It’s no secret that the Sunshine State has some of the most stunning nature and green spaces around, and now it’s being recognised worldwide as one a top destination for those looking for outstanding parks!
The Green Flag Award, a prestigious UK-run scheme, rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting them as an example for the rest of the world, with the aim of ensuring that everyone has access to quality green spaces that are properly managed in order to meet the needs of their community.
The Awards first started in 1997, after decades of underfunding had left the UK’s green spaces in decline. With the intention of establishing good practices, bringing in funding and attracting people back to the parks, a group of experts from a range of backgrounds came together and established the standards that green spaces should aim for.
It worked, since then, Green Flags fly over all sorts of open spaces — there’s no limit on the size of the site — from canals and nature reserves to housing estates and even cemeteries. Starting in 2008, the program expanded to other countries, and it has now reached 19 countries.
Parks that win the Green Flag Award often get a boost in tourism, and possibly funding, not to mention the bragging rights— er, prestige of having won such a highly-regarded award, as winners can use the Green Flag Award logos on all their marketing materials.
The criteria that are taken into account for the award include:
- How welcoming the space is, both visually and in terms of facilities, maintenance and ease of access.
- How healthy and safe the park is, with regards to facilities and activities.
- Cleanliness and maintenance, including policy on the latter.
- Environmental management, that is to say, that the site has a positive impact on the local and global environment. This section looks at choices made for future use of the land, policies that aim to minimise energy and resource consumption or to eliminate the use of peat and chemicals, always taking the impacts of climate change into account.
- Biodiversity, landscape and heritage refers to the appropriate management and conservation of natural features, wildlife and flore, landscape features, and structures in the space.
- How involved with the community is the site, does it understand its needs, provide opportunities for active participation and does it offer recreational facilities and activities for all sectors of the community.
- Finally, the program also evaluates the marketing and communication of the site, how they promote events and activities and communicate with their main user groups, and how well the site’s management plan is implemented.
Queensland Green Flag Award winners
Queens Park
Toowoomba’s renowned Queens Park and Botanic Gardens was one of the recipients this year. With its 25 hectares of gorgeous botanical gardens, park features, tree-lined avenues, woodlands, sporting ovals and inclusive playgrounds, not to mention the stunning annual Carnival of Flowers, it’s no wonder that it earned this distinction!
The park is divided into three distinct areas: Queens Park Botanic Gardens, Vera Lacaze Memorial Park, and the greater park area. During winter, the park’s evergreen backdrop, manicured hedges, and unique specimens offer a serene escape within the city. Given its popularity, management has prioritised the preservation of the park, and it’s paid off in spades.
Roma Street Parkland
A famous Brissy gem, known for its horticultural splendour and beautiful green spaces, Roma Street Parkland was sure to make the list.
With 16 hectares of beauty to explore, including spots for BBQs, scenic picnics, playgrounds and the vibrant Spectacle Garden, which is packed with lush subtropical plants, there’s seemingly no end to the Parkland’s wonders. On warm days, you can even keep an eye out for Eastern Water Dragons basking in the sun!
Plus, the park is a shining example of community involvement, with plenty of places to gather, such as The Garden Room Café, and even free guided tours into the park’s amazing flora and fauna.
Chinchilla Botanic Parkland
A bit of a change of pace, although this 4.2-hectare site located in — you guessed it — Chinchilla, has a lively botanical garden with endemic flora that gives it its name, it also hosts a state-of-the-art water park, parkour elements and spots dedicated specifically to the park’s history, including showcases of ancient megafauna, Indigenous culture and its past as a Queensland Rail Depot.
Kings Beach Park and Community Precinct
Its impressive views of the Moreton Bay Islands and the iconic Glasshouse Mountains are just one of the many reasons why this park stands out among the rest.
The Sunshine Coast’s regional Coastal Pathway passes through the park, connecting pedestrians and cyclists to other attractions in the area, making Kings Beach a natural meeting point for the community. But it goes beyond that: the site boasts multiple cafés and restaurants that provide outdoor dining in a world-class waterfront setting, and an amphitheatre that brings people together through unmissable events such as ANZAC Day Memorial Service, New Year’s Eve celebrations and even music festivals!
Buderim Village Park
One of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular parks, Buderim Village Park is made up of nearly 2 hectares of beautifully manicured parkland and gardens, with barbecue and picnic facilities, and grass kick-and-throw areas for community recreation.
The park honours its stunning surroundings with seating nodes and pedestrian lookouts along circuit paths so that visitors can back in the jaw-dropping view of the ocean and the Glass House Mountains.
For the little ones, there’s a rainforest themed playground, and covered stage and ‘Village Green’ host major community events and concerts throughout the year including Buderim’s ANZAC Day Memorial Service, and Carols by Candlelight, so there’s something for every sector of the community!
Other Aussie winners
- Lochiel Park — South Australia
- Lillydale Lake — Victoria
- Queanbeyan Park — NSW
- Queen Elizabeth II Park — NSW
You can see the full list here.