Federal grant injects $1.4 million into Brisbane riverside park upgrade

The federal government announced on Saturday an $11.7 million cash boost for projects in south-east Queensland – including a riverside park in Brisbane’s south-western suburb of Graceville – as the clock ticks down on next year’s election.

The funding covers six projects as part of the Commonwealth’s thriving suburbs program, an “urban community infrastructure program” promising continued funding for three years until 2027.

Speaking at Graceville Parklands, Federal Minister for Regional Development and Infrastructure Catherine King said the funding would support communities to “build better cities and more liveable suburbs”.

An artist’s impression from Brisbane City Council’s 2022 Graceville Parklands precinct plan.Credit: Brisbane City Council

“Whether sports clubs, urban precincts or community hubs, community facilities are the backbone of connected societies – and they’re becoming increasingly important,” she said.

“Councils and local organisations have struggled to maintain and upgrade essential local assets after being deprived of a competitive, urban community infrastructure program under the former government.”

Graceville Riverside Parklands borders the Brisbane River where the Oxley Creek feeds into it.

Plans for Graceville Parklands were finalised in 2022 as part of Brisbane City Council’s long-term plan for Oxley Creek corridor’s community green space, which included creating the Warril Parkland in Larapinta, and trails and accessibility upgrades in Archerfield Wetlands.

The council’s next local project for the area was Oxley Creek Common, with the lord mayor spruiking the project in late November, alongside upgrades to green space in the inner and bayside suburbs.

Community consultation on Oxley Creek Common – which would repurpose 120 hectares of old farming land and wetland into community parkland – was expected to begin next year.

The $1.4 million awarded by the Commonwealth was expected to add picnic facilities and play space areas, “revitalise the park’s existing infrastructure”, and stabilise habitat along the riverbank.

Concept designs from the Brisbane City Council’s Graceville Parklands precinct plan. Credit: Brisbane City Council

The Oxley Creek region sits in the federal electorate of Moreton, represented by long-standing Labor MP Graham Perrett.

Perrett said he was “thrilled” to see the federal government funding go to the “long called-for” local project.

“This project will create a sanctuary less than half an hour from the bustling city, transforming our beautiful parkland by the river with amenities for all to enjoy,” he said.

The left-faction Labor MP, who has held the seat since 2007 and won by a 9.1 per cent margin in 2022, announced in August that he would retire after his current term.

Federal Labor MP Graham Perrett, from the seat of Moreton on Brisbane’s southside, will not run in next year’s election. Credit: Tony Moore

The party ushered in former Queensland Labor state secretary Julie-Ann Campbell to fill Perrett’s boots, however the Greens have set their sights on the key Labor seat for 2025, announcing local activist Remah Naji as its candidate.

The other five projects within the $11.7 million package included $2.2 million for a village green in Samford Parklands, $2.4 million for upgrades to Kippa-Ring’s Talobilla Park Softball Clubhouse, $3.6 million for a wellness centre in Toogoolawah, north-west of Brisbane, and a combined $1.8 million for projects in Esk and Woodridge.

The fund required submission from local governments and community groups, with the first round having closed in late August 2024.

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