Our Organisation

In 1989, South Bank Corporation was established as the development and management authority and creative force, behind Brisbane's iconic destination, South Bank. The Corporation brings together an unrivalled range of technical, design, creative and business management expertise to oversee the development and day-to-day management of the precinct's operations, maintenance, security, events and activations, and commercial assets including the retail tenancies, underground car park as well as renewal projects as they emerge. The Corporation also owns the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, which is ranked the top convention centre in the world (AIPC APEX Award World's Best Convention Centre 2016-2018).

South Bank Corporation operates under the South Bank Corporation Act 1989. Our responsibilities are as follows:

• Promote, facilitate, carry out and control the development, disposal and management of land and other property within the Corporation area;

• Achieve an appropriate balance between the Corporation's commercial and non-commercial functions;

• Ensure the Corporation area complements, rather than duplicates, other public use sites in the inner city Brisbane area;

• Provide for a diverse range of recreational, cultural and educational pursuits for local, regional and international visitors;

• Accommodate public events and entertainment that benefit the general community; and

• Achieve excellence and innovation in the management of open space and park areas.

The Early Years

South Brisbane was originally a meeting place for traditional landowners, the Turrbal and Yuggera people.

The Yuggera nation encompassed a vast region south west of Brisbane, which included Ipswich.

The Turrbal people primarily occupied areas to the north along the Brisbane River including what is now known as Coronation Drive.

The region of South Brisbane including Musgrave Park, is culturally significant to indigenous Australians and was frequently used as meeting places for visiting peoples from the north and south of the Brisbane River. Historical reports documented in 1950 from tribal elder, William MacKenzie, born in 1873, state that he spoke of many regional ceremonies including marriage and trade ceremonies taking place in South Brisbane and Musgrave Park.

South Bank Corporation recognises the Turrbal and Yuggera people as the traditional owners of the lands at South Bank.

The early 1840s saw it become the central focus point of early European settlement.

From 1850, the South Bank Precinct quickly established itself as the business heart of the fledgling city of Brisbane. Following the 1893 floods the central business district was relocated to higher ground on the north side of the river.

By 1930, South Bank had established itself as a bustling river port and industrial zone that was buzzing with markets, wharves, dance halls and theatres.

The years following World War II saw the decline of South Bank. The decision in 1977 by the Queensland Government to build the world class, architecturally impressive Performing Arts Centre on the riverfront alongside Victoria Bridge made little impact on the area's decline.

When it was selected as the site for World Expo 88 in 1984, South Bank had been reduced to a couple of old hotels, light industrial buildings and boarding houses.

Our Vision

Our vision is to be a world-leading urban precinct that welcomes, engages and inspires.

South Bank is Brisbane’s favourite destination and one of Queensland’s most-visited attractions. Since its inception more than 30 years ago as a legacy of World Expo 1988, millions of people from Australia and around the world have enjoyed its iconic mix of recreational, cultural, educational and commercial areas.

It is important that we preserve and celebrate our heritage, remain current and regularly plan for the future, especially with the precinct nominated to host a range of activities for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

View our Strategic Plan for 2021-25 

What's Next

The next 30 years will be a transformative time for South Bank and an opportunity to make the precinct even better for future generations. Our plan for the future aims to make the precinct greener, livelier and more connected and inclusive, ensuring it remains a place for everyone. Click here to view the draft master plan for future South Bank.