Relocate Brisbane Arena to protect Roma Street Parkland

Eligibility - Queensland citizens
Principal Petitioner:
David Meredith
PO Box 145
PADDINGTON QLD 4064
Total Signatures - 2,107
Sponsoring Member: The Clerk of the Parliament
Posting Date: 10/9/2024
Closing Date: 17/11/2024
Tabled Date: 28/11/2024
Responded By: Hon Jarrod Bleijie MP on 16/12/2024
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland citizens draws to the attention of the House:

  • The creation of Roma Street Parkland (RSP) on 16-hectares encompassing Albert Park and disused railway yards in an integrated design, gave Queensland a world recognised parkland including the popular Spectacle Garden and amphitheatre.
  • After community consultation, Cross River Rail PDA 2021 (PDA) reduced RSP to 11-hectares but planned two extra hectares useable parkland, multi-level housing and public parking
  • The Quirk Report - Government accepted - recommended a 17,000 seat Brisbane Arena, built within original RSP conflicting with PDA
  • The Premier's proposal (rendering released Weekend Australian 3/8/24) severely impacts use of RSP by all Queenslanders because it will–
    • Make RSP as entrance/congregating area for up to 17,000 people 70+ times a year affecting access by the community
    • Require massive walkways cutting RSP in two, destroying the original design, removing established trees/facilities, destroying rare urban rainforest and impacting flora/fauna  
    • Limit ability of RSP to host 200+ yearly public/private events -festivals, weddings, children’s activities, Enchanted Garden
    • Remove the maintenance depot which allowed RSP to earn it 11 consecutive internationally recognised Green Flag awards
    • Worsen traffic congestion on major arterial roads
    • Create structures dwarfing RSP and shadowing already mature trees
    • Remove 130 carparks and the Normanby bike-path joining the CBD to northern suburbs.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to urge the Government to:

  • Relocate the Brisbane Arena
  • Revert to PDA
  • Retain on-site maintenance depot
  • Develop/maintain the viability of RSP as a social, economic and environmental asset in perpetuity.