‘Let’s have a look’: Crisafulli undecided on culture centre proposal

An upcoming Queensland tourism strategy is likely to decide the fate of Brisbane’s long-promised First Nations cultural centre.

While the state LNP government has promised to revitalise Queensland’s tourism offering, successive governments have failed to progress the centre, which has long been flagged for South Brisbane.

That is despite repeated calls by tourism stakeholders and even Brisbane Olympic boss Andrew Liveris for Queensland to do more to promote its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history to international visitors.

A 2004 design for an understated First Nations cultural centre at Musgrave Park.Credit: Richard Kirk Architects

On Friday, Premier David Crisafulli agreed more should be made of the state’s First Nations culture and heritage.

“We as Australians, but particularly Queenslanders, have an amazing story to tell,” he said.

But Crisafulli would not be drawn on the prospect of a Brisbane centrepiece, saying the government was consulting on a new tourism strategy that would determine “whether or not the idea of a cultural centre is an important part of that mix”.

“Let’s have a look,” he told reporters in Brisbane, without being drawn on the merits of the proposal.

The centre, which some have suggested might be housed in a landmark building, had been earmarked for either South Bank or nearby Musgrave Park.

Brisbane winning the right to host the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games fuelled calls for First Nations culture to be highlighted and promoted to tourists.

But there has never been an agreement between governments and traditional owners for such a centre to be built at South Brisbane, let alone a budget, approved architectural plans or a construction schedule.

The government is consulting on a Destination 2045 tourism strategy, and in December released a discussion paper highlighting “increased interest in ethical and sustainable tourism options and the opportunity to engage in authentic First Nations cultural experiences”.

Crisafulli indicated a priority would be First Nations involvement in ecotourism opportunities.

“The current real shortage is in those experiences making the most of our natural environment,” he said.

The premier’s comments came after the government revisited plans for a Gold Coast cableway and promoted nature-based development opportunities.

The government also caused controversy when it shut down the Truth Telling and Healing Inquiry, which Crisafulli had described as divisive and not in keeping with the outcome of the Voice referendum.

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