Singapore’s iconic Garden’s by the Bay is among the international inspirations for a re-imagined Mount Coot-tha.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Andrian Schrinner has commissioned the Brisbane Sustainability Agency to develop a master plan for the area, which will look at transforming the Mount Coot-tha Quarry, improving the summit lookout, introducing a new night-time light show in the Botanic Gardens and revitalising the Planetarium and Tropical Dome.
Lord Mayor Schrinner said there would be range of eco-tourism destinations and attractions investigated, including a 170-kilometre wilderness walking trail with overnight huts and glamping.
“The master plan will develop a long-term strategy to protect Mount Coot-tha’s valuable native areas while exploring opportunities to enhance the precinct’s existing attractions, including the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and Summit lookout.
“The master plan will draw inspiration from other award-winning nature and park precincts, including Kings Park in Western Australia, Butchart Gardens in British Columbia and Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.”
He said said the Brisbane Sustainability Agency, which was already responsible for transforming Oxley Creek into a popular lifestyle and leisure destination, would explore:
- A long-term master plan for transforming the Mount Coot-tha Quarry.
- Improvement to the Mt Coot-tha Summit lookout.
- Introducing a new night-time light show in the Mount Coot-tha Botanic Gardens.
- Reimagining and revitalising the Planetarium and Tropical Dome.
- Tree planting and revegetation across the precinct to support wildlife and provide shade.
- Establish a Brisbane Wilderness Trail to connect Mt Coot-tha to Mount Archer.
- Sustainable nature retreat, including eco-tourism glamping.
- Reconfiguring Sir Samuel Griffith Drive to a one-way loop road, reserving a lane for cyclists.
- New and improved picnic areas, including pop-up cafes.
- Mountain bike skills development track.
- Accessible tree-top walk at The Summit
Lord Mayor Schrinner said a Brisbane Wilderness Trail was a Suburban Futures concept and could boost local tourism with hiking and mountain bike trails potentially spanning 170 kilometres.
“Opportunities include delivering more resting points, such as bush huts and camping sites, composting toilets and wayfinding.
“Similar trail concepts have been delivered in Cradle Mountain, Tasmania and the West Coast Wilderness Trail New Zealand.”
He said said Council recently investigated the future of Mount Coot-tha Quarry and found it could continue for another decade due to increasing use of recycled material in road base.
“The quarry has been operating since the mid-1890s and still supplies 96 percent of asphalt aggregate for Brisbane roads.”
Lord Mayor Schrinner said recent consultation with more than 670 residents on the future of the Mt Coot-tha Quarry revealed support for enhancing the natural environment, new tourism attractions, outdoor activities, venues and off-road cycling opportunities across the precinct.
“One of the real jewels in the crown is Mount Coot-tha, but it can be even better by 2032 and beyond.
“Brisbane is riding a wave of international popularity as a tourism destination and with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games coming, now is the time to start planning more to see and do in our city.”
International inspirations
Kings Park, Western Australia
- A long-term collaboration with more than 17 industry partners.
- Features include:
o Aerial walkways
o Wading waterhole
o Climbing structures
o Nature play and education precinct
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
- Delivered through government funding, self-generated revenue and corporate sponsorships.
- Features include:
o 50-metre vertical gardens
o Flower dome
o Aerial walkways
o 4D ride experiences
o Indoor waterfalls
o Water play spaces and interactive fun zones
Butchart Gardens, British Columbia Canada
- Former limestone quarry.
- Features include:
o 55-acres of display gardens, including the “sunken garden” within the former quarry
o Seasonal events, night illuminations, concerts and fireworks
o Large fountain which is lit at night
o Restaurants and gift shops
