A new coalition representing Queensland’s green infrastructure supply chain has been formed to build on previous industry advocacy and help ensure Brisbane 2032 delivers a legacy of greener, cooler and more liveable communities.

The Queensland Green Infrastructure Partnership (QGIP) brings together Greenlife Industry Queensland, Landscape Queensland Industries Association, Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (Queensland Chapter) and the Australian Institute of Horticulture.

Its founding members have identified three immediate priorities:

1. Recognition of green infrastructure as essential infrastructure, so that trees, planting, soils and living landscapes are planned, funded and managed as core infrastructure rather than optional elements that can be progressively reduced through project delivery and value management.
2. Better integrated planning, specifications and procurement, including early industry engagement with growers, horticultural consultants and professionals, designers and
   landscape contractors; protection of design intent; realistic production and construction lead times; clear establishment and maintenance requirements; and forward visibility of demand so Queensland businesses can plan and deliver with confidence.
3. Industry workforce readiness, recognising that Queensland’s nursery, horticulture and landscape sectors will face significant workforce and skills pressures as Olympic and
   Paralympic projects move into delivery. QGIP will advocate for early workforce forecasting, targeted training and employment-based apprenticeship pathways, and stronger
   coordination between industry, training providers and government.

The AIH national president Alan Burnell emphasises:

“Plant selection, soils, establishment, irrigation, maintenance and horticultural expertise determine whether those landscapes survive and deliver their intended benefits for decades.”

The Partnership will work constructively with government and industry to turn that ambition into action using Brisbane 2032 to establish better approaches to urban green infrastructure that can deliver benefits to Queensland for decades to come.