Brisbane Parklife organisers have come under fire for alleged negative impacts on the Botanic Gardens’ grounds caused by the hordes of trampling festival goers.
Saturday saw 26,000 Brisbane punters hit the City Botanic Gardens despite adverse conditions (i.e. deluge / bumper day for poncho sellers). Local residents have complained about the alleged damage that such an event can cause to the plant life and heritage-listed parkland grounds, as well as impacting the wildlife inhabitants of the area. Parklife according to the Brisbane City Council, is an event that adds $2.5 million into the local economy and provides jobs for more than 800 staff.
In past years I have attended Parklife (and other major events) held at the Botanic Gardens only open grass areas and the Riverstage are used – most of the vegetation gets protected by high temporary fencing and barricading, so it’s clear that operationally the festival crew do what they can to avoid screwing up the park life.
The main issue that residents have complained about is damage to the parklands and misuse of a public space. One complainant, Mary Crawford, spoke to the Brisbane Times about her objections saying, “We can’t understand how politicians can allow this misuse of such a valuable asset, especially as Brisbane has so little open space.” She said “we’ve written letters and phoned and others have sent a petition about the damage, broken branches and the utter mess but the council just says there’s not a problem.”
Complainants have also offered alternative venues that would make a more appropriate festival site – including the RNA Showgrounds, the site where Livid used to be held to great success.
Interestingly, the Brisbane Times article noted that Crawford lives across the road from the venue. You can’t help but speculate whether Mary might have another agenda aside from damage to the grounds – such as shirtless bro’s en masse in her ‘hood or “Parlez Vous Francais” being amplified at great volume?
A Brisbane City Council spokesperson addressed the claims saying the number of festivals held annually at the Gardens is restricted to four and that “the hire contract includes a provision for any refurbishment of the river stage and gardens as a result of any damage or general wear and tear from the event at no cost to ratepayers.”
Although there is inevitably damage made to public venues where events such as Parklife are held – including the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens and Sydney’s Centennial Park among others, one could argue that it is positive for such sites to be promoted and utilised to locals – particularly the youth demographic – through these events.
We want to hear your thoughts:
Public venues: Precious spaces that should be protected from Festivals or great sites that local councils should utilise for events?
Brisbane festival attendees: what are your thoughts on the Botanic Gardens as a venue – have you witnessed any damage to the site? Can you suggest alternative sites?
