More than a decade ago, Brisbane adopted the Norman Creek 2012–2031 Catchment Master Plan — an ambitious, long-term vision to restore one of the city’s most heavily urbanised waterways. Part of that transformation involves Hanlon Park / Bur’uda, a once-concrete drainage corridor that has become a green, thriving community space and a flagship example of what the master plan set out to achieve.
At the centre of that transformation is Hanlon Park / Bur’uda, a once-concrete drainage corridor that has become a green, thriving community space and a flagship example of what the master plan set out to achieve.
The Norman Creek Catchment Master Plan was launched in 2012 as a 20-year strategy to reconnect people, parks and neighbourhoods with the creek system stretching from Toohey Forest to the Brisbane River. Rather than focusing on isolated upgrades, the plan aimed to rehabilitate the entire catchment — improving water quality, restoring habitat, managing flood risk and creating accessible, high-quality public spaces.
Hanlon Park / Bur’uda: a project delivered and celebrated
Completed and opened to the public in 2022, Hanlon Park / Bur’uda represents one of the master plan’s most significant achievements to date.
Where a cracked concrete channel once rushed stormwater downstream, a naturalised, meandering creek now flows through the park. Hundreds of native trees and tens of thousands of shrubs and groundcovers were planted, creating habitat, shade and cooler conditions. Walking and cycling paths, picnic areas and a nature-based playground have transformed the park into a daily destination for families, commuters and local workers.
The project also delivered vital flood resilience, allowing water to spread and slow during heavy rain rather than surge through a narrow channel. Early ecological monitoring has shown a sharp increase in fish numbers and species diversity, demonstrating that nature is returning to the heart of the suburb.
Hanlon Park / Bur’uda has also received multiple awards and professional recognition, celebrating its excellence in design, sustainability and urban waterway transformation. These awards acknowledge the project’s innovative approach to combining landscape architecture, ecological restoration and community amenity — putting the site on the map as a national benchmark for urban creek rehabilitation.
Beyond Hanlon Park: what else has been achieved
Hanlon Park is not an isolated success. Across the catchment, the master plan has already delivered:
- Coorparoo Creek Park works, helping daylight sections of the creek and create new green space within a growing urban centre
- Upgraded walking and cycling links along Norman Creek and connecting suburbs
- Extensive revegetation and weed management, much of it supported by community volunteer groups
- Improved stormwater management, reducing pollution entering the creek system
These projects collectively reflect the plan’s core idea: that waterways are not just infrastructure, but social, ecological and cultural assets.
Where we are now in 2026
With several major projects delivered, the Norman Creek program has entered a consolidation and next-stage planning phase.
Council is currently progressing concept planning and community engagement for remaining priority areas, including parts of Kingfisher Creek, Woolloongabba and upstream Greenslopes precincts. These works focus on improving connectivity, expanding habitat corridors and ensuring future developments respond better to flooding and heat.
Importantly, the master plan was never intended to be static. It allows projects to be delivered as funding, partnerships and redevelopment opportunities arise — meaning progress can be steady rather than rushed.
What to expect next
Over the coming years, residents can expect:
- Further design work and consultation on remaining creek precincts
- Incremental construction tied to funding and redevelopment timelines
- Continued community involvement, particularly through local catchment and “Friends of” groups
- Ongoing monitoring of water quality, biodiversity and flood performance
For communities like Greenslopes, this means change will continue — but in manageable stages, with visible benefits along the way.
Why it matters locally
The transformation of Norman Creek has already changed how people move through, use and value their local environment. Safer paths, cooler green spaces, improved flood resilience and richer biodiversity all contribute to a healthier, more liveable suburb.
As the master plan moves toward its final years, projects like Hanlon Park / Bur’uda stand as proof that long-term planning, backed by community support, can reshape even the most engineered urban landscapes.
Published 31-Dec-2025
