The proposed St Lucia to West End Bridge will no longer proceed, with escalating costs and a commitment to keeping expenses down for Brisbane residents cited as key reasons for the decision.
Read: Toowong to West End Green Bridge Project Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Brisbane Budget Cuts
The decision was announced earlier this month, with BCC highlighting the need to prioritize cost-effective infrastructure projects amid ongoing financial pressures.
Since the Bridges for Brisbane program was introduced in 2019, a series of challenges have impacted funding for major projects, including:
- A $220 million budget shortfall due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- More than $400 million spent on recovery efforts following the 2022 floods.
- A $60 million reduction in infrastructure charges caused by the housing crisis.
- Financial responsibilities shifted from State and Federal governments, such as managing childhood immunizations and fire ants.
- A decline in forecast rates revenue, with a $6.7 million shortfall recorded in 2023-24 and another $2.1 million so far in 2024-25.
Cr Adrian Schrinner explained that redirecting resources from the St Lucia to West End Bridge would allow for greater investment in critical transport and road infrastructure. “By not building this bridge, we can invest more in critical projects in the future, like better roads and better transport to keep Brisbane moving,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Toowong to West End Bridge remains a priority under the Bridges for Brisbane program and is expected to be delivered in partnership with other levels of government before the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.
If funding is secured, Brisbane will move forward with the detailed design and procurement process for the Toowong to West End Bridge to facilitate earlier delivery than initially planned.
Read: West End to Join Brisbane’s Expanded CityLink Cycleway Network
The cancellation of St Lucia to West End Bridge reflects a broader strategy to balance long-term fiscal responsibility with the city’s growing infrastructure needs, ensuring resources are allocated to projects that provide the greatest benefit to the community.
Published 18-December-2024
