Greens announce plan to save Mount Coot-tha from LNP privatisation

The Greens are calling on the Commonwealth to part-fund the rehabilitation of the Mount Coot-tha Quarry and ensure the land remains in public hands.

An initial downpayment investment of $20 million would be conditional on Brisbane City Council keeping the land in public hands for public use, with consideration for more funding if those conditions are met.

The 26-hectare site is earmarked for closure and rehabilitation, with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner stating the LNP-controlled Council wants a private-public partnership to build an Olympics tourism project on the site.

Schrinner claims Council does not have enough funding to keep the area in 100% public hands - the Greens plan to fix that.

Lines attributable to Elizabeth Watson-Brown, Greens MP for Ryan

“Brisbane’s LNP Lord Mayor wants to give parts of Mount Coot-tha to property developers so they can build a luxury hotel for wealthy tourists.

“And if Peter Dutton becomes PM, his Trump-style politics will see even more public spaces sold off and greenspaces bulldozed.

“Dutton and Schrinner's LNP can't be trusted to not privatise and commercialise Mount Coot-tha, which is why the Greens will keep Dutton out and push the Commonwealth to intervene to make sure the quarry is rehabilitated for the benefit of everyone, not property developers."

Lines attributable to Sarah Hanson-Young, Senator for South Australia and Greens Environment & Water spokesperson

“The Greens are the trusted voice for the environment and nature in our Parliament. 

“Looking after and preserving nature is essential for keeping our air and water clean and stopping the climate crisis from getting worse.  

“Green spaces, like the Mount Coot-tha reserve, are critical for the restoration and protection of our environment and must be safeguarded from future developments. 

“Here in Ryan, a vote for Elizabeth Watson-Brown is a vote for strong, meaningful environmental action. The seat of Ryan will be critical at the next election in keeping Peter Dutton out of the Lodge and ensuring we send Elizabeth back to Canberra to continue her fierce advocacy for the environment. 

“With more Greens MPs in Parliament, we can keep Dutton out and get Labor to act."