After months of public voting by Brisbane residents, the city’s highest horticultural honour has been awarded to the Brisbane Wattle Flower.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the iconic yellow bloom had been crowned Brisbane’s native floral emblem after receiving more than 1,600 public votes.
“The Brisbane Wattle has been growing in popularity and residents have told us loud and clear that this is the top pick for Brisbane’s new floral emblem,” Cr Schrinner said.
“We needed a native floral emblem that represents our sunny, outdoor lifestyle and what could be better than the golden Brisbane Wattle?”
“The Brisbane Wattle is a fast growing, flowering plant that can withstand harsh temperatures and prevents environmental erosion, making it the perfect fit for our city.
“Brisbane is the best place to live, work and relax and we are well known for our fantastic outdoor lifestyle.
“We are thrilled to now have a floral emblem with its roots in Brisbane.”
Cr Schrinner said community consultation started in March, with residents asked to put forward suggestions of native plants.
“We received more than 900 submissions and shortlisted four native plants to be in the running for the city’s top botanical honour,” he said.
“We received more than 4600 votes for the four finalists – Brisbane Wattle Flower, Dwarf Silky Oak Flower, Brisbane Lily Flower and the Firewheel Tree Flower.
“The Dwarf Silky Oak Flower came in second place with 1,139 votes, while the Brisbane Lily Flower and Firewheel Tree Flower received 951 and 889 votes respectively.”
The Brisbane Wattle Flower will now join the red poinsettia on Brisbane’s coat of arms, Council logo, flag and faunal emblems as official symbols used by Council to represent the City of Brisbane.
“The red poinsettia was chosen in 1930 and while it adds a splash of colour and grows well in our climate, it’s native to Mexico,” Cr Schrinner said.
“100 years later, Brisbane continues to evolve and prepare for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and now we can proudly display a new floral emblem that perfectly represents Brisbane.”
For more information on Brisbane emblems, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.
