story bridge Archives - Kangaroo Point News

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

Story Bridge Restoration Moves Forward with Business Case Funding

The first step towards the Story Bridge restoration is now underway, with funding secured to develop a business case for its long-term maintenance and refurbishment.

Read: Bridge in Distress: $4.5M Needed to Rescue Ageing Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point

As one of the city’s most recognised landmarks, the 85-year-old structure requires extensive work to ensure it remains safe and functional for all users, including drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and climbers.

Business Case and Funding Allocation

Photo credit: Steve Asiri Jayatilake/Google Maps

The federal government has allocated $2.25 million to develop a business case that will assess the cost and scope of Story Bridge’s necessary restoration work. This funding is part of Australia’s broader infrastructure investment plan aimed at revitalising Brisbane’s transport network.

In total, approximately $150 million has been allocated to existing projects, with $50 million supporting new initiatives, including the Story Bridge Renewal Business Case.

Cr Adrian Schrinner welcomed the funding, stating, “This funding will also help us progress a business case to ensure the Story Bridge continues to play a critical role in the national transport network for another 100 years.”

Current Condition of the Bridge

story bridge restoration — Photo credit: Craig Hintz/Google Maps

Brisbane has already completed initial restoration efforts, including the removal of airtight scaffolding, external white shrink wrap, an air filtration system, and various on-site equipment. However, engineering assessments have revealed that more extensive restoration is required to address structural issues such as rusted steel plates, deteriorating rivets, and salt air corrosion.

Since 2019, Council has invested around $78 million in maintaining and upgrading the bridge, but as more work has been undertaken, additional complexities have emerged, highlighting the need for further financial support and a structured restoration plan.

To oversee the planning process, Brisbane has established the Story Bridge Restoration Committee, composed of experts in asset management, structural engineering, and infrastructure investment.

The committee is led by Nigel Chamier AM, who is renowned for his leadership in restoring Brisbane City Hall and ANZAC Square. Peter Burnton, a structural engineering expert with experience in heritage and river infrastructure, brings critical knowledge to the team.

John T. Hardwick, an asset management specialist instrumental in major transport networks across NSW, also joins the committee, along with Graham McHugh, a finance and accounts executive specialising in infrastructure investment and complex asset management.

Read: Story Bridge Restoration: City Hall Savior Takes on New Challenge

Next Steps in the Restoration Plan

The committee will develop a roadmap for the potential restoration of the Story Bridge, drawing on global examples of historic bridge restorations, funding strategies, and the scope of work required.

While the funding does not yet cover the physical restoration, the business case marks a critical first step in securing future investment and ensuring the long-term viability of this major transport and tourism icon.

Published 16-March-2025

Bridge in Distress: $4.5M Needed to Rescue Ageing Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point

The almost-90-year-old Story Bridge has become increasingly vulnerable to structural deterioration, requiring approximately $4.5 million in critical repairs and updates.

Read: Calls for the Restoration of Story Bridge Faces as Centenary Approaches

Recent inspections have revealed significant rust and corrosion across the bridge’s structure, prompting urgent restoration plans. The bridge, originally designed with a 100-year lifespan, is now entering a critical preservation phase to extend its operational integrity.

Built between 1935 and 1940, the Story Bridge is a testament to early 20th-century infrastructure design, currently carrying approximately 100,000 vehicles daily across the Brisbane River. The bridge connects Fortitude Valley to Kangaroo Point and has been a defining element of Brisbane’s urban landscape for decades.

Restoration efforts have been ongoing since 2020, with current work focusing on the southern approach and below-deck steel sections between Wharf Street and Holman Street. The next phase will involve the most challenging and expensive component: the river-spanning sections.

Experienced project manager Nigel Chamier has been selected to oversee the bridge’s preservation. His expertise will be crucial in navigating the complex engineering challenges of maintaining this historic infrastructure.

Brisbane’s proactive approach aims to ensure the Story Bridge remains a safe, functional, and iconic part of Brisbane’s transportation network for generations to come. By investing in comprehensive restoration now, the city hopes to prevent more costly repairs and potential disruptions in the future.

Read: Progress Continues on Kangaroo Point Underpass Beneath Story Bridge

Before 1947, the bridge, named after prominent public servant John Douglas Story, was originally a toll bridge. Its ongoing preservation reflects Brisbane’s commitment to maintaining its historical infrastructure while meeting modern transportation needs.

Published 26-November-2024

Story Bridge Restoration: City Hall Savior Takes on New Challenge

Nigel Chamier, the project manager who successfully led the massive three-year restoration of Brisbane City Hall, has been tapped to spearhead efforts to extend the life of the Story Bridge.

Read: Calls for the Restoration of Story Bridge Faces as Centenary Approaches

This appointment comes as the landmark structure nears the end of its design lifespan, prompting concerns about its future viability.

City hall — Photo credit: Peter Bowring/Google Maps

The Story Bridge, built from 1935 to 1940, was engineered to last a century – a standard approach for Australian bridges built during that period. With just 16 years left until it reaches its centennial, city leaders now face the complex task of prolonging its functionality beyond its initial design specifications.

Cr Adrian Schrinner announced Mr Chamier’s appointment last week, revealing that he had reached out to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to seek federal financial backing for the initiative. Cr Schrinner emphasised that the scope of the project necessitates cooperation from all levels of government, as it exceeds the city’s current resources.

Mr Chamier, a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2008 for his contributions to the property industry, brings extensive experience to the role.

His portfolio includes overseeing the $215 million restoration of Brisbane City Hall from 2010 to 2013 and managing the refurbishment of Anzac Square in the CBD in 2019. He has also held prominent positions such as Chair of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation and the Games Infrastructure Authority.

The Lord Mayor stressed the significance of the Story Bridge to the city’s infrastructure, noting that its restoration would not only preserve a nationally recognised landmark but also ensure continued smooth traffic flow. He expressed hope that the project would extend the bridge’s service life by another century.

Mr Chamier conveyed his enthusiasm for the project, indicating his intention to explore all possible avenues for preserving the longevity of this national icon.

Read: Kangaroo Point Bridge Reaches 90% Completion, Newest Landmark Takes Shape in Brisbane

The restoration is expected to be a substantial undertaking, comparable in scale to the City Hall project. As the Story Bridge has been a defining feature of the city’s skyline for over seven decades, this initiative aims to secure its place for future generations.

Published 19-August-2024

Howard Smith Wharves Gears Up for Biggest Riverfire Celebration Yet

Howard Smith Wharves is set to host its largest-ever Riverfire event, offering prime viewing spots for the spectacular fireworks display beneath the Story Bridge.

The annual celebration, scheduled for 31 August, marks the beginning of the Brisbane Festival. CEO of Howard Smith Wharves, Luke Fraser, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, highlighting the diverse range of experiences available across the precinct’s venues.

Event Details

Visitors can enjoy the festivities from various locations within Howard Smith Wharves. The Main Lawn will open at 12:00 p.m., featuring a pop-up bar serving antipasti, pasta, pizza, and drinks. Walk-in spaces will be available outdoors at Felons Brewing Co and Felons Barrel Hall, as well as on the Main Lawn and Rivergarden.

Riverfire Howard Smith Wharves, Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Venue Offerings

Several venues are offering special packages for the event:

Ciao Papi: A share-style menu including oysters, prosciutto pizzetta, and Wagyu sirloin steak, with a children’s menu available.

Stanley: A three-course banquet curated by Head Chef Louis Tikaram, featuring oysters, lobster and truffle dumplings, and stir-fried black Angus.

Felons Barrel Hall: Live music and DJ sets until late, with walk-ins welcome in outdoor spaces.

Mr Percival’s: Cocktails and music from 4:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m., with bookings available for the main event.

Felons Brewing Co: An $85 set menu with craft beers on tap and live DJ entertainment.

Greca: Two packages offering Greek feasts with selected beverages and prime fireworks viewing.

Yoko: Japanese cuisine with lunch and dinner options, including prime seats for the fireworks.

Book Your Table

Community Impact

Fraser emphasised the significance of Riverfire in kicking off the Brisbane Festival, praising the event’s role in showcasing talent, art, and culture while engaging the community. The diverse offerings across Howard Smith Wharves aim to cater to families and individuals alike, providing a range of experiences to suit different preferences and budgets.

Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure their preferred viewing spots for this popular annual event that brings the Brisbane community together in celebration.

Published 19-Aug-2024

Calls for the Restoration of Story Bridge Faces as Centenary Approaches

The Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point, a beloved landmark and crucial artery in Brisbane’s transportation network, is facing a pivotal moment in its 84-year history. Recent revelations about its urgent need for restoration have sparked concern among Brisbane residents and officials alike.

Read: Progress Continues on Kangaroo Point Underpass Beneath Story Bridge

Story Bridge History

Constructed between 1935 and 1940, the Story Bridge was initially built as a toll bridge.

Named after prominent public servant John Douglas Story, it was transferred to the City Council in 1947 and has since become an integral part of Brisbane’s infrastructure, carrying an impressive 100,000 vehicles daily.

However, the bridge was designed with a 100-year lifespan in mind, a common practice for Australian bridges of its era. As it approaches its centenary, city officials are grappling with the challenge of extending its life beyond its original design parameters.

Toll booth, 1941 (Photo credit: Queensland State Archives, Digital Image ID 4053 ID label: 1249600)

Cr Adrian Schrinner has confirmed the need for a major restoration project. “A full restoration of the iconic Story Bridge will mean a whole new century of life for this critical piece of infrastructure,” Cr Schrinner stated, calling for support from all levels of government to protect this Brisbane icon.

Current Restoration Efforts

The Council has not been idle in maintaining the structure. Since 2020, restoration work has been ongoing on the southern approach to the bridge.

The current Stage 2 works, which began in mid-August 2021, focus on the below-deck steel between Wharf Street and Holman Street at Kangaroo Point. These efforts include the installation of scaffolding and encapsulation systems, recoating of steel members, and concrete repair and strengthening works.

However, the most significant and costly part of the restoration lies ahead – the sections spanning the Brisbane River. This presents a complex engineering challenge that will require substantial resources and expertise.

The Story Bridge’s importance extends beyond its practical function. Listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992, it represents a significant piece of the city’s history and identity. Its distinctive silhouette against the Brisbane skyline has become synonymous with the city itself.

As Brisbane continues to grow and evolve, the fate of the Story Bridge stands as a testament to the challenges faced by ageing infrastructure in rapidly developing urban centres. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether this iconic structure can indeed be granted a new lease on life, ensuring it continues to serve and inspire Brisbane for generations to come.

Read: Kangaroo Point Bridge Reaches 90% Completion, Newest Landmark Takes Shape in Brisbane

The restoration project not only highlights the engineering challenges of maintaining such a structure but also underscores the emotional and cultural significance of the bridge to Brisbane’s residents. As the city rallies to support this ambitious restoration, the Story Bridge saga serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing dialogue between a city’s past, present, and future.

Published 12-August-2024

Progress Continues on Kangaroo Point Underpass Beneath Story Bridge

Work on the new Kangaroo Point underpass is progressing well, providing a critical link for pedestrians and cyclists travelling beneath the iconic Story Bridge from Main Street to Deakin Street.

Read: New Kangaroo Point Green Bridge: A Feat of Engineering

The project involves creating a dedicated pedestrian and bike path running beneath the Story Bridge, linking Main Street to Deakin Street in Kangaroo Point.

Construction crews have carefully cut openings in the bridge’s sidewalls, allowing natural light to stream into the previously inaccessible space underneath. The next phase involves levelling the floor, installing drainage, relocating utility services, and building a separating wall from the adjacent council depot.

When completed in 2024, the underpass will feature separated paths for pedestrians and cyclists, an accessible viewing area, and illustrative wall panels highlighting the rich history of the Story Bridge itself.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner says the underpass represents an important connection between an iconic piece of Brisbane’s heritage and its future green transport network.

“This Story Bridge is not only part of Brisbane’s heritage but its future, so it’s fitting that 95 per cent of the concrete sections removed from the bridge will be recycled and could be given a new life in other parts of the city,” Cr Schrinner stated.

Kangaroo Point underpass — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

The underpass is a critical link in extending the Kangaroo Point Peninsula’s active transport network to the city centre via the new green bridge. It will provide a safe, level pathway avoiding stairs and roads.

“With the Olympics and Paralympic Games on the horizon there is a need for a convenient ongoing connection that would be able to link walkers and riders heading from The Gabba to the CBD,” Cr Schrinner explained.

Travel projections estimate the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge could generate over 6,100 active transport trips per day by 2036, reducing car trips across the river by up to 84,000 annually. Approximately 2,800 of those green bridge trips are expected to flow through the new underpass each day in 2041.

Read: Iconic Mast Makes Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Brisbane’s Tallest Bridge

For locals and visitors alike, the underpass will offer a unique way to experience Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge from a new perspective when it opens this year.

Published 19-April-2024

Story Bridge to Light Up Purple for Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month

On Wednesday, September 6, Kangaroo Point and the rest of Brisbane will see the Story Bridge light up purple to mark Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month.

Read: Will the Story Bridge Fly the Aboriginal Flags Permanently?

The special lighting display on the Story Bridge aims to raise awareness about gynaecological cancers, which affect over 6,700 Australian women and girls each year.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers can save lives. That’s why Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and funding research, is urging all women to learn about the most common red flags.

Gynaecological Cancer Awareness — Photo credit: Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation/Facebook

“We need to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of gynaecological cancers so that women can get screened and diagnosed early,” says Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation Founder, Professor Andreas Obermair. “If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, please see your doctor.”

abnormal or persistent vaginal bleeding – for example, bleeding after menopause, bleeding that is not part of menstrual periods, or bleeding after sex
unusual vaginal discharge
pain, pressure or discomfort in the abdomen
weight loss
swelling of the abdomen
change in bowel or bladder habits
pain during sex
itching, burning or soreness in the pelvic region
lumps, sores or wart-like growths

Since its founding in 2012, Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation has raised over $2 million to support critical research into gynaecological cancers.

This September, which marks Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, the nonprofit will hold its annual Cherish Challenge fundraiser. A team of dedicated individuals will climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa to raise money and awareness around these cancers that impact thousands of Australian women each year.

“We are proud to support the research community in their efforts to find new and improved treatments for gynaecological cancers,” said Professor Obermair. “We believe that by working together, we can make a real difference in the lives of women affected by these cancers.”

Read: Get A Sneak Peek Of The Restaurant And Cafe Set To Open On the Green Bridge at Kangaroo Point

Published 1-September-2023

New Pedestrian & Cycle Underpass to be Built in Kangaroo Point

Plans have been announced to build a new pedestrian and cycling underpass passing through openings cut into both sidewalls of the Story Bridge, to link Main Street and Deakin Street in Kangaroo Point.

The underpass will form part of the larger Kangaroo Point Green Bridge project that aims to enhance active transportation options in the area.

The underpass will feature separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as an accessible viewing area. The walls of the underpass will showcase illustrative panels depicting the rich history of the Story Bridge, adding an educational element to the project.

“To deliver this new connection we have cut openings into both sidewalls of the Story Bridge, with the walls delicately removed piece by piece. We now have daylight streaming through both sides of the underpass, lighting up a space that has never previously been accessible to the public,” LM Adrian Schrinner shared.

To make way for the underpass, certain modifications will also be carried out, including the relocation of utility services, floor drainage, surface levelling, and the installation of a partition wall to separate the existing council depot. It is crucial to note that the underpass will be created without compromising the integrity of the Story Bridge structure.

“This underpass is a critical project that will connect the Kangaroo Pointt Green Bridge landing at Scott Street to the wider active transport network in Kangaroo Point and the eastern suburbs,” LM Schrinner said. “It also represents a connection between Brisbane’s most iconic landmark of the last century and the future world-class landmark linking the city centre and Kangaroo Point Peninsula.”

The underpass is expected to significantly improve pedestrian, cycling, and e-mobility movements in the area. The council’s planners and engineers have identified the gap in the bridge as an ideal location for the new link, ensuring a convenient and accessible connection for residents and visitors alike.

The importance of sustainable construction practices was further highlighted in the proposed project, with approximately 95% of the concrete sections removed from the bridge to be recycled and repurposed within other areas of the city, reducing waste and promoting environmental stewardship.

“With the Olympics and Paralympic Games on the horizon, there is a need for a convenient ongoing connection that would be able to link walkers and riders heading from The Gabba to the CBD,” he added.

The underpass is projected to become a popular route, with an estimated 2,800 daily trips expected to pass through it by 2041. This will provide a much-needed alternative to the existing underpass at Thornton Street, which is not accessible due to the presence of stairs.

The underpass project is currently in the planning phase, with detailed information and images available on the Brisbane City Council website for interested individuals to review and provide feedback.

Published 13-June-2023