Brisbane’s Dutch migration heritage recognised

The Coopers Plains and Sunnybank areas will soon see a key part of their rich migration history recognised, with Brisbane City Council supporting the naming of a park on McKoy Street in Coopers Plains to ‘Dutch Houses Park’. The decision marks a significant step in acknowledging the post-World War II Dutch Housing Project—one of the most unique examples of international collaboration in Brisbane’s suburban development.

Following a proposal by the Coopers Plains History Group and supported by the Dutch Australian Cultural Centre, Council has agreed that the new park name will honour the legacy of the Dutch-designed concrete houses built in the early 1950s. These houses were part of a joint initiative between the Queensland Housing Commission and the Dutch-Australian company Concrete Developments Pty. Ltd.

Over 300 homes were constructed as part of this ambitious housing solution for Brisbane’s rapidly growing post-war population. Designed and manufactured using innovative materials and construction techniques imported from the Netherlands, the houses introduced Dutch building methods to Brisbane. Today, about 70 of these homes still stand in Sunnybank and Coopers Plains and remain a powerful symbol of Brisbane’s post-war migration story. While only a handful are in private hands as cherished homes, some are still public housing owned by the state government.

Six of these publicly owned Dutch Houses, located near Lawford Street in Sunnybank, have been nominated for inclusion on the Brisbane City Council Heritage Register, despite alterations having been made to them. This proposed listing would help ensure their protection and ongoing recognition for future generations.

While ideally a commemorative park would be placed closer to this cluster of heritage-nominated homes, Brisbane City Council has acknowledged that few naming opportunities exist in the area. As McKoy Street Park sits within the original boundary of the Dutch Housing Estate, and retains a strong historical link to the project, it has been selected as the most suitable site for this lasting tribute.

“This initiative is a great example of how local stories of migration and lessons about globalized development can be preserved and shared in our public spaces,” said Simon Cole, Chair of the Coopers Plains History Group.

“We’re delighted that Council has recognised the historical importance of this unique housing project. The park renaming, together with the proposed heritage listings, helps tell a broader story about how post-war migration shaped Brisbane’s suburbs,” added Paul Budde, Chair of the Dutch Australian Cultural Centre.

The naming of the park will be accompanied by interpretive signage outlining the historical significance of the Dutch Housing Project and its role in shaping Brisbane’s southern suburbs. The park will serve as a focal point for residents, visitors, and future generations to reflect on the area’s diverse and vibrant history.

For further background:

Read more about the Dutch Housing Project and the proposed heritage listings here:
👉 Six Dutch Houses in Brisbane Proposed for Heritage Protection

👉Stories of Preserving the Dutch Houses of Coopers Plains

Media Contact:
Simon Cole – Chair, Coopers Plains History Group   saimoncole@gmail.com
Paul Budde – Chair, Dutch Australian Cultural Centre  paul@paulbudde.com 0418438183