Brisbane Open Space & Ecology Committee approves 2026 work plan, to present to City Council April 16

The Brisbane Open Space & Ecology Committee voted March 25 to accept a revised 2026 work plan and forward it to the Brisbane City Council for consideration on April 16.

Committee members and staff said the revision consolidates the previous year’s list into a shorter set of achievable priorities, guided by feedback from council liaisons Terry O’Connell and Colleen Macken. The plan’s top priorities include advancing an urban tree‑canopy program using the recent tree inventory and seeking council approval of a canopy‑coverage goal; updating the Climate Action Plan with an emphasis on emissions reductions in buildings and transportation; and continuing committee review of open‑space design for the Cory and Baylands developments.

Staff explained the redraft was intended to make the committee’s objectives more implementable within the year and to package accomplishments for council review. Members stressed the difference between policy adoption (the council’s role) and implementation (staff and department coordination), noting that some steps — for example, detailed implementation processes for canopy goals — should wait for council adoption.

The committee also approved establishing two ad hoc subcommittees: dark skies and invasive species. Staff described the ad hoc groups as “as needed” resources rather than permanent standing committees.

A motion to accept the work plan was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. Committee leadership and the vice chair are expected to join staff in presenting the plan to City Council on April 16.

What happens next: staff will finalize materials and the committee will prepare a short presentation for the April council meeting. If City Council adopts the plan, the committee and staff expect to begin the top tasks this year, with many implementation steps dependent on interdepartmental coordination and, where applicable, grant funding.