Position StatementS

“Protect the Bush Alliance (PTBA) is an alliance of over twenty environmental groups. We actively advocate for the protection of areas of high conservation value and areas considered significant to communities from land clearing, mining and other activities which degrade the landscape. We facilitate the collection of biodiversity data in properties of interest, contributing to an improved understanding of the importance of biodiversity and other environmental values.

Despite considerable data on the birdlife present in the park (Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens) during the day, we have inadequate information about birds roosting or feeding in the park at night, as the gardens are not open after dark.

It is not possible to predict impact on fauna without knowing which species use the (Mt Coot-tha Botanic) gardens at any time during the day/night cycle. Nocturnal fauna surveys must be undertaken, preferably over several seasons.”

"Brisbane Botanical Gardens at Mt Coot-tha is a very important part of Brisbane’s precious green space. The Gardens have been nurtured by generations of volunteers for the enjoyment of the people of Brisbane. As such it is an inappropriate location for any commercial developments, especially an intrusive one such as the Lumina project. The Lumina project will negatively impact the flora and fauna that rely on the Gardens and the surrounding forest. The adverse impacts of such light and sound shows on nocturnal animals and birds as well as insects is well documented."

"The development application put to Brisbane City Council by Light Dreaming suggests the total light flux to be produced by the lighting fixtures across the entire Lumina Walk Mt Coot-tha may be approximately 2,248,000 lumens.  This a lighting equivalent of approximately 5.6 to 7.5 centre-court professional tennis stadiums in simultaneous operation, for 150 nights each year, within the Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens." 

"The position of the FBBGSA is that the proposal does not support, nor fulfil, the principles of a botanic garden. The project, like the ‘Zip Line’  is another attempt to further commercialise the gardens. These attempts of commercialisation appear to be pushing a paradigm shift to promote transformative societal change that directly affects the principles of botanic gardens. 

The proposal threatens to undermine the botanic garden's distinctive and invaluable position as a scientific resource that benefits Brisbane. Its purpose is not as a night-time playground for tourists. 

The gardens are a sensitive and peaceful environment that already provides environmental awareness and a broad selection of activities for community engagement.  We do not need glitzy laser shows for tourists at the expense of the gardens, its flora, fauna and the greater Brisbane community." 

(See also the FBBGSA submission to Council here)

"The Queensland Greens oppose the proposed Lumina light show at the

Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens. We have concerns surrounding the environmental impact of the show, the impact on local residents, the lack of an open tender process and the commercialisation of public space. We’re also concerned that there has been very minimal community consultation for such a significant and ongoing proposal that has long-term consequences for the local community.

We believe this project demonstrates what we’ve long known about the LNP Council, that they’ll sell off our public land to the highest bidder."
 

Seal Chong Wah, Candidate for Paddington,
Michaela Sargent, Candidate for Walter Taylor & Charles Druckmann, Candidate for Pullenvale

“Our sitting Labor Councillors and I are deeply concerned about the LNP Council’s plan to lock the public out of the Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens for what could be up to 200 nights a year (for at least the next five years). Not to mention the impact on the native wildlife and rare plants that call our beloved Botanic Gardens home.

It’s disappointing for the community that the current LNP Council used their majority to push this contract through, ignoring residents’ concerns and commercialising yet another one of Brisbane’s iconic public spaces. I am personally very opposed to the Lumina contract and, if elected, I will do everything I can to stop it from proceeding.

Labor has a strong plan to protect Brisbane’s public spaces and stop the rampant over-commercialisation we’ve seen under the LNP, which we’re proud to be taking to the people of Brisbane at the March BCC election." 

Sún Etheridge - Labor for Paddington
Rebecca Hack - Labor For Walter Taylor & Roberta Albrecht - Labor for Pullenvale