Hanlon Park is a 5.2ha urban park located in Greenslopes, Brisbane. The park is dominated by sparse vegetation and a concrete lined channel running the full length of the park. There are some limited recreational amenities and a shared pathway along the channel.
The area around the park is undergoing rapid development with several high-rise multi-residential dwellings that were recently completed, under construction, or being considered by the council through the development assessment process.
The council sought advise on the economic benefits of investing in park improvement works, given the forecasted sharp rise in local population.
Natural Capital Economics was engaged to assess potential benefits from the proposed renaturalisation and revegetation works as well as the improvement of recreation facilities in the park and along the stream. An ecosystem services valuation framework was used to scope and measure the benefits.
After an in-depth assessment of the nearby community and the proposed improvements, we estimated the benefits captured through improved property values, recreation access and quality, contribution to increased physical activity and reduced road congestion. Further work was undertaken to inform potential cost-sharing arrangements between the council and property developers.