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, 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.
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.
Photo Credit: Australian Institute of Architects
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.
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.
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.
BCC has confirmed that at least one of the Story Bridge footpaths in Kangaroo Point is expected to reopen by the end of 2025 following months of closure due to structural concerns.
The anticipated reopening of pedestrian access on the Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point follows a major safety-driven closure earlier this year. BCC has allocated $18 million to support the restoration, which includes installing new decking and undertaking urgent repairs to enable at least one footpath to reopen before the end of the year.
On 5 March 2025, both footpaths were closed as a precaution after inspections revealed structural concerns. The timing, which occurred days before Cyclone Alfred reached Brisbane, prompted questions from residents. Initial engineering reports suggested the footpaths had remaining service life, but further detailed inspections found more extensive rust, corrosion, and concrete damage than previously recorded.
Restoration Work Underway
To facilitate reopening, BCC has allocated $6.7 million for new decking to be placed over the existing footpaths, with manufacturing expected to take 17 weeks. Installation will occur partly at night due to necessary lane closures. An additional $6.2 million will go towards urgent structural repairs.
Photo Credit: BCC
Protective netting is already being installed beneath the footpaths to prevent hazards from falling debris. These works form part of a broader long-term restoration plan aimed at extending the bridge’s lifespan to 2040.
Long-Term Plan and Future Restrictions
Over 100,000 vehicles and 4,000 pedestrians, and cyclists use the Story Bridge daily. BCC has committed to a 15-year restoration strategy, and a federal grant of $2.25 million supports a business case to secure further funding.
Without full restoration, future use of the bridge may be restricted, with limitations on freight and public transport by 2035 and potential closure by 2045.
Photo Credit: BCC
Community Disruption
The footpath closure has forced many Kangaroo Point commuters to rely on detours, including the nearby Kangaroo Point Green Bridge. However, parts of the alternate routes remain blocked, leading to extended travel times of up to 2.5 kilometres for some users.
Cycling groups have proposed using a traffic lane as a temporary pedestrian and cycling path, but this has not been adopted.
BCC will continue temporary restoration activities while working toward reopening the first footpath. No external funding commitments have been confirmed beyond the business case, although BCC is seeking contributions from both state and federal governments for a full bridge upgrade.
The Kangaroo Point Bridge has been recognised for its design integration and civic contribution, receiving an infrastructure award at the Queensland landscape architecture awards.
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.
Photo Credit: Supplied
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.
Photo Credit: Supplied
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.
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.
Did you know that, in a world-first for inclusive adventure tourism, wheelchair users are now able to participate in guided climbs to the top of the Story Bridge? From the Howard Smith Wharves base, a special technology is used to ensure safe movement across inclines, with ergonomic and safety elements to ensure an enjoyable and inclusive climbing experience to the top of iconic bridge.
The accessible climb includes a motorised stair climber wheelchair that has been specifically designed for the Story Bridge. The wheelchair incorporates advanced technology to ensure safe movement across inclines and features ergonomic and safety elements suited for the climb environment.
This initiative was made possible by a $250,000 grant through the State’s Accessible Tourism Elevate Fund.
Design Collaboration and Testing
The accessible climb system was co-designed by tourism operator John Sharpe, Box Wheelchairs’ Mike Box, and wheelchair motocross athlete Timothy Lachlan, who also took part in testing and refinement. The system has been customised to meet high safety standards and to accommodate the structural features of the Story Bridge.
Photo Credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Climb Details and Participation
The new experience allows for up to nine participants per session, with a maximum of one wheelchair user supported by at least three companions. Each climb runs for 2.5 to 3 hours and includes commentary on Brisbane’s history, a group photo, and a commemorative cap.
The climb begins from the Story Bridge Adventure Climb headquarters at Howard Smith Wharves, near the bridge’s Kangaroo Point connection.
Local and State Support
City officials and community figures attended a launch event at the climb site, acknowledging the climb as a boost to local tourism ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Stakeholders said the initiative aligns with increasing demand for accessible experiences in Brisbane and broader Queensland.
Research cited by the operator indicated that three in five Brisbane residents see accessibility as a key priority for the city’s development.
Photo Credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb
Ongoing Significance for Kangaroo Point
While the climb base is located at Howard Smith Wharves, the Story Bridge remains a major landmark for both sides of the river, including Kangaroo Point. The development enhances visitor engagement with the bridge and its surrounding areas, offering new tourism opportunities and increased visibility for accessibility-focused infrastructure.
The accessible bridge climb positions Brisbane as a leader in inclusive tourism. It is expected to attract domestic and international interest. It represents a broader shift towards infrastructure and tourism services that cater to a wider range of physical needs, with more initiatives likely to emerge ahead of major international events in 2032.
A colourful mural featuring a rock-climbing kangaroo at Kangaroo Point has taken out the top prize in Brisbane’s long-running Artforce Awards, which recognise the city’s best street art painted on traffic signal and electrical boxes.
The 2024 winners were announced this week, with Brisbane architect Lucia Laus named Overall Winner for her piece Climbing Kangaroo, located at the River Terrace pedestrian crossing near Paton Street. Painted in February 2024, the artwork captures a kangaroo scaling the Kangaroo Point cliffs with the city skyline glowing in the background.
Photo Credit: Artforce Brisbane
Celebrating Local Life and Culture
Lucia said the inspiration behind the piece was the popular outdoor lifestyle in Kangaroo Point, especially the community of climbers often seen at the cliffs. Her creation, featuring a character named Roo the Kangaroo, reflects the active spirit of the area and the many ways people enjoy the spot—whether it’s climbing, walking, cycling, or gathering with friends and family.
She worked with fellow artist Luz Jennifer Garcia Rodriguez to complete the mural, hoping it would encourage more people to explore the area and take part in local activities. According to the artist, Roo was designed to bring a sense of fun and positivity to the streetscape.
Now in its 26th year, Artforce Brisbane is a community art program that turns everyday street infrastructure into public art. This year, the competition saw 84 entries across multiple categories, with participants ranging from school students to community organisations and emerging artists.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner praised the winning works, saying the program helped improve the city’s appearance while encouraging community involvement. He said the designs also gave people a chance to tell the story of their neighbourhoods and connect with the culture of different suburbs.
For the first time, the awards included vinyl-wrapped boxes for locations too close to roads to paint safely.
Winners Across the City
Among this year’s major winners, Ibis-zilla by Maddie Field won the Lord Mayor’s Award for its bold depiction of Brisbane’s well-known bird. The artwork is displayed at the corner of Ann and Wharf streets in Brisbane City and features an ibis surrounded by vibrant, swirling colours.
The People’s Choice Award went to Wendy Cumes for her piece New Leaves. Reading the Land, painted at Newmarket State School. The design highlights native flora and the history of the school community.
Other award recipients included:
Belly of Brisbane River by Thomas Hill and Cameron Hill – Best 12 and Under
Flowers by Grace Tupicoff and Jemima Gibbons – Best 18 and Under
Smokey Daze by Ava Hobart and The Gap State High School – Best High School
Zenith Rock by Multicap Centre of Creative Arts, Eight Mile Plains – Best Organisation
Look Up by Princess Enriquez – Best Digital Artwork & Vinyl Wrap
Cockatoos & Native Flora by Tanith Fleming – Best Energex Box
Keeping Creativity Alive on the Streets
All entries were judged not only on creativity and skill, but also how well they captured the identity of the local area. Artforce Brisbane continues to be a way for people of all backgrounds and artistic experience to contribute to the city’s character.
Kangaroo Point residents are urged to prepare for severe weather as Tropical Cyclone Alfred moves towards south-east Queensland. The cyclone will bring heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and damaging winds later this week.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred, currently classified as a Category 2 system, is tracking towards south-east Queensland, with landfall expected late Thursday or early Friday. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that the system could bring 700mm of daily rainfall. Wind gusts of up to 130km/h could also threaten homes and infrastructure.
LM Adrian Schrinner has activated the city’s disaster management group. Meanwhile, the Queensland authorities emphasised the importance of early preparations.
Due to rising flood risks and strong winds, all CityCat and ferry services will be suspended from tonight to protect passengers, crew, and vessels. The final CityCat departures from Northshore Hamilton and the University of Queensland will be at 10:15 p.m. The final KittyCat cross-river services will run until 11:40 p.m. All ferry terminals will be closed at midnight.
A combination of high tides, flash flooding, dangerous high winds, and intense rainfall is expected to create serious safety hazards, including debris on the Brisbane River. Authorities have emphasised that this decision prioritises passenger and crew safety ahead of Cyclone Alfred’s impact.
Public Transport & School Closures Due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred
All bus and train services will cease operation from the last service tonight, Wednesday 5 March, until further notice as Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches.
Due to the severe weather conditions, all schools will also be closed during this period. Authorities advise residents to stay informed through official updates and take necessary safety precautions.
Sandbag Collection Points
As of 6-March-2025. Please monitor the BCC site for updates.
As of 6-March-2025. Please monitor the BCC site for updates.
As of 6-March-2025. Please monitor the BCC site for updates.
As of 6-March-2025. Please monitor the BCC site for updates.
Flooding and High Tides a Major Concern
Heavy rainfall and coastal surges are expected to increase the risk of flash flooding in low-lying areas. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued flood watches from Hervey Bay to northern New South Wales. High tides are likely to worsen conditions in coastal regions. Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy has urged residents in areas like Bribie Island, Moreton Bay, and North and South Stradbroke Islands to consider leaving before ferry services are suspended.
Local authorities warn that the severe weather could cause widespread power outages. Residents are encouraged to prepare for blackouts.
Temporary Refuge Shelter at RNA Showgrounds
BCC has announced that a short-term refuge shelter will open at the RNA Showgrounds in Bowen Hills from 7 a.m. on Thursday, 6 March, to provide temporary relief for residents displaced by Cyclone Alfred. Evacuees will be admitted until midday, after which the shelter will be locked down.
The shelter follows a proven model used in North Queensland during cyclone emergencies. The facility will provide only basic amenities and will not include beds or cooking facilities.
Residents planning to seek shelter are advised to bring their own non-perishable food, water, and identification for registration. Authorities emphasize that this refuge should be used as a last resort for those with no other accommodation options.
Stay Informed and Prepared
As Tropical Cyclone Alfred approaches, it is crucial for residents in Kangaroo Point and surrounding areas to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The authorities have provided guidelines to help communities prepare effectively.
As Cyclone Alfred approaches, authorities stress the importance of being proactive. Kangaroo Point, along with the wider Brisbane region, is on alert for potential impacts. Safety measures are being put in place ahead of the storm’s arrival.
A 17-storey apartment tower approved for a narrow site at Pixley Street in Kangaroo Point is facing a legal challenge, with neighbouring residents appealing the decision in court.
In December, Brisbane granted approval for the development at 25 Pixley Street, which would replace an existing house with a multi-level apartment building. The approved plan (A006279887) features seven apartments stacked over multiple levels, with amenities including a communal wellness centre, two pools, and 24 car parking spaces.
The project originally proposed a 23-storey tower with 11 apartments but was revised before receiving council approval. The amended design includes a rooftop terrace and pool exclusively for the penthouse occupants, along with communal facilities on the lower levels.
However, the development has met opposition from neighbouring property owners and residents. Opposing locals have lodged an appeal with the Planning and Environment Court.
Opponents argue that the project exceeds the site’s height and site cover limits and constitutes an overdevelopment of the land. Concerns have also been raised regarding the building’s proximity to neighbouring structures, with claims that it would provide less than 14 metres of separation from Watermark Residences, less than three metres from Olims’ riverfront building, and less than eight metres from Olims’ tower building.
Photo credit: Nearmap/Brisbane PD Online
“We continue to object to the proposed development, as it substantially and materially conflicts with the relevant Planning Scheme for Brisbane City, resulting in a significant and unacceptable overdevelopment of the site in terms of scale, bulk, and form,” the Watermark Residences body corporate stated.
Concerns have also been raised about potential impacts on the heritage significance of Olims Apartments, formerly known as Travelodge Brisbane. Part of the site is listed on the heritage register, and objectors argue that the new development would negatively affect its historical and cultural value.
Other grounds for appeal include concerns over height, bulk, and scale, as well as potential impacts on privacy, overshadowing, and river views. Opponents believe the development could affect the future residential amenity of the area and limit further development potential.
The case will now be reviewed by the Planning and Environment Court, where both sides will present their arguments regarding the appropriateness of the development.
Cairns Street in Kangaroo Point stands as a testament to Brisbane’s evolving riverside landscape, with historical records from 1936 showing the street’s existence before the now-familiar Dockside Ferry Terminal carved its path through the area.
This tightly-knit community boasts an impressive 80% owner-occupier rate, with residents choosing to call this street home for an average of nearly 13 years. The street’s enduring appeal is evident in its sales history, with notable transactions like 37 Cairns Street changing hands for $35,000 in October 1980 – a figure that underscores the remarkable growth in Brisbane’s property market over the decades. Today, with 111 properties and 39% of residents having lived there for over a decade, Cairns Street continues to embody the strong sense of community that defines Kangaroo Point’s residential character.
Cairns St, Kangaroo Point Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 111 % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 80% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 12 years and 9 months % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 39%
Cairns St, Kangaroo Point – As It Looked in 1936
Cairns St, Kangaroo Point in 1936
SOME RECENT SALES ON CAIRNS ST, KANGAROO POINT
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
17/78 Cairns, Kangaroo Point
$1,550,000
Nov 2024
43/78 Cairns, Kangaroo Point
$1,800,000
Oct 2024
29 Cairns, Kangaroo Point
$1,850,000
Oct 2024
10/39 Cairns, Kangaroo Point
$1,585,000
Oct 2024
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON CAIRNS ST FROM YESTERYEAR
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
37 Cairns, Kangaroo Point
$35,000
Oct 1980
9/77 Cairns, Kangaroo Point
$190,000
Feb 1985
10/77 Cairns, Kangaroo Point
$197,500
Mar 1987
SUBURB PROFILE
The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Kangaroo Point in 2024 was $1,469,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom House in Kangaroo Point in 2020 was $921,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM HOUSE IN KANGAROO POINT SINCE 2020 : $548,000
The median price of a 1 Bedroom Unit in Kangaroo Point in 2024 was $475,000 The median price of a 1 Bedroom Unit in Kangaroo Point in 2020 was $332,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 1 BEDROOM UNIT IN KANGAROO POINT SINCE 2020 : $143,000
The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Kangaroo Point in 2024 was $730,000 The median price of a 2 Bedroom Unit in Kangaroo Point in 2020 was $496,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 2 BEDROOM UNIT IN KANGAROO POINT SINCE 2020 : $234,000
The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Kangaroo Point in 2024 was $1,650,000 The median price of a 3 Bedroom Unit in Kangaroo Point in 2020 was $880,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 3 BEDROOM UNIT IN KANGAROO POINT SINCE 2020 : $770,000
A Kangaroo Point running coach says a running boom is sweeping across Australia. Marathons are selling out in record time as more people, especially young people, embrace the challenge of endurance events.
Jamie Hunter, a long-time endurance runner and coach based in Kangaroo Point, believes running’s simplicity is key to its appeal. He says that running is something humans were born to do, so it’s natural for people to enjoy it. The recent rise in running’s popularity began during the pandemic when jogging became a primary way to exercise during lockdowns.
Since then, run clubs have sprung up all over Australia, offering a social and supportive environment for runners of all levels. For many, a weekly 5km run with friends, followed by coffee and a croissant, has become a gateway to longer distances and greater challenges.
Caitlin Dorrough, a 22-year-old from Brisbane, started running with a group and quickly fell in love with the sport’s community aspect. She found training for her first half-marathon an incredible experience, supported by her running group.
Similarly, Shelby Tillett, a 25-year-old pilot, only began running 18 months ago but has already completed a marathon and an Ironman 70.3 triathlon. She credits the running community with motivating her to achieve these extraordinary feats. Ms. Tillett is now training for a full Ironman, which includes a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle, and a full marathon.
The growing interest in running is evident in the record entries for events nationwide. The 2025 Gold Coast Marathon sold out in record time, with 15,000 people signing up within days. Naomi McCarthy, Director of Sports Engagement at Griffith University, notes an increase in young people participating in marathons previously dominated by older, seasoned athletes.
She believes the social aspect of running has attracted a younger demographic to the sport. Mr Hunter, who owns a running supply store in Brisbane, has observed a similar trend, with a surge in beginner runners seeking advice and equipment. He has had to adjust his stock to cater to the influx of new runners, a development he sees as a positive sign for the sport.
Sport and exercise psychologist Vanessa Wergin says running’s beginner-friendly nature and the quick sense of improvement contribute to its popularity. She believes endurance events attract people who want to set big personal goals because they are challenging yet not overly competitive. Dr Wergin emphasises that participation is the ultimate goal in marathon running, and everyone who completes such distances is already a winner.
Plans to restore and adaptively reuse Brisbane’s historic Shafston House alongside the development of a high-rise residential apartment building have sparked a range of community reactions.
The proposal includes significant changes to the site, such as increasing the height of the previously approved 15-storey building to 28 storeys (25 residential levels) and creating 48 exclusive residences.
Concerns About Height and Heritage
Some residents have expressed concerns about the substantial increase in height, arguing that the new building would overshadow the site and impact the riverfront aesthetic. One resident noted, “The view of the precinct from the river will be overshadowed by the proposed development and detract significantly from the extant aesthetics attributed to the open space; one of the few remaining along the river.”
Photo credit: CC0/Shiftchange/Wikimedia Commons
Others fear that the project could undermine the heritage value of Shafston House, which is listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. Constructed in 1851 and associated with several prominent Queensland figures, Shafston House holds significant historical and cultural value.
Critics argue that the ancillary buildings and surrounding precinct, although not individually protected, contribute to the overall historical importance of the site.
“There should be a proper Brisbane-wide consultation process,” another resident suggested, calling for broader community engagement to determine the future of the site.
The developers have defended their proposal, emphasising their commitment to preserving and restoring Shafston House. They argue that the adaptive reuse of the house for communal facilities, such as a resident lounge, library, and office spaces, will ensure its long-term conservation.
“The revised proposal will preserve, enrich, and reactivate one of the oldest riverine estates in Brisbane, allowing for it to be enjoyed for many generations to come,” the developers stated in their planning documents. They further noted that distributing the upkeep costs across all future property owners would alleviate the financial burden of maintaining the heritage-listed property.
The accompanying heritage report claims that the proposed changes to Shafston House itself are minimal and aim to maintain its original floor plan and external appearance.
The proposed development includes 2,986 square meters of communal open space and plans for 113 residential car parking spaces, 13 visitor spaces, and 70 bicycle spaces (56 for residents and 14 for visitors). A new private marina with six berths is also part of the proposal.
The project aims to restore and adaptively reuse Shafston House by converting it into communal facilities, including a resident lounge, library, kitchenette, bar, office spaces, and accessible bathrooms.
The project is planned in two stages: the creation of the residential dwellings followed by the demolition of the existing pontoon and construction of the new marina.
About the Shafston House
Front of the residence, Shafston, built on the site of the original Shafston House, 1930 (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland, Negative number: 65163)
In 1851, Reverend Robert Creyke built Shafston House as a modest single-storey cottage. Over the years, the building evolved, with new owners modifying the original structure.
It served as a private home, an Anzac Hostel (1919–1969), RAAF accommodation (1969–1987), and finally Shafston International College from the mid-1990s. In 2005, Shafston House was added to the Queensland Heritage Register.
Community Feedback and Next Steps
The proposal is now under review, with feedback from residents, heritage groups, and other stakeholders shaping the decision-making process. Many residents have called for a more inclusive consultation process involving the Council or the State Government to ensure the project aligns with community expectations and preserves the heritage of Shafston House.
The outcome of the proposal remains uncertain, as it seeks to balance the restoration of one of Brisbane’s most iconic heritage sites with modern urban development.
