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Kangaroo Point Voice Adds Urgency to Mental Health Reform

A Kangaroo Point resident’s long struggle through Queensland’s mental health system is now shining a light on how much could be saved—and how many lives improved—if suburbs across Brisbane received support that truly matched their needs.

Community Data Reveals a Quiet Crisis

New modelling shows that nearly $482 million could be saved over the next 11 years across Brisbane South if funding focused more on preventing mental health issues by addressing their root causes—things like housing stress, unemployment, drug misuse, and childhood trauma.

The study by Sydney University’s Brain and Mind Centre combined local data, real-life stories, and economic analysis to understand what would happen if even small improvements were made in areas such as Mt Gravatt, Forest Lake, Woolloongabba, Acacia Ridge, and Inala.

The study used system dynamics modelling and included lived experience contributions like Jordan’s to simulate how small improvements in substance misuse, social cohesion, and childhood mental health could dramatically reduce demand on hospitals, increase productivity, and prevent suicide. It found that a modest 5 per cent improvement in substance misuse alone could deliver $274.8 million in health and economic value.

According to the Brisbane South Joint Regional Needs Assessment 2025–2027, these suburbs face growing demand on services due to rising populations, cultural diversity, and social disadvantage. In places like Forest Lake–Oxley, the pressure is especially high on families and young people. In Rocklea and Acacia Ridge, language barriers and limited access to culturally safe care are worsening mental health outcomes.

A Lived Experience from Kangaroo Point

Jordan van Rosmalen, 24, shared her personal experience with mental health challenges as a contributor to the research. Living in Kangaroo Point, she took part in the study by offering her story as someone who had accessed almost every level of Queensland’s mental health system—from inpatient care to community and private providers.

She reflected that, despite the range of services available, the support she received often failed to meet her needs at the time. The study quoted her views on how technology and tailored local responses could help create solutions that work better for specific communities. Her lived experience helped reinforce the study’s call for more responsive, locally adapted approaches to mental health and wellbeing across Brisbane’s south.

Suburbs Facing the Pressure

Across the Brisbane South region, certain suburbs are feeling the strain more than others. Inala and Acacia Ridge report high levels of chronic disease and difficulty accessing culturally appropriate services, particularly for First Nations and CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities.

In Woolloongabba and Eight Mile Plains, increasing urban density and rapid population growth have created pressure on outpatient services, particularly for mental health. In Mt Gravatt, the ageing population is driving demand for more aged care and chronic disease support.

Meanwhile, Forest Lake and Oxley are seeing high numbers of families struggling to find support for children’s behavioural and developmental issues, while residents in Rocklea face affordability issues and language barriers when accessing basic healthcare.

Suburb	SA3 Region	Key Issues Identified	Health & Service Needs
Mt Gravatt	Mt Gravatt	Population growth, ageing demographics, and rising service demand	Aged care access, mental health services, chronic disease prevention
Woolloongabba	Woolloongabba	Urban density with increased pressure on outpatient and mental health services	Outpatient mental health support, culturally sensitive care
Corinda	Corinda	Access challenges due to geographic and transport limitations	Improved access to clinics and primary care, transport assistance
Eight Mile Plains	Eight Mile Plains	Rapid service demand growth and cultural diversity impacting care delivery	Inclusive service models, interpreter support, mental health access
Inala	Inala	High levels of chronic disease and barriers to healthcare for CALD and Indigenous populations	Chronic illness support, culturally appropriate care, health equity programs
Acacia Ridge	Rocklea–Acacia Ridge	High cultural diversity and language barriers, mental health stigma	Mental health support, interpreter availability, stigma reduction programs
Holland Park	Holland Park–Yeronga	Concentration of social housing and increasing demand for mental health support	Culturally safe care, transport access, chronic disease management
Oxley	Forest Lake–Oxley	Socioeconomic disadvantage and limited transport options to care services	Accessible health services, transport support, outreach clinics
Forest Lake	Forest Lake–Oxley	High number of social dwellings and demand for family and youth support services	Developmental and behavioural support for children, youth engagement
Rocklea	Rocklea–Acacia Ridge	CALD population facing service access issues due to language and affordability	CALD-focused services, mental health resources, affordable care access

A Smarter, Local approach

Professor Ian Hickie, co-author of the study, said the solution lies in understanding each community’s unique needs and building tailored responses.

“We can’t rely only on clinics and medication,” he said. “We need smarter investment in the things that help people thrive before they reach crisis point.”

Health economist Paul Crosland added that even small changes—like a 5 per cent drop in substance misuse—could lead to hundreds of millions in economic benefits.

Jordan van Rosmalen hopes the findings help guide governments to make real, community-based change.

“What we need is investment in solutions that are actually built around how people live—not just how the system works on paper,” she said through her contribution.

Published 28-July-2025

Kangaroo Point’s Prospect Street Set for Supermarket and Apartment Rise

A long-unused corner of Kangaroo Point is finally being brought to life, with construction now under way on a major residential and retail project that will reshape the peninsula’s landscape. The development, located on Prospect Street, is set to introduce the suburb’s first full-line supermarket, filling a long-standing service gap in one of Brisbane’s most iconic inner-city precincts.

Read: Kangaroo Point Bridge Recognised at Queensland Landscape Awards

The $310 million project, known as The Bedford, will include a Woolworths, café and liquor store at street level, topped by 128 two- and three-bedroom apartments spread across 16 levels. It’s a rare example of large-scale, mixed-use construction in an area where new residential supply has been notably limited for more than a decade.

Led by Queensland-based Mosaic Property Group, the development marks a turning point for a site that has remained vacant for decades despite its high-profile location. The Bedford has already achieved strong pre-sales, with more than 90 per cent of residences sold since its late 2024 preview, suggesting pent-up demand for new housing in the area.

Prospect Street — Photo credit: thebedfordbymosaic.com.au

Prices for the final release start from $1.4 million, and construction is scheduled for completion by late 2027.

The Prospect Street project is being delivered by Mosaic’s in-house construction division, part of a growing portfolio that includes other recently completed or soon-to-be-finished developments across East Brisbane, Toowong and Milton. According to the developer, the strong demand for The Bedford has prompted an accelerated preview of a follow-up project in the area, dubbed The Carter.

Read: Shafston International College Could Exit Kangaroo Point for Massive Rochedale Development

For Kangaroo Point, which has long been admired for its proximity to the CBD, riverfront views and established charm, The Bedford represents more than just a new place to live—it signals a broader shift toward higher-density, amenity-rich living. And for a site that has sat idle for so long, the start of construction may be seen by many locals as overdue progress.

Updated 26-July-2025

Strong Demand for Inner-City Living Drives Kangaroo Point Apartment Sales

Demand for high-quality inner-city apartments is reaching new heights in Brisbane, as buyers move quickly to secure well-located, lifestyle-oriented homes before they even officially hit the market.

Read: Kangaroo Point’s Prospect Street Set for Supermarket and Apartment Rise

One standout example is The Carter, a $260 million residential tower in Kangaroo Point that has already sold 85 per cent of its units, well before its public launch. The strong early interest has pushed the development ahead of schedule, with construction now underway.

Artist’s impression The Carter in Kangaroo Point (Photo credit: mosaicproperty.com.au)

Developed by Mosaic Property Group in partnership with BDA Architecture, The Carter will rise 22 storeys and deliver 125 premium apartments on a 2,124 sqm site. The building is designed to appeal to downsizers and long-time locals seeking large floorplans, protected views, and high-end finishes.

Prices start from $1.115 million for two-bedroom residences and reach over $3 million for three-bedroom homes with a multipurpose room. The design focuses on generous internal layouts, north-facing balconies, and thoughtful amenities that support a luxurious urban lifestyle.

According to Mosaic’s managing director Brook Monahan, early success is the result of extensive planning and detailed design work completed well before launch. He credited the company’s internal teams for handling the full process in-house, from concept to construction, which he said helped speed up decisions and maintain quality control throughout.

Mosaic also places strong emphasis on longevity, with Monahan noting that the firm considers not just how a building looks now, but how it will perform and feel in years to come. That approach has resonated with buyers, the majority of whom are owner-occupiers from Brisbane’s inner suburbs. Many are seeking well-crafted homes that also provide access to communal features like a golf simulator, cinema, rooftop pool, gym, sauna and teppanyaki bar.

The developer has also observed that buyers are increasingly drawn to the reassurance of working with a group that stays involved post-completion to ensure building quality and resident satisfaction. That ongoing commitment, Monahan said, builds trust and long-term value for both residents and investors.

Read: Queensland Architecture Awards Honour Kangaroo Point Bridge for Urban Design

With construction now underway, The Carter is expected to be completed by early 2027—further proof that Brisbane’s appetite for high-end, inner-city apartment living is only growing.

Published 10-July-2025

Queensland Architecture Awards Honour Kangaroo Point Bridge for Urban Design

Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects

Kangaroo Point Bridge in Brisbane has been recognised for its design, sustainability, and contribution to urban mobility at the 2025 Queensland Architecture Awards.

Kangaroo Point Bridge Highlighted in State Awards

Kangaroo Point Bridge, a 460-metre cable-stayed pedestrian, cycling, and e-scooter bridge, has received top recognition at the 2025 Queensland Architecture Awards.

The bridge was acknowledged with the Queensland Architecture Medallion, the Karl Langer Award for Urban Design, and an award for Sustainable Architecture, reflecting its contribution to urban connectivity and climate-responsive infrastructure.

Queensland Architecture Awards — *Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects*

Background and Project Details

Completed in December 2024, Kangaroo Point Bridge is the longest structure of its type for pedestrians in Australia. It was designed by Blight Rayner Architecture with Dissing + Weitling. It is based on a concept and reference design prepared by BCC with Arup and Cox Architecture.

The bridge was developed as part of a broader program to improve access between residential areas and the city’s commercial precincts, while enhancing liveability and public amenity for a growing population.

Design and Sustainability Features

The bridge accommodates pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooters with dedicated lanes and safety features. It integrates solar energy systems to power lighting and facilities. It also provides continuous shading along its length to improve user comfort.

Resting areas with seating double as viewing platforms, and riverside dining venues have been incorporated to activate the public space. The project was praised for demonstrating functional, sustainable design.

Brisbane infrastructure — *Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects*

Community and Expert Views

Judges noted the bridge as a key example of how public infrastructure can strengthen connections between communities and workplaces. It also offers an improved public realm experience. The design was described as providing moments of engagement for users.

Future Implications

Kangaroo Point Bridge sets a benchmark for future infrastructure across Queensland. Its recognition at the state awards highlights growing expectations for public works to address both functional and social outcomes in rapidly developing cities.

Published 1-July-2025

Shafston International College Could Exit Kangaroo Point for Massive Rochedale Development

Shafston International College has submitted plans for a major education and residential development in Rochedale, signalling a potential move from its long-standing Kangaroo Point campus.

Read: Development Plans Envision 28-Storey Tower Beside Shafston House

If approved, the project would see the college relocate by 2027 and expand its operations at a new masterplanned “knowledge precinct” in Brisbane’s south.

The development application (A006786626), lodged with Council, outlines a multi-stage transformation of a 37,500 sqm site on Miles Platting Road, near the Gateway Motorway. The site would host a purpose-built education hub accommodating 1000 students, alongside more than 400 residential units in buildings up to 11 storeys, retail and wellness outlets, office space, a gym, and 96 hotel-style rooms.

Aerial view of subject site (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/ A006786626)

Shafston College, which has been based at Thorn Street since 1993, is aiming to broaden its course offerings and eventually transition into a full university. The proposed Rochedale campus would include general-purpose classrooms, specialist laboratories for IT and hospitality, and multiple lecture theatres with up to 200 seats each.

318 Miles Platting Rd, Rochedale (Photo credit: Google Street View)

Stage one of the project would deliver the core education and short-term accommodation facilities at the front of the site. Later stages would roll out residential towers, a supermarket, green public spaces, and more commercial uses, creating a self-contained precinct aligned with the Rochedale urban community vision set out by council in 2014.

Shafston International College — Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online/ A006786626

The move to Rochedale is part of the college’s long-term growth strategy. Town planners Saunders Havill Group said the new location would better serve a growing student population and offer improved infrastructure and amenities. Although no full project timeline has been confirmed, the college stated that major access roads for the site would not be needed until around 2040.

The college’s current premises include the historic Shafston House, a landmark building sold to Burgundy Group in 2021. The new owners have also received approval to redevelop parts of that property into high-rise apartments and luxury residences.

Read: Residents Voice Concerns Over Proposal to Restore and Reuse Shafston House

Should council give the green light, Shafston’s relocation would not only mark the end of an era at Kangaroo Point but could also trigger a long-awaited wave of development in Rochedale’s under-utilised town centre.

Published 17-June-2025

Kangaroo Point Bridge Recognised at Queensland Landscape Awards

The Kangaroo Point Bridge has been recognised for its design integration and civic contribution, receiving an infrastructure award at the Queensland landscape architecture awards.

Major Infrastructure Honoured in Kangaroo Point

The Kangaroo Point Bridge, a pedestrian and cycle link, has been acknowledged in the 2025 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Queensland Awards. Designed by ASPECT Studios for BCC, the project received a Landscape Architecture Award in the infrastructure category.

Cultural and Urban Integration

The project was noted for its landscape integration, connecting Kangaroo Point to the city through deliberate design interventions that enhance existing public spaces. Delivered in collaboration with Turrbal and Yuggera Elders, the design responds to both the natural environment and the area’s cultural history. The landscape element was credited for its sustainable approach and efforts to recognise traditional stories while improving public life and accessibility.

Design and Delivery Partners

The bridge was developed with input from multiple stakeholders including Blight Rayner Architecture, Dissing + Weitling, and engineering teams from WSP and RWDI. It involved collaboration with groups such as UAP, Blaklash, and Right Angle Studio for design and interpretation. The project also benefited from concept work led by BCC in partnership with Arup and COX Architecture.

Broader Award Context

The 2025 AILA Queensland Awards, held at Blackbird in Brisbane, assessed more than 50 entries across multiple categories. Projects were evaluated for their contribution to community, sustainability, and engagement with the Country. Jury Chair David Hatherly noted a statewide shift toward landscape solutions that prioritise climate responsiveness and public benefit.

National Recognition Ahead

Projects receiving Awards of Excellence or Landscape Architecture Awards, including the Kangaroo Point Bridge, will now progress to the national stage, with winners to be announced in Hobart in October.

Published 17-June-2025

Kangaroo Point Bridge Becomes Centrepiece in Bezzina’s Final Brisbane Festival

In 2021, while standing on the deck of the Brisbane Festival’s Art Boat, Louise Bezzina looked up at the city’s bridges and imagined something more. She saw not just pathways over water, but blank canvases ready for bold colour, joyful shapes and the kind of public art that could stop people in their tracks. Four years later, Kangaroo Point Bridge, alongside the Neville Bonner and Goodwill bridges, is about to become that canvas. As Ms Bezzina prepares to deliver her final Brisbane Festival as artistic director, her vision is finally coming to life in vivid fashion.

From 5 to 27 September, these three bridges will be wrapped in playful inflatable installations by internationally acclaimed artists Craig & Karl. The duo, originally from Brisbane, have returned home with their largest project yet, Walk This Way, turning river crossings into open-air galleries that stretch high above the water.

From Pandemic to Public Art

Appointed in 2020, Ms Bezzina’s tenure began in the thick of the pandemic. With restrictions and uncertainty hanging over the arts industry, she steered Brisbane Festival through uncharted waters. Her approach was always grounded in optimism and accessibility, with a clear goal: to bring art into the everyday lives of Brisbane residents.

Louise Bezzina Brisbane Festival — *Photo Credit: Brisbane Festival/Facebook*

This year, the city becomes her final stage. Over 1,000 performances, including 21 world premieres, will play out in theatres, parks, gardens and public spaces. More than a third of the program is free.

Ms Bezzina has said this last festival feels like a gift to the city. It’s a thank you and a love letter to the place that shaped her artistic leadership. Her curatorial eye has always favoured boldness and joy. Past festivals have featured giant birds wearing party hats and hundreds of drones lighting up the river. But this time, she’s going even bigger, drawing a direct line between the art and the people who live among it.

Telling Brisbane’s Story

The Craig & Karl bridge project is just one part of a wider transformation. Their artworks will also appear across the city in an extended trail reaching the CBD, South Bank, New Farm and even Brisbane Airport. It’s designed to encourage walking, to get people off the bus or out of their car, and into the streets to experience Brisbane in a new way.

For Ms Bezzina, these visual elements are more than decorations; they are also invitations. An invitation to look up, to slow down, to feel like the city itself is celebrating.

That same philosophy shapes other parts of the program. Baleen Moondjan, created by renowned choreographer Stephen Page, will unfold on a floating barge at Queen’s Wharf. Drawing on a First Nations story passed down by Page’s grandmother, it blends dance, music and striking visual design to honour country and kin.

Theatre, Music and Memory

In Bowen Hills, the Twelfth Night Theatre, long home to amateur productions, is undergoing a refresh just in time for Gatsby at the Green Light. The show, a stylish cabaret inspired by The Great Gatsby, played to packed houses in Sydney and will now transform this beloved venue into a 1920s speakeasy. Ms Bezzina championed its inclusion as part of her ongoing commitment to breathing new life into underused local spaces.

Across the broader festival, audiences will find everything from cutting-edge contemporary dance to family-friendly music nights. Gems, a ballet trilogy by LA Dance Project and Benjamin Millepied, will make its world debut in Brisbane. And shows like The Lovers, Back to Bilo, and Tina – A Tropical Love Story continue the festival’s strong focus on storytelling with cultural roots.

Returning favourites include Riverfire and the spectacular Skylore drone display, while a new light and fire sculpture event called Afterglow will take over the City Botanic Gardens with more accessible pricing and a shorter run.

A New Chapter Begins

This year marks the festival’s 29th year, and Louise Bezzina’s last as its leader. In October, she will move into her new role as CEO and Artistic Director of Brisbane Powerhouse. But her mark on Brisbane Festival is likely to endure far beyond this season.

*Photo Credit: Brisbane Festiva/Facebook*

She often described her goal as helping Brisbane fall in love with its festival. As the city gets ready to walk across bridges turned into rainbows, float beside whales made of bone, and gather under fireworks and firelight, that love seems stronger than ever.

Published 11-June-2025

Story Bridge Named State’s Best Landmark in Queensland Day Awards

It’s one of Brisbane’s most recognisable icons, a silhouette etched into the city skyline for over eight decades. Now, the Story Bridge has claimed another honour – named Queensland’s Best Landmark in the 2025 Queensland Day “All the Best” awards.

Read: Story Bridge Faces Peak-Hour Gridlock as Protestors Demand Pedestrian Access

The beloved steel cantilever bridge, which connects Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point, triumphed over some of the state’s most scenic and historic destinations, including the Tangalooma Wrecks on Moreton Island, Brisbane’s South Bank Parklands, and Castle Hill in Townsville.

More than 61,000 votes were cast across 15 categories this year, with Queenslanders proudly backing their favourites in everything from beer and events to food and travel.

Standing for 85 years, the Story Bridge is far more than a photogenic piece of infrastructure – it’s a symbol of Queensland resilience, history, and connection. Opened in 1940, it remains a vital artery for Brisbane, carrying around 100,000 vehicles and 4,000 pedestrians and cyclists daily across the Brisbane River. It’s also the centrepiece of iconic events like Riverfire, with fireworks cascading from its steel frame in dazzling displays that mark city-wide celebrations.

But even as it wins public praise, the Story Bridge is entering a new phase of its long life. In recent months, the bridge has been in the spotlight not just for its beauty, but for the urgent attention it requires.

As part of a long-term restoration program, the Council, alongside a national team of infrastructure experts, has laid out a 15-year roadmap to ensure the bridge continues to safely serve the city into the next century. This includes significant investment into structural maintenance, with work already underway to assess and repair its ageing footpaths and supports.

The bridge’s enduring appeal lies not just in its function, but in its symbolism. As Brisbane grows, changes, and modernises, the Story Bridge remains a constant – linking the past with the future, the north with the south, the heritage with the contemporary. Even amid discussions about its restoration, the bridge continues to hold a firm place in the hearts of locals.

Being named Best Landmark in Queensland is a fitting tribute to this hardworking icon. It’s a reminder that, while new attractions may come and go, some landmarks earn their place not just for their beauty, but for their everyday presence in the lives of Queenslanders.

Read: Toll Considered as Story Bridge Faces Expensive Restoration

As the Story Bridge approaches its centenary, it stands tall – rusting in parts, yes, but never forgotten – a Queensland original, and now, officially, the best of them all.

Published 9-June-2025

Brisbane Fashion Festival 2025 to Open in Style on Kangaroo Point Bridge

Brisbane’s most iconic fashion moment is about to take centre stage. As Brisbane Fashion Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025, all eyes will turn to Kangaroo Point Bridge, where this year’s landmark event will launch in spectacular style.

Read: Kangaroo Point Hosts Launch of Queensland’s New Tourism Campaign ‘That Holiday Feeling’

On Sunday 24 August at 10:30 am, the Festival will open with a Resort Show staged on the bridge itself, transforming this much-loved Brisbane landmark into a soaring outdoor runway. Against the backdrop of the city skyline and the Brisbane River, some of Australia’s most celebrated designers will present their Spring/Summer resort collections in what is set to be one of the Festival’s most visually striking openings yet.

Featured labels include Pamela Easton, Camilla, Rebecca Vallance, Samantha Ogilvie, Silk Laundry, Kristian Williams The Brand, Mimco, M.J. Bale, Mitchell Ogilvie, Miss Henry, and more, alongside exclusive collections from QueensPlaza’s Australian designers. It’s a celebration of resort wear—and of Brisbane itself.

“As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Brisbane Fashion Festival, planning is underway for one of our most exciting line-ups yet,” said Festival Director, Lindsay Bennett.

Held from 24–29 August 2025, Brisbane Fashion Festival has long been Queensland’s leading fashion event. From humble beginnings in 2006, it has grown into a nationally recognised showcase of design, creativity, and retail excellence.

In 2025, the Festival returns bigger and bolder, with a full line-up of On- and Off-Runway events now announced. Tickets go on sale Monday 2 June at 9am, and with the 20th anniversary buzz, demand is expected to be higher than ever.

While the Festival will feature a full program throughout the city, it’s the Resort Show at Kangaroo Point that sets the tone—bold, fresh, and distinctly Brisbane.

The Power of Local

Beyond the glamour, the Festival continues its mission to support Queensland’s fashion industry and promote conscious, local shopping. Partnering again with the Brisbane Economic Development Agency, the Festival plays a vital role in driving retail traffic to homegrown designers and labels.

As the first major runway event in Australia to launch Spring/Summer collections, the Festival is perfectly timed to match in-store and online drops. Shoppers can fall in love with looks on the runway and purchase them right away—supporting Australian fashion with each considered buy.

“Since the very first outfit graced the runway in 2006, it’s wonderful that the Fashion Festival has remained a relevant and much-loved event every year,” said Mr Bennett. “Fashion fans can anticipate another incredible week of fashion and spectacle, with an expanded program of On- and Off-Runway events, some thrilling destinations, and of course, a packed program featuring the brightest local, Australian, and next gen fashion talent.”

Ready for the Runway?

Applications are now open for designers to be featured in this year’s Festival, with opportunities to join a program that blends fashion excellence with unique experiences. And with the magic of Kangaroo Point Bridge kicking off the week, 2025 promises a fresh perspective—one that’s stylishly local and proudly Brisbane.

Read: From Sunrise Coffee to Late-Night Feasts: Mulga Bill’s Opens at Kangaroo Point Bridge

Key Dates
Resort Show on Kangaroo Point Bridge: Sunday 24 August, 10:30 a.m.
Festival Dates: Sunday 24 – Friday 29 August 2025
Tickets On Sale: Monday 2 June at 9:00 a.m.

Published 2-June-2025

Story Bridge Faces Peak-Hour Gridlock as Protestors Demand Pedestrian Access

The Story Bridge, one of Brisbane’s busiest and most historic crossings, is facing a complete traffic shutdown this Friday morning as local residents prepare to walk across all six lanes in protest over pedestrian access.

The demonstration is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. on Friday, 30 May, and is being organised by local advocates calling for one lane of the bridge to be permanently allocated to cyclists, pedestrians and scooter users. Their demand follows the March closure of both footpaths on the Story Bridge, a decision made by Brisbane City Council due to structural safety concerns.

Footpath Closures Spark Public Backlash

Footpath access was removed in March when engineers discovered accelerated deterioration following preparations for Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Safety checks revealed concrete spalling and corrosion, prompting immediate closures. Council has committed to fast-tracking repairs, including the installation of protective netting, but no exact timeline has been given for reopening the footpaths.

In the meantime, detours via the Kangaroo Point Bridge and public ferry services such as CityCat and KittyKat have been offered as alternatives. Still, many commuters argue these options are inconvenient and poorly integrated into their daily travel.

A Protest on the City’s Artery

Activists say the action is about reclaiming safe access for thousands of daily non-vehicle users who rely on the bridge. Organisers maintain that the protest has been legally lodged with the Queensland Police Service and the council under the Peaceful Assembly Act. They have stated their intention to comply with any lawful directions, including potential court orders.

Local authorities, however, have labelled the protest as dangerous and disruptive, citing concerns for traffic flow and public safety. Brisbane’s Infrastructure Chair Cr Andrew Wines said closing traffic lanes would create gridlock not only on the Story Bridge but across key parts of the inner-city road network, including the Riverside Expressway and Inner City Bypass.

While the protest is not officially connected to any political party or environmental group, the council expressed concern over its scale and timing. LM Adrian Schrinner described it as an attempt to disrupt the city under the banner of community advocacy.

Long-Term Future of the Bridge in Focus

Beyond the current conflict, the situation has highlighted a deeper challenge: the ageing condition of the Story Bridge. A recent restoration committee report shows that despite more than $120 million spent on repairs over the past two decades, the bridge is now nearing the limits of what maintenance alone can achieve.

Built during the Great Depression, the Story Bridge carries more than 100,000 vehicles and up to 4,000 pedestrians and cyclists every day. It’s classified as an “at-risk” structure and is expected to require major restoration to stay operational past 2045. Footpath restoration is considered urgent, with a full business case underway to scope works for the bridge’s 100th anniversary in 2040.

Building the Story Bridge — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Who Pays for the Fix?

Restoring the Story Bridge will not be cheap. Experts warn the project could cost hundreds of millions of dollars over 15 years, with Brisbane City Council pushing for a funding partnership involving state and federal governments. Without it, the council may need to consider less popular options such as tolls or special rate levies on local ratepayers.

The report also warns that if no action is taken, increasing safety risks could eventually lead to restrictions on freight, public transport and even private vehicles. By 2045, permanent closure is a real possibility.

What happens if the bridge won't be rebuilt — *Photo Credit: BCC*

As the community lines up on both sides of this Friday’s protest, one thing is clear—how Brisbane chooses to move forward with the Story Bridge may shape how the city moves for generations to come.

Published 28-May-2025