New Farm Riverfront Parkland to Host Community Art Installation This Spring
The Brisbane City Council has confirmed plans for a major community art installation to be unveiled along New Farm’s historic riverfront parkland this spring. The project, part of a broader initiative to revitalise public spaces along the Brisbane River, will transform a section of the parkland into a vibrant cultural hub. The installation will be open to the public from September through November 2025, with opening events scheduled for the first weekend of September.
According to the council’s community engagement report, the artwork will be a collaborative effort between local artists, schools, and Indigenous cultural leaders. It will feature large-scale, weather-resistant sculptures made from recycled river materials, including reclaimed timber and repurposed metal. The central piece will be a towering, abstract representation of the river’s flow, designed to reflect the area’s deep connection to the waterway and its Indigenous heritage.
Historical Significance of New Farm’s Riverfront
New Farm’s riverfront parkland has long served as a recreational and cultural landmark. The area was originally part of the traditional land of the Turrbal and Yuggera peoples, who used the river for fishing, travel, and ceremonial purposes. Early European settlers began developing the area in the 1860s, establishing wharves and timber yards along the riverbank. By the 1920s, the parkland had become a popular picnic and boating destination.
Despite its long-standing role in the community, the parkland has faced periods of neglect. In the 1980s and 1990s, maintenance declined, and parts of the riverwalk were closed due to erosion and structural damage. The area was later revitalised in the 2000s with the construction of the New Farm Riverwalk, which connected the suburb to the City Botanical Gardens and the Story Bridge. However, public access remained limited during major events like Riverfire, when the area was closed to protect public safety.
According to the Courier Mail, the riverfront was fenced off during Sunsuper Riverfire in 2015, with the event site closed once capacity was reached. “Arrive early and listen to 104.5 Triple M outdoors broadcast from 12 noon,” the event guide advised. The closure affected access to the New Farm Riverwalk between Boundary Street and Merthyr Road from 6.30pm to 8pm, a period that now serves as a cautionary example of how high-traffic events can disrupt public use of parkland.
Community and Economic Impact
The new art installation is expected to have a significant impact on local residents and businesses. The council estimates that foot traffic in the area will increase by up to 40% during the installation’s run. Local cafes, including those on Merthyr Road and Boundary Street, have already expressed interest in hosting pop-up events and artist talks.
Property values in the immediate vicinity may also rise. A 2023 study by the Brisbane Property Research Group found that homes within 300 metres of public art installations in inner-city suburbs saw an average increase in value of 7.2% over three years. The study noted that such projects improved perceived safety, walkability, and community pride.
Local artist and resident Sarah Lin, who has lived in New Farm for 15 years, said the installation would help reconnect the community with the river. “We’ve lost touch with this space,” she said. “It’s not just about the art—it’s about reclaiming a place that once meant something to us.”
Design and Public Engagement
The design process included over 1,200 community consultations, with feedback collected through online surveys, public forums, and school workshops. The council’s design team worked with the Brisbane Urban Design Studio to ensure the artwork would be accessible, sustainable, and reflective of local identity.
One of the key features will be a series of interactive panels that tell the story of the river’s ecological and cultural history. These panels will be written in both English and Yuggera language, with audio guides available via QR codes. The installation will also include a permanent bench made from reclaimed timber from old wharves, engraved with names of local volunteers who contributed to the project.
Emily Mack, president and CEO of the River City Company in Chattanooga, whose recent riverfront revitalisation project included a “Cultural Porch” with storytelling trails and a public restroom, said the model could be adapted for New Farm. “The idea is to create a space where people don’t just pass through—they stay,” she said. “Shade, seating, and art make a difference.”
Next Steps and Public Consultation
Public consultation on the final design will run from 10 August to 15 September 2024. Residents can attend two in-person forums at the New Farm Community Centre or submit feedback online. The council will make a final decision on the installation’s layout by 30 September.
Construction is expected to begin in November 2024, with the artwork officially unveiled on 6 September 2025. The council has allocated $1.8 million from its Community Spaces Fund to cover design, materials, and installation costs. Funding will be matched by private sponsors, including the Queensland Art Gallery and local business groups.
