A high-ropes course, nature and water play, canopy walk and multiple dog off-leash areas are all part of the vision for Brisbane’s biggest new park in 50 years.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Victoria Park Vision was now finalised, with the start of the transformation and delivery of residents’ exciting ideas just months away.

“In June next year the 18-hole golf course will close and the vision for more native bushland, trees and adventure experiences will come to life, with the first stage of the vision able to get underway,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Our first priority is opening up more of Victoria Park to visitors so they can enjoy the greenspace while the exciting elements of the vision come together and we revegetate the former golf course.

“We have been working with residents for more than a year and a half to develop this vision. It started with more than 5400 ideas put forward to develop the draft vision which attracted feedback from more than 2000 people.

“The transformation of Victoria Park is one of the most exciting to things to happen in Brisbane for decades and we are now just over six months away from starting to deliver the vision that we created together and will last a lifetime.

“The community wanted to see more trees and we listened, with the vision setting out even more opportunities to increase the tree canopy, shade and natural bushland from 10 per cent to 60 per cent.

“They wanted a park that speaks to its original landscapes and people and we’re continuing to work with Traditional Custodian groups to determine appropriate design features that acknowledge the park’s history and celebrates our future, in the outdoors.

“Opportunities for everyone to get around the park have also been enhanced, with a more accessible bridge, canopy walk and on-ground pathways.

“The park will feature cycle routes, an adventurous high ropes course and a nature and water play gully and will be a magnet for visitors so we also want to make sure it has prime public and active transport connections by preparing a transport strategy for the parkland.”

Environment, Parks and Sustainability Chair Fiona Cunningham said Victoria Park was scheduled to open as a public parkland after the golf course closes in June 2021, with the popular putt putt course, driving range and function centre set to remain.

“We’re investing $83 million over four years to start to bring Brisbane’s biggest new park to life and now that we have the vision, we can get to work with further detailed studies and developing a comprehensive master plan for the iconic inner-city site,” Cr Cunningham said.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a significant green space, so we’ll continue to work with residents and seek public feedback to make sure we get it right.”

Residents wanting to keep up with the progress of the project can sign up to receive email updates by visiting www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and searching ‘Victoria Park Vision’.

[Ends] 6 DECEMBER 2020