2026 Parks Forum
The 2026 Parks Forum will be held as part of Parks Week.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday 4 March
Time: 7:00am - 9:30am
Venue: Meet at Archerfield Wetlands District Park
455 Bowhill Rd, Durack QLD 4077
Parks Forum Explore: Archerfield Wetlands
The Archerfield Wetlands District Park and Archerfield Wetlands Land Management project were recognised as winners at both the AILA Queensland and National Landscape Architecture Awards in 2025. The District Park also took the honours as the PLA Queensland Park of the Year in 2025.
Tour the District park and the broader parklands precinct and hear from two different perspectives. Firstly, discussing the design intent and accomplishment, and secondly the resources and efforts required to maintain the parklands and landscape to the desired ongoing standard.
Meet at the Archerfield Wetlands District Park (or the Wetlands Community hub) at 7am for coffee, a light breakfast and networking before we head out on the tour.
Location: 455 Bowhill Rd, Durack QLD 4077
Parking available on site
More about Archerfield Wetlands:
An initiative of Brisbane Sustainability Agency’s (BSA) Oxley Creek Transformation project, the Archerfield Wetlands Land Management project is transforming a 150-hectare degraded green space and one of Brisbane’s largest floodplain ecosystems, into a unique recreational and environmental asset for Brisbane.
This project exemplifies best-practice ecological restoration, community-driven conservation, and resilient parkland design. Through innovative land management strategies, ecosystem improvements, cultural engagement, and sustainable infrastructure development, BSA is creating an enduring asset that supports biodiversity, creates valuable habitat, fosters community connection, and strengthens the resilience of Brisbane’s urban landscapes.
The Archerfield Wetlands District Park, is a vibrant, multi-functional green space that embodies sustainability and community engagement. Located south of the Ipswich Motorway and adjacent to Archerfield Airport, the park repurposes old wastewater treatment infrastructure and integrates cultural heritage elements. With 67,000 new plants, flood-resilient design, and facilities for all ages, the District Park promotes outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. The park also houses new facilities for the Oxley Creek Catchment Association (OCCA), enhancing conservation efforts and environmental education. This project sets a benchmark for future urban spaces, fostering community connections and sustainable living.
Introduction by Shaun Walsh
Speaker details:
Cass Gaisford
Cass Gaisford is a registered Landscape Architect with over 25 years of experience in designing and delivering public open spaces, environmental restoration projects, and nature-based recreation areas. With qualifications in both Landscape Architecture and Conservation and Land Management, Cass brings a practical understanding of ecological systems and sustainable design to every project. Her work spans planning, design and project delivery, with a strong focus on stakeholder and community engagement. Cass has led diverse projects including wetlands and waterway rehabilitation, ecosystem restoration and nature-based outdoor recreation experiences, contributing to the enhancement of biodiversity and ecological resilience across urban and natural landscapes.
Glen Power
Glen Power is an award-winning landscape architect with expertise in delivering civic spaces, parks, and play spaces. Glen has been practicing as a landscape architect and urban designer since completing the Bachelor of Built Environment (Landscape Architecture) at QUT in 2001 and then the Post Graduate Degree in 2007. Having spent the first three years of his career at international firm EDAW, Glen then helped establish the design service line at RPS across an 11-year period. Glen joined Urbis in early 2015 and is a Partner in their Brisbane office leading a multi-discipline team of over 70 built environment specialists. Glen joined the AILA QLD Executive as a Board Member in June 2021 and is currently serving as the Chapter President.
Important Information
1. Weather & clothing
Please note: This is an outdoor event. Conditions may include uneven and wet surfaces, sun exposure, heat, and insects. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection (hat/sunscreen), and are encouraged to bring water and insect repellent.
2. Safety
For your safety, please stay with the group and follow instructions from event hosts and guides. The site includes natural features and may have slippery or uneven ground in places.
3. Emergency
A basic first aid kit will be available during the event. In the event of a medical emergency, emergency services (000) will be contacted.
4. Accessibility
This event involves walking on mixed terrain. If you have accessibility or mobility concerns, please contact the organisers before the event.
This event is proudly sponsored by Epoca
Registration
|
Type
|
Details
|
Price
|
|
Member
|
AILA, PLA members*
|
$50
|
| Graduate |
Graduate member |
$40 |
| Student |
Student member |
$25 |
| Non-member |
Non-member price. Become a member to access member pricing. |
$80 |
*All registrations will be through the AILA event registration page, PLA members will receive the member price by adding a promo code (if you don't have the promo code please email [email protected]).