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The proposed construction of Brisbane Arena at the Roma Street Parkland has drawn strong opposition from residents and community groups who argue the project threatens one of Brisbane’s most cherished green spaces.

Read: Olympic Plans Reimagined: Brisbane Arena Plans Overhauled After Review

Concerns Over Green Space and Community Impact

Roma Street Parkland, a 16-hectare inner-city sanctuary praised for its natural beauty and community facilities, is at the centre of a growing debate over its future. Residents and advocacy groups claim the planned 17,000-seat arena will irreversibly harm the parkland’s environment and usability. While originally proposed to be built over railway tracks, a revised plan moved the site to the northern corner of the park, near the Normanby five-ways.

Local groups, including the Protect Roma Street Parkland committee, have submitted formal objections, highlighting risks to established trees, rare urban rainforest areas, and community amenities. Detailed analysis within their submission notes the potential loss of over 1,200 mature trees, disruption of carefully designed ecosystems, and fragmentation of the park by walkways and new infrastructure such as lifts and escalators. The maintenance depot for park operations would also need to be relocated, a move residents argue will disrupt essential upkeep.

Committee spokesperson Ross Beames described the project as rushed and lacking proper community consultation, arguing it overlooks environmental and community risks. Many residents and visitors were unaware of the proposal until shown renderings, at which point they expressed strong opposition in surveys and petitions. The proposal’s visual impact, particularly on nearby residential buildings, and the shadowing of key park areas were highlighted as unacceptable changes.

Alternative Proposals Suggested

Opponents of the arena have put forward several alternative sites for consideration, including Victoria Park, Hamilton, and the Gabba. The committee supports returning to the original proposal of building above railway tracks or constructing an arena adjacent to Woolloongabba’s Cross River Rail station. They argue these locations offer better transport connectivity and fewer community disruptions.

The submission also criticises the cost and constructability challenges of the Roma Street location. For example, the proposed site’s triangular shape, surrounded by rail lines and residential roads, presents logistical hurdles for construction access and operation. Additionally, the estimated cost of $2.5 billion for the project would result in one of the highest per-seat expenses for an arena globally, exceeding comparable venues like the proposed Gold Coast Arena.

Petition and Community Response

Meanwhile, a petition led by community member David Meredith has garnered over 2,100 signatures, urging Queensland to relocate the arena. The petition stresses that the parkland’s unique design and role as a host for over 200 annual events would be jeopardised by the construction. It also raises concerns about traffic congestion, loss of carparks, and the shadowing of mature trees by large structures.

Park visitors surveyed by local residents overwhelmingly opposed the project when informed of its details. Many had previously believed the arena would be built at the original Brisbane Live site and expressed shock at the new plan’s potential impact on the park.

Read: Suncorp Stadium Lags Behind as Brisbane Pushes for New Stadium to Attract Top Acts

The petitioners requested that officials revert to earlier development plans under the 2021 Cross River Rail Priority Development Area guidelines. They also urged decision-makers to consider the broader social, economic, and environmental benefits of maintaining Roma Street Parkland as a fully functional green space.

The 100-day review of Brisbane’s Olympic infrastructure is underway.

Published 14-January-2025