The state v council stoush over an undelivered pocket park
Sydney Morning Herald
by Felicity CaldwellFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The state and local government have been embroiled in a long-standing dispute over a prime piece of land in Brisbane’s cultural precinct, which was initially promised as a new pocket park but has instead become a car park for railway workers. The site at 125 Grey Street was part of plans to transform the area around the South Brisbane train station into a vibrant public space, complete with greenery and pedestrian-friendly pathways. However, four years after these initial promises, the area remains largely underwhelming—a patch of overgrown grass and parking spaces for Queensland Rail employees.
The conflict began when the state government opposed the Brisbane City Council’s plans to build an underground Metro station at the intersection of Grey and Melbourne streets. Instead, the state favored moving the station further along the busway near the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. This decision significantly altered the vision for the site, leading to a series of delays and changes in development plans. While there were一度 hopes of creating a pocket park, these were dashed when the state government retracted its agreement to transfer the land to the council in 2023.
The situation highlights broader issues of political squabbles over public spaces and their impact on urban planning. The failed delivery of the pocket park has left residents and visitors with limited green space in a bustling city center, despite promises of improved amenities. This争议 underscores the challenges of balancing competing interests between levels of government and the importance of securing public land for community use. For readers interested in urban development and governance, this story sheds light on how political disputes can stall progress and undermine public expectations.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/23/2026