Myth: We Don’t Need Victoria Park as Brisbane Already Has Other ‘Big’ Green Spaces Like Roma St & Botanic Gardens
Another common myth is that it is not important to keep Victoria Park / Barrambin in tact as Brisbane already has other ‘big’ green spaces like Roma Street Parklands and the Botanic Garden. Statements like this are misleading, and here’s why -
1. Victoria Park is Brisbane’s Largest Inner-City Green Space
At 64 hectares, Victoria Park is significantly larger than Roma Street Parklands (16 hectares) and the City Botanic Gardens (20 hectares). Its scale allows for a wider range of activities, ecological benefits, and community uses that smaller parks cannot provide. Losing even part of it would diminish the diversity of green space options in Brisbane’s inner city.
2. Each Green Space Serves a Different Purpose
Roma Street Parklands is a beautifully manicured space, ideal for events and horticultural displays, but its compact size limits large-scale community activities.
The City Botanic Gardens is a historic and serene space, but it functions more as a curated garden, with limited open areas for recreation.
Victoria Park offers natural, open parkland for picnics, cycling, sports, and unstructured recreation, making it irreplaceable in terms of versatility.
3. Brisbane Already Lacks Green Space Per Capita
Brisbane has one of the lowest ratios of inner-city green space per capita among Australian capitals. Compared to cities like Sydney and Melbourne, Brisbane’s residents already have fewer green spaces to enjoy. Removing or reducing Victoria Park would worsen this disparity and negatively impact liveability as the city grows.
4. Victoria Park Fills a Unique Ecological Role
Victoria Park is home to over 60 species of birds and numerous native mammals, reptiles, and insects. It also acts as a vital green corridor, supporting biodiversity and cooling the urban environment. Smaller, heavily landscaped parks like Roma Street and the Botanic Gardens cannot replicate these ecological benefits.
5. Parks Are Essential for Brisbane’s Growing Population
As Brisbane’s population increases, so does the demand for accessible green spaces. Victoria Park serves as a critical community asset for nearby schools, universities, hospitals, and residents. Shrinking it would reduce opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and connection with nature in an already crowded city.
6. Brisbane’s Green Spaces Are Not Interchangeable
Each park has a distinct history, character, and function. Victoria Park’s open spaces, cultural significance, and natural features make it uniquely valuable. Suggesting that one park can “replace” another ignores the important role each plays in Brisbane’s urban fabric.
7. The Need for Resilience and Future Planning
As Brisbane grows and faces challenges like urban heat and extreme weather, green spaces like Victoria Park are essential for cooling the city, managing stormwater, and improving air quality. Losing any part of it would compromise Brisbane’s ability to remain a liveable city in the future.
While Roma Street Parklands and the City Botanic Gardens are wonderful assets, they cannot match the scale, versatility, and ecological value of Victoria Park / Barrambin. Brisbane needs all its green spaces - not fewer - to remain vibrant, liveable, and sustainable. Protecting Victoria Park isn’t just about today; it’s about ensuring future generations can enjoy a greener, healthier city.
