Should they win at the upcoming Queensland state election, the Liberal National Party is promising to build a $1 billion “architectural icon” which would house Australia’s new natural-history museum, aquarium, a living forest, science displays as well as research and educational facilities.

According to LNP Opposition leader Tim Nicholls, the “once in a generation” dual tourist and research destination would be constructed next to GoMA on the banks of the Brisbane River at the site of the current Parmalat Milk factory.

An international design competition similar to the one that saw the creation of Sydney’s iconic opera house would be held to develop the design for the new facility which, according to Tim Nicholls would create more than 2,600 jobs. Mr Nicholls has promised to allocate $20 million in kickstart funds for the worldwide design competition, design phase and also the business case.

Under the LNP plan, the facility would be modelled off the California Academy of Sciences which is located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park.

“The design competition will ensure the ‘living building’ captures the history of Australia, Brisbane and South Bank but also the natural elements of Queensland life and the capacity to deliver important research programs, sustainability and conservation work.”

Mr Nicholls pledged that work on a concept design and business case for the Queensland Academy of Sciences project would commence within the first 100 days of an LNP election win.

“This will be world class,” Mr Nicholls said.

The aquarium would also be one of the most advanced of its type in the world in order to showcase Queensland’s 2,300km-long Great Barrier Reef ecosystem.

“Given Queensland is home to the Great Barrier Reef, we want the aquarium to be one of the most advanced of its type in the world.”

“We want this to be a destination like no other and a must-see for tourists across the world,” Mr Nicholls said. The plan can be read here.

Earlier this year the LNP also pledged to fast track the $2 billion Brisbane Live proposal and add a university campus, a health and medical hub, a international film and TV production centre, as well as a Times Square-style public space to the proposal.

The state election is not due till May 2018 however sources say the Labor Government will call for a November 2017 election.