Since 1875 Victoria Park/Barrambin was the lungs of Brisbane. This historically protected green parkland has survived rail lines, hospitals, war huts and roadways. Now it faces its greatest transformation yet – an Olympic Stadium – with significant areas of the park transferred to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA).
Olympic stadiums serve a moment in time, while parks serve generations. We need to ensure that Victoria Park remains a place where civic responsibilities match civic aspirations.
The AGHS Queensland Branch will continue to stand up for a cultural landscape that holds deep meaning for community, for climate, for culture, for First Nations people and for future generations. Victoria Park breathes life into our dense, rapidly developing city. It is heritage-listed for significant reasons. Once it’s gone, we can’t get it back. This is not just a local issue. This is about how we value our green spaces in major cities, our history, our significant First Nations sites, our environment and who gets a say in shaping where we live.
You can read more about the history of Victoria Park/Barrambin in my article in Australian Garden History, vol 38, no.1.