Council unveils four finalists for Brisbane’s new floral emblem

The red poinsettia has been the River City’s sole floral emblem for almost a century, but Brisbane City Council has decided it needs a buddy in the official bunch, short-listing four candidates. VOTE IN OUR POLL

The red poinsettia – Brisbane's current sole floral emblem.

Four native blooms have made the final cut as contenders to be Brisbane’s new official flower, with Council throwing open the final decision to a residents vote.

HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR POLL BELOW

The red poinsettia has been the River City’s sole floral emblem for almost a century, but Brisbane City Council decided in March that it needed a buddy in the bunch.

The finalists for Brisbane's new floral emblem. Photo: Brisbane City Council.

After almost 900 community submissions during the first part of the consultation process, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner unveiled the final shortlist.

The finalists are: Brisbane Wattle (Acacia fimbriata), Brisbane Lily (Proiphys cunninghamii), Firewheel Tree (Stenocarpus sinuatus), and Dwarf Silky Oak (Grevillea banksii).

Floral emblems symbolise the city’s identity and connect residents. Cr Schrinner said the new emblem will add to Brisbane’s identity for interstate and overseas visitors.

“Brisbane is a green and sustainable city surrounded by natural beauty and bursting with native flora and fauna, so narrowing down a shortlist was very difficult,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Brisbane is already hosting international events that garner thousands of visitors and put our city on show for the world to see.

“As we prepare for the impact of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Brisbane, any symbol that represents our city will be showcased on a world stage, so there’s never been a more important time to stop and smell the native blooms in our own backyard.”

Voting opened on Tuesday through the Council website and closes on September 12.

The winner and Brisbane’s new floral emblem is expected to be announced later this year.