The Australian Institute of Architects (RAIA), The Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA), Design Institute of Australia (DIA) and Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) have welcomed the inclusion of the Green and Gold Grid in Brisbane City Council’s Legacy Plan, marking a major advocacy win for the professions that developed and championed the idea.
The Green Grid was one of four proposals put forward through Green Pathways, Gold Places, a joint Brisbane 2032 advocacy campaign launched in 2024. The four Institutes have since worked together to build support for a connected network of green streets, public spaces and active transport links between Games venues, major destinations and surrounding neighbourhoods. The proposal brought together ideas that have been percolating for some time, plus fresh thinking and concepts to realise the Games legacy opportunity.
The Green Grid, submitted through Brisbane City Council’s Making our Mark community consultation, was one of the highest-supported ideas, demonstrating strong public support for a greener, cooler and better-connected Brisbane.
Planning Institute of Australia Queensland President Martin Garred said the announcement showed what good planning does best: turning today’s investment into a better city for future generations.
“This is a major advocacy win for Queensland’s planners, architects, landscape architects and designers, who imagined a Games legacy that people could experience every day, in the streets and public spaces of their own city,” Mr Garred said.
Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Chapter President Peter Gardiner said the quality of the spaces between venues would help define Brisbane’s Games experience.
“The Games will be experienced across Brisbane, through our streets and the journeys between venues. The Green and Gold Grid gives us the opportunity to make those places memorable, welcoming and distinctly Brisbane, while creating public spaces that continue to enrich everyday life long after 2032.” Mr Gardiner said.
Australian Institute of Landscape Architects Queensland Chapter President Glen Power said the Green Grid was built on the principles of landscape architecture.
“We can’t afford not to be excited about this kind of commitment. It’s not every day your city hosts an Olympics, and we are at a unique crossroads where an international sporting event lets us turn policy ideas into reality.”
“We think the Green Grid was chosen because it is a practical and pragmatic plan underwritten by achievable implementation and a collaborative approach across industry and government. We always knew it could be done. And now, we are delighted that it is.”
Design Institute of Australia - Queensland Council said the initiative showed how design could turn major investment into a legacy people could see and feel.
“Our ambition for the Green and Gold Grid was simple: to help the world experience Brisbane as a greener, more connected city, and leave it better for those who call it home.”
The four Institutes congratulate Brisbane City Council for including the Green and Gold Grid in its Legacy Plan. They said the next phase should establish clear priorities, sustained funding and delivery partnerships across Council, the Queensland Government, Games delivery agencies, industry and the community.
“The vision is now part of Brisbane’s Legacy Plan. Our professions stand ready to work with Council and its partners to help turn it into a connected, city-wide legacy,” the institutes said.
Key links:
Green Grid advocacy report, October 2025 QLD | 2032 Green Grid Summary - Green Pathways Gold Places
Green Pathways, Gold Places Advocacy Report, 2024 QLD | Green Pathways, Gold Places Advocacy Document
Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) represent over 14,500 members nationally and internationally and is committed to raising design standards and positively shaping the places where we live, work and meet. Along with our members, we are dedicated to improving our built environment and the communities we call home by promoting quality, responsible, sustainable design and advocating on behalf of the profession for the benefit of all Australians.
Australian Institute of Landscape Architecture (AILA) is the peak national body for Landscape Architecture. With over 3,500 members, AILA unites the profession behind the work that shapes Australia’s landscapes, and how our communities aspire to live - happier, healthier, greener and more connected. We champion quality design for public open spaces, stronger communities, and greater environmental stewardship.
Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) is the peak professional body representing urban and regional planners across Australia. PIA is Australia’s trusted voice on planning. PIA currently represents more than 6,000 members nationally and connects with more than 10,000 planners annually through events and advocacy. PIA’s mission is to champion the role of good planning in shaping Australia's future.
Design Institute of Australia (DIA) is the nation’s peak body for designers. As the professional membership organisation, DIA represents and champions designers across disciplines, industries and career stages. Through advocacy, leadership and access to networks and resources, DIA supports designers to thrive—strengthening design’s role in Australia’s cultural life and elevating its contribution to the systems, services, products and environments that shape the nation.