BLIGH GIVES CITY VIEWS BACK TO THE PUBLIC

Premier Anna Bligh has announced the State Government will create a priceless new public park on the edge of the Kangaroo Point cliff.

Ms Bligh said the former South Bank Institute TAFE building on the site will be demolished and the area transformed into 9,867 m2 of extra green space for Brisbane.

The land is situated on the top of Kangaroo Point Cliffs over the banks of the Brisbane River and directly across the River from the Botanical Gardens.

"This new park, which will offer the best views of the capital city, is a 150^th birthday present to the people of Queensland," Ms Bligh said.

"Part of my Government’s Q2 vision is providing green space for the public to enjoy and that extends right into the heart of our busy urban centres.

"In a growing city like Brisbane land like this is incredibly valuable to developers - but it is priceless to the people of Brisbane and that’s why we are going to give it back to them.

"There will be people gathered on these cliffs tonight to watch Australia Day fireworks – in less than a year’s time they will be watching New Years Eve celebrations in this new park."

The 9,867 m2 park will link up with the existing thin strip of park that runs along the top of the cliffs adjacent to River Terrace.

The initial concept is for the new park to include a cafeteria, gas barbeque areas, picnic shelters and a children’s playground.

Car parking for the new park will also be created with the entire project expected to cost around $8.75 million.

The sale of the old TAFE car park on the other side of River Terrace will help fund the project.

"This will be a place which families can enjoy and where tourists can come during the day and at night to enjoy some of the best views Brisbane has to offer," said the Premier.

"We intend for there to be a café or restaurant on the site and we will be seeking tenders from the private sector for this facility."

The old TAFE consists of three main buildings and was constructed in the 1960s but has been vacant since the TAFE moved to South Bank in July 2008.

Premier Bligh said the Government would call for tenders for the demolition of the old South Bank Institute TAFE building in late February 2009.

"It is estimated that this project will create 75 jobs as we enter into a difficult year for the Queensland economy," she said.

"Demolition should be completed by mid year and the new park is expected to be finished by November 2009."