Hanlon Park Upgrade and Rejuvenation

Norman Creek in the Hanlon Park area has been notable for the ageing concrete channel and almost total lack of life in the creek.  This was the catalyst for N4C, in partnership with Council, developing the Norman Creek 2012-2031 Master Plan.  Hanlon Park is now one of the priority projects: the goal is to naturalise the concrete channel of the creek in this area, to improve its ecological health. 

Norman Creek could be reconfigured at a series of interconnected bodies of water that fit within existing uses and stimulates new uses.  Freshwater habitats could be supported by riparian planting and simple infrastructure design could support movement of floodwaters. There are opportunities to connect Stones Corner to Norman Creek with improved paths, crossings, lighting, low-walled seating and street trees, using flood-sensitive design.

N4C submitted its own concept plan in the consultation for the Master Plan; you can download it below.  Now Council has re-started the design process for the revitalisation of Hanlon Park, and in 2018 the public got involved via a survey and co-design workshop.  N4C representatives attended the co-design workshop and collaborated with other community members, engineers, architects and planners.  Council released the draft concept plan in late 2018: Click here to see it.  The design will now be finalised and then we hope construction will begin in 2019.

Bushcare

The Burnett Swamp Bushcare Group have been working to restore the natural habitat of Norman Creek in Hanlon Park beside the kindy.  The group is in its 15th year, and aim to develop a bush food garden, bring wildlife back into the area, reduce erosion and facilitate environmental education along the high ground next to this section of Norman Creek.

Background of the project

Hanlon Park lies behind the Stones Corner shops, on either side of Norman Creek, between the Logan Road bridge and the Cornwall Street bridge.  It contained the intertidal zone; currently the tidal section begins just downstream of Hanlon Park.

The area from Stones Corner all the way back to Ridge St was referred to by early European settlers as "Burnett Swamp".  This was once a place of celebration and abundance for the local indigenous people.  A healthy ecosystem of freshwater habitats, flood plain and intertidal areas including Burnett Swamp provided sustenance for the traditional landowners. 

Project contact details

Working bees are the first Saturday of the month, 7 to 9am.  Meet near the parking area off Cornwall St, Greenslopes.  Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Strategic plan

In 2012, a strategic plan was developed for Hanlon Park, by Ashley Nicholson, landscape architect.  You can download it here:

• Concept Plan (5.81MB)
• Strategic Plan Sheet 1 (4.92MB)
• Strategic Plan Sheet 2 (8.94MB)