Brisbane Labor has called for common sense to prevail and transform King George Square from a ‘frying pan’ back into the ‘people’s oasis’ in the city centre.
Labor Lord Mayoral candidate, Tracey Price, visited King George Square during this week’s heat wave to discover a shocking 70 degree temperature read on the concrete in the peoples square.
“Some people in Brisbane will remember when King George Square was a fantastic meeting place. We had trees, we had grass, we had water features”.
“Now, it’s a hot, grey, barren slab of concrete”.
The $28-million redesign which opened in 2009 saw grass and water fountains swapped out for an expanse of dark grey concrete and a commercial restaurant space. In review, these design choices are more aligned with hostile architecture and restricting use of the space than the inviting meeting place and lunch haunt it once was.
Councillor Jared Cassidy, Leader of the Opposition at Brisbane City Council has long criticised the square’s lack of reprieve from the sun, as well as the ever increasing for-profit activity being held in the public meeting place.
“King George Square is the people’s square, the LNP-run Council shouldn’t be leasing it out to private companies to advertise.”
Tracey Price has stated she is passionate about a more climate resilient city, going on to promise – “If I’m elected in March, my Labor Council will give back King George Square to the people of Brisbane”.
