Graceville’s riverside parklands are set for a significant transformation, with construction now underway on a major revitalisation project expected to wrap up by late 2026.
Read: Look: Finalised Plans For Graceville Riverside Parklands Unveiled
Construction has officially kicked off on Stage 1 of the Graceville Riverside Parklands Revitalisation Project, marking a significant milestone for a well-used riverside precinct. Sitting at the confluence of the Brisbane River and Oxley Creek, the parklands are about to be transformed into a modern, family-friendly destination.
Brisbane is delivering the project in partnership with Brisbane Sustainability Agency and the Federal Government, with Stage 1 construction having commenced the week of 27 April 2026. Works are expected to be completed by late 2026, weather and site conditions permitting.
About the Project
For families with young kids, the headline addition will be a new children’s nature play space built around the existing boat playground, designed to encourage nature-based, inclusive play that reflects the river and creek environment right on the doorstep.
The ageing park infrastructure is also getting a serious overhaul. Out go the old playground equipment, wood-fired barbecues and an older shelter. In come new picnic shelters, shade structures, seating, electric barbecues, bike racks, water bubblers and additional car parking bays to ease access. A new event-ready community lawn will give local clubs and community groups a proper space to gather.
More than 6,000 native plants will be installed along the riverbank and Oxley Creek frontage as part of revegetation works aimed at stabilising the banks, improving wildlife habitat and creating a connected riparian corridor, while maintaining amenity and views across the water.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane’s parks were built with active families in mind, noting the city has more parks and playgrounds per person than anywhere else in Australia and was recently voted the best place to raise a family. He said the Graceville transformation would create another great destination for families, community events and riverside recreation.
Part of a much bigger picture
Future stages will deliver a water activity hub with accessible amenities, storage, viewing areas and washdown facilities.
The Graceville upgrade sits within the broader Oxley Creek Transformation, an ambitious 20-year initiative that stretches from the Brisbane River all the way to Larapinta. The corridor project spans multiple precincts including Archerfield Wetlands Parkland, Oxley Creek Common, Warril Parkland, The Greenway and Glider Forest, all part of a 20-year vision to create a world-class lifestyle and environmental destination.
Brisbane Sustainability Agency CEO Tracy Melenewycz said the organisation was pleased to partner with Council on the project, and that the Stage 1 works would create more opportunities for people to enjoy the river and creek environment while improving the health and resilience of the corridor for future generations.
Stage 1 is jointly funded through an Australian Government Thriving Suburbs grant and Brisbane Sustainability Agency’s Oxley Creek Transformation Project.
For residents across Graceville and the wider OWT Bridge area, the project represents a notable investment in local green space. With construction now underway, Stage 1 is on track to deliver a noticeably improved experience for anyone who visits the precinct.
Read: Stumps and Yellow Booms in Graceville? The Answer Lies in Flood Resilience
Keep an eye on the Brisbane Sustainability Agency’s website at sustainablebrisbane.com.au/graceville for project updates as works progress through 2026.
Published 25-May-2026
