 following community concerns about its suitability. Council has confirmed it is still investigating alternative locations for a dedicated dog park within Rochedale.