story bridge Archives - Kangaroo Point News

Alleged Stolen Vehicle Chase Ends in Story Bridge Crash, Standstill Traffic

Photo Credit: myPolice Queensland Police News

A dramatic incident unfolded in Kangaroo Point on Friday afternoon when a 31-year-old man allegedly stole two vehicles in quick succession, causing significant traffic disruption on the Story Bridge.

According to Queensland Police, the Woolloongabba man is accused of stealing a black Toyota Yaris from a business on Logan Road in Eight Mile Plains around 11pm on Thursday evening. The vehicle was reportedly driven dangerously through several Brisbane suburbs, including Toowong, Greenslopes and the CBD, before crashing on MacDonald Street in Kangaroo Point at approximately 3pm on Friday.

Police allege that just ten minutes later, the man approached a red Toyota Corolla on Main Street in Kangaroo Point and forcibly removed the 43-year-old female driver from Mango Hill from her vehicle. He then allegedly fled in the stolen Corolla, driving erratically onto the Story Bridge where the vehicle struck multiple other cars before rolling onto its side.

The incident occurred during the afternoon peak hour, causing major traffic delays. Northbound lanes of the Story Bridge remained closed for more than an hour, only reopening around 4.20pm. Traffic congestion persisted well into the evening as motorists sought alternative routes.

The crash timing coincided with school pick-up, affecting students at All Hallows School. Staff moved students to a classroom as a safety precaution, with parents advised to contact their daughters by mobile phone so teachers could coordinate safe collection.

Queensland Ambulance Service paramedics assessed two people at the scene. The alleged offender was detained by police and transported to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital with minor injuries.

The man has been charged with two counts each of unlawful use of a vehicle, driving without a licence, and dangerous operation of a vehicle while affected by an intoxicating substance, along with one count of armed robbery involving violence. He was expected to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday.

Published 14-February-2026

QUT Team Supports Predictive Maintenance System for Story Bridge

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

A QUT research team is backing predictive structural monitoring for the Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point to help extend its service life and maintain safety for daily users.

Background on the Kangaroo Point Bridge

The Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point is 85 years old and remains a vital transport link for Brisbane. QUT researcher Professor Tommy Chan reports that the bridge carries more than 100,000 vehicles and about 4,000 pedestrians each day. Built with a 100-year design life, it now requires major restoration to ensure it continues operating safely, particularly with the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games approaching.

On Wednesday, 26 November, Professor Chan and his team submitted a proposal to the Australian Research Council seeking $5 million in funding to develop an advanced monitoring system. The submission is supported by $6 million in industry contributions.

Predictive System for Kangaroo Point

The QUT team is working on a data-led structural health monitoring system designed to detect, locate and assess damage across the Story Bridge. Strategically placed sensors would identify deterioration, monitor performance and estimate the structure’s remaining life. This approach aims to shift from fixed inspection cycles to predictive management of the bridge at Kangaroo Point.

The proposal highlights that elements of the bridge can be replaced as needed, allowing the structure to remain functional beyond its original design life.

How The Technology Operates

The system focuses on real-time data collection through sensors positioned at critical points on the bridge. These sensors are intended to provide engineers with detailed information on how the structure behaves, supporting decisions on when and where maintenance is required. The monitoring approach is expected to reduce costs, improve safety and extend asset life by enabling earlier intervention.

Professor Chan has seen similar technology used in Hong Kong. He notes that while Australia’s research capability in this area is advanced, the application of these systems to existing infrastructure has not kept pace with some other countries.

Kangaroo Point Story Bridge — *Photo Credit: Wikipedia*

Comparison With Traditional Inspections

Traditional bridge inspections occur on fixed intervals, such as every three months. According to Professor Chan, this method can miss deterioration that develops between inspection dates. Predictive maintenance using continuous or frequent monitoring allows engineers to assess the condition of the whole structure rather than reacting only when visible problems appear.

Expert Context from QUT

Professor Chan specialises in structural dynamics, bridge analysis, system identification, non-destructive damage detection and structural health monitoring, including the use of optical fibre sensors and fatigue analysis. According to his QUT profile, he has received more than $10 million in research funding for projects involving bridge monitoring, intelligent infrastructure systems and related technologies.

Outlook for the Story Bridge

The proposal is aimed at ensuring the Story Bridge can continue serving Kangaroo Point and the wider Brisbane community well beyond its original design life. If the project proceeds, the monitoring system is expected to modernise how the bridge is managed and support its role during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The next steps will depend on the outcome of the Australian Research Council funding process.

Published 4-Dec-2025

Kangaroo Point Home Spared by Story Bridge Works Thrives in Yeronga

As the 1930s brought a bridge that would redefine Brisbane’s skyline, a 1870s timber home quietly slipped away from demolition in Kangaroo Point.

Built decades earlier on the cliffs above the river, this house was one of several moved when the Story Bridge project reshaped Kangaroo Point’s landscape. Instead of being razed like many of its neighbours, it was relocated across the city to Yeronga, where it still stands today at 34 Stevens Street.

*Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland*

Kangaroo Point Before the Bridge

When the house was first built in the 1870s, Kangaroo Point was a busy pocket of early Brisbane—an industrial hub mixed with grand timber homes that overlooked the river. Sawmills, shipyards defined the suburb’s character, and the steep streets climbing away from the cliffs. Historical accounts show many families living in traditional Queenslander-style houses with wide verandas and timber fretwork, much like the one that would later be moved.

By the 1930s, a major change arrived. Work began on the Story Bridge, designed to link Fortitude Valley and Kangaroo Point. The construction required land resumptions and road realignments that cleared many older homes. Brisbane’s urban planners saw progress, but it also meant erasing parts of the suburb’s early architectural fabric.

The House That Moved

Unlike most, this particular home was spared by relocation. Contemporary reports and property archives describe it as having been dismantled and transported to Yeronga in the mid-1930s. Moving entire houses was not unusual in Brisbane at the time; according to the State Library of Queensland, it was common practice to save timber homes by lifting them onto trucks or timber sleds and hauling them to new sites. The move preserved the structure’s original blackbutt floorboards, silky oak doors and pine panelling—details still visible in the current residence.

While records confirm its origin in Kangaroo Point, the exact street and first owner remain unclear. Historians suggest the house likely stood near Main Street or the riverfront, where resumptions were most concentrated during the bridge’s construction. Its journey from those busy streets to the quieter neighbourhood of Yeronga mirrors the city’s own shift from industrial bustle to suburban growth.

Yeronga and the Home’s Second Life

At 34 Stevens Street, the house—known today as “Kingsley,” after the original owner—sits on a 744-sqm block. Current owners Brian and Elaine Egan purchased it in 1986 for A$52,000, maintaining much of its heritage character while updating it for modern living. It’s now listed for sale through a best offer campaign, giving new custodians the chance to preserve one of Brisbane’s few surviving pre-Story Bridge homes.

For the Yeronga community, the house is a link to a different Brisbane—when moving a building was sometimes the only way to save it.

Why It Still Matters

The story of this house is more than a property listing; it’s a thread in the city’s evolution. Kangaroo Point’s transformation into an inner-city enclave came at the cost of many such dwellings. That one of them endures, standing quietly in Yeronga, offers locals a tangible connection to Brisbane’s 19th-century past and the resilience of its timber-built heritage.

Preservation groups have long argued that such structures are key to understanding how Brisbane adapted to modernity without losing its wooden heart.

Published 6-Nov-2025

Luxury Apartments, Heirloom, with Story Bridge Views Coming to Kangaroo Point

Photo Credit: Molti

Kangaroo Point is set to transform with one of Brisbane’s final riverfront parcels earmarked for five luxury apartments, named Heirloom, priced from $9.5 million each, bringing a new chapter of high-end living to the community.

Developer Molti has confirmed plans for a six-storey residential building at 4 MacDonald Street, Kangaroo Point. The project will feature one apartment per floor, each spanning about 340 square metres.

Designed by Bureau Proberts and Carr, the layout places living and sleeping areas along the building’s edge to maximise views of the Brisbane River and CBD.

Heirloom Kangaroo Point — *Photo Credit: Molti*

The Molti project aims to balance luxury with neighbourhood value by adding to the character of Kangaroo Point. The crescent-shaped balconies, inspired by the nearby Story Bridge, mimic the landmark’s curves while providing uninterrupted city outlooks.

The development also dedicates an entire floor to health and wellbeing, with a gym, sauna and cold plunge pool modelled on spa and longevity centres.

The site, measuring 797 square metres, is currently occupied by a small complex of two-bedroom apartments that changed hands in mid-2024.

With Brisbane City Council allowing a maximum of eight storeys in the high-density zone, the proposed six-storey design complies with planning requirements. Developers said they were confident the views would remain unobstructed as the block sits opposite parkland.

Approval for the project has already been granted, and construction is expected to begin shortly.

Sales are scheduled to launch in mid-October 2025, with the riverfront residences positioned among the most expensive new apartments in Brisbane.

Published 30-Sept-2025

New ‘Toast at the Top’ Experience Launches at Kangaroo Point

Photo Credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb

A new group climbing experience on Brisbane’s Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point now includes a summit toast with beer or champagne.

New Experience for Groups

A new group package called ‘Toast at the Top’ has been introduced as a premium addition to the Story Bridge Adventure Climb. The experience allows participants to toast a glass of Felons beer or champagne upon reaching the summit. It is currently the only bridge climb globally offering an alcoholic drink at its peak.

The 90-minute guided experience accommodates up to 14 participants per group. Climb leaders provide commentary on the bridge and city during the ascent. Upon reaching the top, guests can choose between Felons Crisp Lager, Australian Pale Ale, or Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

The package also includes a group photo, a commemorative hat, a certificate of achievement, and a post-climb drink at Felons Brewing Co.

*Photo Credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb*

Safety Measures and Participation Conditions

To ensure safety, participants must be over 18 and register a blood alcohol reading of 0% before beginning the climb. All procedures are aligned with the Story Bridge Adventure Climb’s operating standards.

Booking and Pricing

‘Toast at the Top’ is available for private group bookings, with packages starting at $165 per person. Final pricing varies depending on drink selection and time of day. Bespoke options are available for smaller groups upon request. All enquiries are managed directly by the Story Bridge Adventure Climb team.

Community and Tourism Appeal

The launch aligns with broader efforts to enhance Brisbane’s tourism offerings and provide unique experiences in the lead-up to future international events, including Brisbane 2032.

Looking Ahead

The new group climb experience at Kangaroo Point adds a celebratory element to the existing Story Bridge Adventure Climb. Bookings are now open for private groups, with tailored options available.

Published 2-Aug-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

Plan to Save Story Bridge: 15-Year Roadmap Charts Path to 2040

An independent team of national infrastructure experts has outlined a 15-year roadmap to restore the 85-year-old Story Bridge in time for its centenary in 2040.

Read: Toll Considered as Story Bridge Faces Expensive Restoration

The plan, outlined in a Committee Report, aims to address the wear and tear that naturally occurs in ageing infrastructure and to ensure the iconic structure remains safe and fully operational well into the next century.

Photo credit: Darren Brampton/Google Maps

The Story Bridge Restoration Committee, chaired by respected Queensland heritage advocate Nigel Chamier AM, was formed to assess the bridge’s condition and provide a long-term strategy. Drawing from years of experience, including leading restorations of Brisbane City Hall and ANZAC Square, Mr Chamier described the task ahead as vital and complex.

“Despite regular maintenance and renewal work by Council, significant investment is needed to restore this iconic structure to ensure it remains safe and operational for another century,” Mr Chamier said.

Constructed between 1935 and 1940, the Story Bridge carries over 100,000 vehicles per day, linking the northern and southern sides of the city. About 42.5 per cent of its daily users travel from outside Brisbane, highlighting the bridge’s regional importance beyond its central location.

Over the past two decades, Brisban has spent more than $120 million maintaining the bridge, including $80 million since 2019 on critical steel and concrete repairs and protective coatings. But experts warn that more substantial restoration is now necessary.

“Restoring the Story Bridge will be challenging, particularly when it comes to securing funding and the necessary resources to ensure critical restoration works can be delivered in the coming years,” Mr Chamier said. “As the Chair of the Committee, I’ve had the benefit of drawing upon the knowledge and vast experiences of infrastructure experts in bridge engineering, asset management and major project financing and delivery.”

While the future funding model for the project remains under development, Brisbane has already partnered with the Federal Government to prepare a detailed business case that will determine final restoration costs. The Committee recommended long-term contributions from local, state, and federal levels, with options such as tolls or levies considered only if necessary.

In the short term, the Committee also called for urgent work on the bridge’s two footpath structures, which were found to be in worse condition than previously thought. Following structural assessments conducted after Tropical Cyclone Alfred, engineers identified concrete spalling and water leakage beneath the paths. Protective netting will be installed, and a temporary structure may be added to one side ahead of a full restoration.

Events on the footpaths have been suspended since January 2025, and pedestrians and cyclists have been redirected via the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge. While detour options are being explored, closing a traffic lane on the Story Bridge for shared pedestrian use has been ruled out due to the potential for widespread disruption on nearby roads and motorways.

The Story Bridge holds a unique place in Queensland’s history. Originally operated as a toll road, it has stood as a vital transport link and a piece of architectural heritage since the 1940s.

Read: Kangaroo Point Landmark, Story Bridge, Launches Inclusive Climb Experience

“The Restoration Committee will continue to support Council and its funding partners to oversee this critical project to ensure the bridge’s safety, functionality, and enduring legacy is preserved for future generations,” Mr Chamier said.

As Brisbane grows and transforms, the careful restoration of the Story Bridge is not just about maintaining infrastructure—it’s about honouring the past while building for the future.

Published 19-May-2025

Toll Considered as Story Bridge Faces Expensive Restoration

Kangaroo Point’s iconic Story Bridge could soon see tolls return for the first time in nearly 80 years, as the city faces a multi-million-dollar restoration challenge to keep the ageing structure safe for future use.

Read: Story Bridge Footpaths Closure Forces Thousands into Difficult Commute

An independent review has revealed the scale of the challenge ahead, suggesting that a full restoration is essential to keep the bridge safely operational for future generations. However, the price tag attached to this restoration is well beyond the financial means of Brisbane alone.

In response, several funding options are being considered, including a revival of tolls, which haven’t been seen on the bridge since the 1940s. Other ideas on the table include a coordinated funding approach between council, state and federal governments, the introduction of a special rates levy, or support from corporate sponsorship.

“In recent years, we’ve invested $80 million in critical restoration work. But with 42% of bridge traffic coming from outside Brisbane, it’s only fair that other levels of government pitch in,” said Cr Adrian Schrinner.

While the return of tolls would be unpopular with many commuters, it remains one of the few viable ways to fund the extensive works required.

The committee tasked with assessing the bridge’s condition also found urgent repairs needed for its pedestrian pathways. A recent structural review—conducted after a tropical cyclone—uncovered more severe damage than previously understood, with water seeping through parts of the concrete structure.

Despite years of ongoing maintenance, experts believe the bridge has reached a point where only a large-scale restoration can guarantee its future. The task ahead is not just one of engineering, but also of political and financial cooperation. Without a committed partnership across levels of government and community support, one of Brisbane’s most recognisable landmarks may face a very different future—possibly one with toll booths once again.

Read: Veteran Police Officer Injured on Story Bridge: Community Rallies with Fundraiser

As the city considers its options, the Story Bridge remains a powerful symbol—not just of Brisbane’s past, but also of the tough choices needed to secure its infrastructure for the years to come.

Published 13-May-2025

Kangaroo Point Landmark, Story Bridge, Launches Inclusive Climb Experience

Photo Credit: Story Bridge Adventure Climb

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.

Custom Technology Enables Inclusive Access

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.

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games — *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.

Kangaroo Point accessible climb — *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.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

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.

Published 10-Apr-2025

Veteran Police Officer Injured on Story Bridge: Community Rallies with Fundraiser

It was meant to be a relaxing bike ride — a routine loop from the local pool back home to Kangaroo Point, crossing the Story Bridge. But in a split second, that familiar journey turned into a life-altering event for Senior Sergeant Andrew Pool. A collision with a pedestrian on the bridge’s shared pathway left the veteran police officer with a traumatic brain injury, kicking off a medical ordeal that has stretched over nine months and changed the course of his life forever.

Read: Story Bridge Restoration Moves Forward with Business Case Funding

Now, a community-driven GoFundMe campaign is rallying support for Pool — affectionately known as “Pooly” — to help him continue his long and challenging road to recovery.

A respected member of the Queensland Police Service for more than 30 years, Pool dedicated much of his career to serving in northern Queensland, including work in First Nations communities. More recently, he had transferred to Brisbane’s Domestic and Family Violence Unit, where he supported some of the state’s most vulnerable people.

Following the accident, he spent ten weeks in a coma, underwent multiple procedures, and remains in hospital undergoing intensive rehabilitation. With limited mobility and reliant on a wheelchair, he now faces months — if not years — of ongoing therapy and support.

To ease the growing costs of care, the fundraiser aims to provide a modified electric vehicle so Pool can travel to outpatient appointments and regain a sense of independence.

“We’re raising funds for an electric vehicle (to be modified to Pooly’s needs) to ease the financial burden of transport and fuel costs. If we exceed our goal, any extra funds will go towards modified furniture and other equipment not otherwise covered and will directly support Pooly’s continued recovery,” wrote his wife Bronte, who co-organises the campaign.

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

The response so far has reflected the impact Pool made throughout his career. Former colleagues, community members, and the Queensland Police Union have all stepped up to offer support — financial and emotional — in recognition of a man who gave so much to others.

The campaign offers a chance to give back to someone who stood by others in their hardest moments. To help support Pooly’s recovery journey, visit the GoFundMe page and share his story.

Published 10-April-2025