Fancy moseying through wetlands, kayaking in a 1.4-hectare lake, riding along rainforest mountain-bike trails and climbing a high ropes course — all on the edge of Brisbane's CBD? In the near future, a trip to Herston could involve all of the above. They're all features slated for Victoria Park Vision, the huge new 45-hectare public park that's set to replace the Victoria Park Golf Course.
First announced in 2019, Victoria Park Vision will completely transform the current space — and Brisbane City Council has just released a draft of its plan. If some of these inclusions sound familiar, that's because the council has been contemplating them over the past couple of months. It first undertook a months-long community consultation process, with more than 5400 people tendering submissions and over 3500 folks showing up to an open day back in September. Then, it announced an overview of the best suggestions in December, which it has now combined with advice from local and international design experts to come up with its current proposal.
Also mooted: a cultural hub, artwork and trails paying tribute to Australia's Indigenous heritage, plenty of shady foliage including native greenery, dining areas, picnic spots, and community gardens or perhaps even a small urban farm. In addition to the aforementioned Lake Barrambin, the site will feature waterholes for splashing in, plus a Nature and Water Play Gully for kids. Multipurpose spaces will be designed to host events year-round, too, including performances and exhibitions.
All of the above will form part of Brisbane's biggest new park in five decades, and one that'll change the face of the inner city. An opening date for the revamped park is yet to be set, with BCC currently asking for feedback on the plan. You can have your say on the Victoria Park Draft Vision online before April 28.
And if you've noticed that mini-golf isn't listed among the huge number of features above, don't worry. While the existing full-size golf course is saying goodbye, Vic Park's current putt-putt and driving range facilities are earmarked to stay.
For more information about Victoria Park Vision, and to provide your feedback on the draft plan by April 28, visit the Brisbane City Council website.