The Kangaroo Point Bridge will connect Brisbane’s CBD to Kangaroo Point for pedestrians and cyclists but has no direct riverside path to Mowbray Park, forcing users onto alternative routes.
A Missed Opportunity for Riverside Connectivity
The bridge that many have been eagerly awaiting, set to open on 15 December, was designed to improve active transportation in the inner-east, while still leaving a gap in connectivity towards the east. Cyclists and walkers seeking a seamless route from Kangaroo Point to Mowbray Park must navigate Shafston Avenue’s narrow footpaths or detour through Kangaroo Point’s side streets to reach established trails.
A once-promised Riverwalk connecting the two points was cancelled in mid-2023 due to spiralling costs, leaving community members frustrated with the lack of a complete network.
The Cost of Shelving the Riverwalk
Originally estimated at $22.5 million, the Riverwalk project faced budget blowouts that pushed the price tag to $93 million. Challenges included land acquisition, environmental constraints, and the need for complex construction along the Brisbane River.
Council confirmed it has no plans to revive the Riverwalk, citing the prohibitive costs and the logistical hurdles posed by private pontoons and residential developments along the riverbank.
The scrapped Riverwalk plan would have required the Dockside ferry terminal to be demolished and rebuilt, with much of the walkway built on piles or micropiles over the river. Despite strong community support during consultation, local authorities shifted focus to a more cost-effective alternative.
Shafston Avenue Bikeway: The Chosen Alternative
Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads have committed to a joint project: a $35-million bikeway along Shafston Avenue. This route will connect the new bridge’s Deakin Road landing to the Lytton Road bikeway, bypassing the need for a costly riverside path. Council transport officials argued this solution would deliver faster and more direct benefits for residents and cyclists in East Brisbane.
The Shafston Avenue bikeway is expected to be completed by 2027–28. However, some locals worry that the alternative plan means the Riverwalk may never be revisited.
Previous studies showed strong public preference for a riverside route, with over 600 submissions to the council’s active transport study between 2021 and 2022 supporting the Riverwalk project.
Published 10-Dec-2024
