Residents of Milton are being encouraged to attend the Sustainable BNE Festival at Roma Street Parkland, offering a free community event focused on practical ways to live more sustainably.
Sustainability in Action Returns to Roma Street Parkland
Milton residents can once again look forward to Brisbane’s leading eco-living event as the Sustainable BNE Festival makes its annual return Sunday, 25 May 2025. Formerly known as the Green Heart Fair, the festival will take place at Roma Street Parkland and aims to inspire individuals and families to adopt more sustainable lifestyles through engaging activities and expert-led sessions.
Origins and Purpose of the Festival
Launched by BCC in 2009 as the Green Heart Fair, the festival was rebranded to the Sustainable BNE Festival and is now delivered in partnership with Brisbane Sustainability Agency. It remains the city’s largest sustainability event, designed to demonstrate low-emission, circular living practices and foster a resilient community.
The festival reflects Brisbane’s wider environmental goals by focusing on three long-term outcomes: restoring natural environments, demonstrating sustainability in everyday life, and building climate resilience.
Activities and Zones Across the Parkland
The event will feature several themed areas tailored to different sustainability topics and community interests. Highlights include:
- BCC Zone – free native plants and tips on waterway health
- Healthy Cities Zone – yoga, silent discos, coffee incentives, and urban gardening
- Green Home Living Zone – composting, solar energy, and low-waste living
- Preserve Every Drop Zone – water-saving advice and resources
- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Zone – waste reduction with OzHarvest and more
- Eco Kids’ Zone – nature-based crafts, games, and painting
- Move for Less Zone – e-bike trials and electric vehicle education
- Sustainable Shopping Zone – preloved fashion and handmade local goods
- Feast Street – food trucks offering compostable serveware and diverse cuisines
- Resilient Home Zone – flood-resilient building tips
- Community Corner – showcasing local sustainability initiatives
- Everground by QUT – art installations by university students
- Green Heart Ranger – crafts and hands-on sustainability activities
Environmental Commitment and Waste Reduction
The event is designed as a zero-waste festival. Measures include:
- No sale of single-use plastic water bottles
- Water refill stations and reusable cup incentives
- A mug library for those without reusable coffee cups
- Dedicated waste stations with general, recycling, and organic bins
- Volunteers acting as Waste Warriors to guide proper disposal
- Repurposed and second-hand furniture for event use
- Sustainable practices adopted by all food vendors
Access and Amenities
Entry to the festival is free. All workshops and activities are included. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and is open to all ages. Attendees are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport. Facilities will include accessible paths, toilets, ATM access, first aid services, and hydration stations. Dogs are allowed on leads. Designated water areas will be provided.
Community Participation Opportunities
Milton residents can also get involved as volunteers or exhibitors. Applications remain open for individuals and organisations interested in contributing to the festival’s delivery. The event is managed by the Brisbane Sustainability Agency on behalf of BCC.
Published 11-Apr-2025