‘South Bank 2.0’ was called a white elephant. The new plan has its critics too

Plans for a new South Bank-style parkland around the river bend in South Brisbane have been scrapped, with the land now earmarked for thousands of new apartments as part of a “mixed-use” precinct.

The Queensland government is seeking input from developers, and believes the 7.1-hectare Visy site on Montague Road could host more than 4000 homes, as well as parks, entertainment spaces and riverfront promenades.

The announcement on Friday drew a strong backlash from the area’s Brisbane City Council representative, Trina Massey, of the Greens.

“This isn’t revitalisation, it’s a blatant act of privatisation at the expense of local communities,” she said in an afternoon statement.

“Every time we privatise public land, we lose the chance to create genuine affordability and long-term housing security.

“I’ve been consulting with residents … they want parkland, outdoor sporting fields, schools, and community facilities like libraries, halls, and creative spaces. The LNP wouldn’t know because they don’t speak to people, only to their developer mates.”

The former Labor government had chosen the block as a temporary broadcast centre for the 2032 Olympics. There were plans for it to then be converted into a “South Bank 2.0” parkland after the Games.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner was a supporter at the time.

“For a decade and more, people have talked about South Bank being extended along this part of our river, and I am so pleased we’re now moving forward to make those dreams become a reality,” he said in 2021.

In a Friday afternoon media release, Schrinner said the new proposal would best serve the city.

“Our plan means we’re able to deliver new homes in an area where more people want to live, while protecting the character of Brisbane’s suburbs,” he said.

Earlier this year the government confirmed it would no longer use the land for the Olympic broadcast centre, following the findings of its 100-Day Review.

The block – which is one of the last undeveloped riverfront sites in Brisbane – was bought by the Labor government in mid-2022 for $165 million.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the new plan would help support housing supply and deliver a legacy project for Brisbane.

“Labor’s plan for the Visy site was to waste more taxpayer money on yet another white elephant project that didn’t stack up and delivered no new homes for Queenslanders,” he said.

“Instead of yet another Steven Miles wasteful white elephant vanity project, [we] will partner with the private sector to reverse Labor’s housing crisis while delivering a new world-class precinct for the city.”

The premier echoed those views.

“We’re unlocking one of the last golden stretches of riverfront to create a world-class legacy precinct that all Queenslanders can be proud of,” he said.

“This is a once-in-a-generation moment to reshape Brisbane’s inner city and deliver lasting benefits.”

Developers are being asked to submit proposals with the government. Construction could begin as soon as 2027.

South Brisbane is on track to completely transform the city skyline in coming years, with multiple developments – including the largest tower outside the CBD – already approved under new height limits

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