Brisbane Sustainability Agency (BSA) has been recognised on the national stage, receiving the Planning Institute of Australia’s (PIA) National Award for Planning Excellence – Great Place for Archerfield Wetlands.

The award was presented in Canberra this week following Archerfield Wetlands’ earlier success at the Queensland PIA Awards in November 2025, where the project received the Queensland ‘Great Place’ Award.

The national recognition acknowledges the vision, collaboration and sustained commitment behind the Oxley Creek Transformation program. Archerfield Wetlands is now one of Brisbane’s most significant environmental and community legacy projects having received eight awards, including three national awards. 

The judges commended Brisbane Sustainability Agency and partners for “delivering an outstanding Great Place that demonstrates viability, secures meaningful stakeholder buy-in and provides a clear, transferable model for other local governments seeking to transform degraded land into resilient, community-centred environments.”

 Located within the Oxley Creek corridor, Archerfield Wetlands has transformed former industrial land into a thriving destination for recreation, biodiversity, environmental education and nature-based experiences.

The project is a prime example of how cities can reconnect communities with waterways and open space while supporting long-term ecological outcomes.

This latest accolade marks another milestone for the broader Oxley Creek Transformation program that has now achieved 15 awards, including five national awards.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the national award showed how Brisbane was creating more to see and do in the suburbs.

“Archerfield Wetlands is a perfect example of why Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital,” Cr Schrinner said.

“We’re transforming once underused spaces into destinations where families can walk, ride, play and enjoy the outdoors close to home.”

BSA Chief Executive Officer Tracy Melenewycz said the recognition reflects years of collaboration between government, project partners, Traditional Owners, consultants, contractors and the local community.

 “This national recognition is a proud moment for Brisbane and for everyone involved in bringing Archerfield Wetlands to life.

 “Projects like Archerfield Wetlands demonstrate the power of long-term vision and collaboration to create places that deliver environmental, social and economic value for future generations.”

The award further strengthens Brisbane’s growing reputation for city-shaping sustainability initiatives that balance environmental restoration and community wellbeing.

Archerfield Wetlands continues to attract strong community engagement and visitation, while supporting broader objectives around biodiversity, active recreation, climate resilience and nature connection across Brisbane’s western corridor.