Myth: Victoria Park is Vacant Land, so it’s Ripe for Development

A prevalent myth around the stadium debate is that Victoria Park / Barrambin is “vacant land” which is “ripe for development.” This myth is not only insulting to a beloved heritage listed park, but it also could not be further from the truth. Let’s look at why -

1. Victoria Park Is Not “Vacant Land”

Victoria Park / Barrambin is far from vacant, it is an actively used public park, cherished by the community for recreation, relaxation, and connection with nature. Labeling it as “vacant” dismisses its value and purpose as Brisbane’s largest inner-city green space. It is not idle land waiting for development; it is land already serving vital ecological, cultural, and social roles.

2. Parks Are Vital Urban Infrastructure

Victoria Park is not an underutilised parcel of land, it is urban infrastructure, as essential as roads, schools, and hospitals. Parks provide cooling, flood management, improved air quality, and spaces for mental and physical well-being. Development would strip Brisbane of these critical functions, leaving the city less liveable.

3. Cultural and Historical Significance

Victoria Park / Barrambin is culturally significant to the Jagera and Turrbal peoples, serving as a gathering place for thousands of years. It also holds historical importance as part of Brisbane’s heritage. Disregarding this history by labeling it as “ripe for development” is disrespectful to both First Nations and broader community heritage.

4. Development Destroys Irreplaceable Ecosystems

Victoria Park is home to over 60+ species of birds and numerous native mammals, reptiles, and pollinators. Developing this land for a stadium would irreversibly destroy these ecosystems, replacing trees and grass with concrete and bitumen, and increasing the urban heat island effect in Brisbane.

5. Brisbane Already Has Too Little Inner-City Green Space

Brisbane’s per capita inner-city green space is among the lowest of any Australian capital city. Removing or reducing Victoria Park would exacerbate this problem, making Brisbane less liveable as the population grows.

6. Development in the Park Is a Short-Sighted Solution

Building a stadium in Victoria Park may seem convenient, but it prioritises short-term economic interests over the long-term health, sustainability, and livability of Brisbane. Once green space is lost to development, it cannot be restored.

Victoria Park / Barrambin is not a blank slate or unused land, it is a vibrant, valued public space that plays an essential role in Brisbane’s ecological, cultural, and social fabric. To call it “vacant” undermines its true importance and dismisses the long-term consequences of replacing it with development. Protecting this park is a stand for the future livability of Brisbane.