Overview
Since Brisbane was announced as the host of the 2032 Olympic Games, plans keep being put in place to transform the River City. South Bank has been earmarked for significant changes, as has a seven-hectare riverside stretch of South Brisbane on Montague Road. On the other side of town, Northshore Hamilton is also set to look a whole lot different. And demolishing and rebuilding the Gabba may or may not be happening, depending on where the new State Government lands.
On the list as well: Victoria Park / Barrambin, where a massive revamp has been on the cards since in mid-2019 — plus Oxley Creek, Kedron Brook, and the Wynnum, Manly and Lota foreshores. Brisbane City Council's aim: to revitalise the four park precincts, which it wants to turn into "legacy lifestyle destinations" that'll add more green space and more activities for the city's growing population.
"Brisbane's natural environment is one of the things that sets us apart from other cities. Our river and creeks are places for both wildlife and people, and this will no doubt be part of the unique 'Brisbane' experience for people visiting before, during and after the 2032 Games," said Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.
"Delivering major transformations of public parks alongside the delivery of an Olympic and Paralympic Games requires vision and imagination from the outset. We have an ambitious plan to transform hundreds of hectares of underutilised spaces into incredible lifestyle destinations."
The already-revealed Victoria Park / Barrambin master plan includes filling the 64-hectare parkland with everything from a treehouse lookout, water-play gully and high-ropes course to a two-kilometre parkway boulevard and a new playground. The site will also be a venue for the Olympics, with the revamp works taking that into account.
Moseying through wetlands, riding along rainforest mountain-bike trails, peering out from a sky-high perch to take in views of the city skyline and mountain ranges, and getting climbing — they're all set to become a reality on the edge of Brisbane's CBD.
The Oxley Creek transformation plan, which dates back to 2017, will give Oxley Creek Common a makeover, turning an old farm and wetlands into a precinct sprawling across 120 hectares. Expect a 20-kilometre recreation trail, birdwatching to be a big feature and the area's agricultural history to remain a focus. The revamp to Archerfield Wetlands, revitalising an old wastewater plant, is also part of the project.
At Kedron Brook, the 20-year master plan has 110 square kilometres from Ferny Grove to Nudgee in its sights — and improving flood resilience is one of its aims.
The Wynnum, Lota and Manly foreshore is also getting a 20-year masterplan, focusing on the expanse from Wynnum Creek to Lota. One key element of it: upgrading the playground near the Wynnum Wading Pool.
For more information about the Victoria Park / Barrambin Master Plan, visit the Brisbane City Council website. And for more details on the Oxley Creek transformation, also visit the Brisbane City Council website.