Lord Mayor Plans to Bring Back River Fountains

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has announced a plan for three new water features across the city, boosting Brisbane’s reputation as a New World City and creating new lifestyle and leisure opportunities for residents.

Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said if he is re-elected, the $6 million commitment would continue his campaign to ‘bring back the fountains to Brisbane’, which has previously included the reinstatement of three fountains in the CBD and construction of a new fountain at South Bank.

“In the next step to ‘bring back the fountains’, a re-elected Team Quirk will install a new water feature in the CBD’s most iconic meeting place, King George Square, where the millions of visitors each year will be able to enjoy its presence,” Cr Quirk said.

“We will invite expressions of interest from designers for a vibrant new water feature that enhances this events space and encourages more visitors to this Brisbane landmark.

“King George Square was designed to be the city’s premier public events space, with the architectural and landscape design chosen in a national competition. Close to 120 separate events are held in the square each year, with many more public rallies and meetings.”

Team Quirk will also construct two vibrant new water features located in Dowse Lagoon in Sandgate and in the lake at Forest Lake.

“Dowse Lagoon is a hub for community and outdoor activities and a new water feature will add to the existing park area, enhancing the lagoon as a focal point.

“A new water feature in Forest Lake’s iconic lake will further activate this vibrant family-friendly park area and draw more visitors to enjoy the lake and surrounds.

“This is all part of our commitment to creating new and enjoyable lifestyle and

leisure opportunities for our city, which is already a great place to live, work and relax.”

“Brisbane’s unique identity is shaped by its valuable features such as subtropical architecture and design, world class parks and reserves, entertainment and cultural precincts, natural environment and public art,” he said.

Brisbane’s fountains and water features were turned off in the early 2000s due to the city’s severe drought and water shortage.

Cr Quirk said all three new water features would be fully sustainable, in line with Brisbane’s previous recognition as Australia’s most sustainable city.

“These new artistic water features will be equipped with water storage and recycling devices to preserve water, so they won’t be impacted if Brisbane experiences droughts in the future,” he said.

Cr Quirk has already turned the water back on at E.E. McCormick Place Fountain, Emma Miller Place Fountain and Mooney Plaza Fountain in the city.

Works are also underway to complete a new fountain in the Brisbane River near the Cultural Forecourt at South Bank, which will be named Daphne Mayo Fountain in honour of one of Brisbane’s great artists.