Future Brisbane: Urban transformation will be a positive 2032 legacy
We have a rare chance to set a new standard in Australia for how cities and regions grow and maintain vibrancy, writes Walker Corporation’s Peter Saba.
There’s a passionate shout of ‘Queenslander’ echoing around Australia, getting louder and prouder, because from the Gold Coast to Brisbane and up to the Sunshine Coast, it’s booming.
This eastern seaboard stretch is shaping into one of the most exciting economic powerhouse regions in the country with a rapid growth in population, major investment in infrastructure, and the fast-approaching 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon.
This article is part of The Courier-Mail’s annual Future Brisbane series that advocates for a better city and region. Read all the stories in the series here.
Future Brisbane is a Courier-Mail advocacy series supported by TechnologyOne, Brisbane Airport, The University of Queensland, Brisbane City Council, NBN, ANZ, Walker Corporation, RACQ, Carnival, Port of Brisbane, Suntory and Transurban.
The pace at which this is all occurring is naturally presenting challenges but turning these into opportunities will ensure the communities and precincts delivered reflect the vast culture, needs, and aspirations of Queenslanders – now and into the future.
Getting legacy right is all about getting placemaking right. For over 60 years Walker have been turning spaces into places people love.
A great precinct isn’t just defined by its tallest tower, the number of apartments available, or the open space it occupies. It’s expressed in the way all the elements of place come together. It’s articulated by the way people live and thrive in these spaces every day. The best ones combine all the essentials, with high quality workplaces, homes, shops, green space, and great transport connections, into a place that always feels alive.
When you can grab a coffee and breakfast on the way to work, exercise in the park at lunch, take the family out to dinner or meet friends at the bar, all without leaving your neighbourhood, that’s when a precinct succeeds.
When a region is connected by fast reliable transport, that’s a precinct done well. It’s about creating lifestyle, not just real estate. It’s a place that is safe, inclusive, and practical for everyday life.
Done right, placemaking creates a ripple effect. It attracts employers, it brings in visitors, and it gives locals a sense of pride. That kind of energy builds momentum across a region, and South East Queensland has all the enviable lifestyle ingredients to make it world-class. With beaches, climate and culture on the doorstep, you’ve got an edge which many global cities can’t compare.
Of course, big ideas need practical delivery. That’s why partnerships between the corporate sector and the government matter so much. Government can set the vision and provide enabling infrastructure, while the corporate sector brings capital and expertise to make it happen.
Working together means projects get off the ground faster, budgets are kept in check, and deadlines are met. More importantly, collaboration builds confidence for investors, communities and the people who will live and work in these precincts for decades to come.
On the Sunshine Coast, Walker is working closely with the Crisafulli Government and Sunshine Coast Council to deliver the Sunshine Coast Arena and Athletes Village in the heart of the Maroochydore City Centre. With billions of dollars already being invested, Walker’s placemaking and urban transformation experience will ensure the region capitalises on its 2032 Games legacy.
We’ve seen time and again that when we invest in smart, well-planned places, the benefits go far beyond the buildings themselves. South East Queensland has a rare chance to set a new standard for how cities grow – sustainable, connected, and vibrant. If we lean into placemaking now, this powerhouse region won’t just keep pace with growth. It will lead Australia in showing what’s possible when vision and delivery come together.
Peter Saba is Group Executive of Development at Walker Corporation
