Mount Coot-tha 20-year draft vision proposes quarry parklands

Brisbane City Council has released a draft 20-year vision for Mount Coot-tha. It outlines what could be the mountain's biggest transformation in decades, from near-term upgrades at popular visitor spots to a long-term plan for the working quarry.

The vision was developed by Brisbane Sustainability Agency and draws on more than 4,800 contributions from community and stakeholder engagement. Its approach is to protect natural areas, improve existing attractions and concentrate the larger changes in places that are already developed.

The biggest of those is the 26-hectare quarry, which is still operating. Council says it supplies 96% of the asphalt aggregate used on Brisbane roads and has capacity to keep operating for about another 10 years. The draft proposes starting rehabilitation planning and detailed master planning while the quarry is working, then progressively preparing the site for public use. Its indicative delivery table places the quarry parklands in the final 15 to 20 years of the vision.

Concept illustrations show water-based activities, outdoor adventure, trails, restored habitat and cultural experiences, including an outdoor performance space. The document describes the artists' impressions as highly conceptual and says they do not necessarily represent what will be built. Final uses would depend on rehabilitation requirements, technical studies, environmental constraints, funding and approvals.

Some changes could come much sooner. At the summit, the draft proposes a better arrival plaza, a new accessible amenities building, more shade and seating at the lookout, and improvements to the lawn and café. It also proposes a short accessible scenic trail with elevated sections.

At the Botanic Gardens, priorities include revitalising the Tropical Display Dome and Cacti House, improving entrances and walking connections, and finding a long-term operator for the restaurant and function centre. A children's garden and a treetop walk linking the Australian, African and South American plant collections are also proposed. The Planetarium would get refreshed facilities, exhibits and digital experiences, with more evening programs. The draft retains the Botanic Gardens 2018 master plan, and mountain bike improvements would continue work guided by a 2023 concept plan.

Across the reserve, the draft proposes clearer trail signs, better accessibility, renewed picnic facilities and more nature play, including at JC Slaughter Falls, Simpson Falls and Gap Creek.

To help people move between sites, the draft suggests an arrival hub between the gardens and the future quarry parklands. It would combine parking, visitor information, public transport and shuttle connections. It also proposes investigating low-emission shuttles, bike-carrying services and one-way sections of Sir Samuel Griffith Drive to separate cyclists from traffic.

Some of Mount Coot-tha's television properties were recently put on the market. The draft explores reusing existing buildings and developed footprints for cultural, educational, recreational or tourism purposes if those sites become available. Council does not control those properties, and any change would need separate agreements and approvals. The Lord Mayor has ruled out ziplines, a cable car and private residential housing.

The draft expects funding to come from a mix of council investment, government grants, philanthropy, sponsorship and private proposals, and it does not set out a fully funded construction program. Council opposition leader Jared Cassidy criticised the announcement as another shopping list of visions with no plan. He argued council should prioritise existing infrastructure, congestion, housing and homelessness. Council's project page lists earlier budget funding for planning and design of the Tropical Dome upgrade and new shelters at the Brush Box picnic area.

Public feedback on the draft is open until 30 November, and the final vision is expected in mid-2027.