Brisbane City Council Archives

Bougainvillea Bridge to Link West End and Toowong with Dining, Parks

Bougainvillea Bridge, a striking new bridge linking West End and Toowong could soon transform Brisbane’s riverfront, combining lush gardens, overwater dining, and community spaces into a must-visit location for locals and visitors alike.

Planning and Community Vision

Plans for the Toowong to West End Green Bridge have been developed by Suburban Futures in collaboration with MODE Design. The proposal reimagines the traditional purpose of a bridge, offering a vibrant space filled with cafes, restaurants, event areas, and landscaped gardens draped in flowering bougainvilleas.

Bougainvillea Bridge in West End — *Photo Credit: MODE Design Corp*

Unlike traditional pedestrian bridges, the Bougainvillea Bridge has been designed as a social hub. MODE Design’s plans feature a meandering structure with separate upper pedestrian and lower cycling pathways. Along the walk, travellers will encounter shaded resting spots, cafes, and river-view dining spaces.

According to the design team, the bridge’s curves follow the natural bends of the Brisbane River, creating an experience that is as much about enjoying the journey as reaching the destination. The southern landing at West End will feature Cranbrook Place, a sinuous amphitheatre wrapping around a river stage and public plaza for community events and gatherings.

Suburban Futures highlighted that including commercial tenancies like restaurants and cafes within the bridge structure could help generate an income stream to offset maintenance and operational costs, while giving locals and tourists new spaces to meet and relax.

Linking Neighbourhoods, Encouraging Active Travel

Brisbane’s bbroader goal for the bridge is to strengthen active travel connections across the city. Dedicated pathways, a minimum six metres wide, will make it safer and more convenient for people walking or cycling between Toowong and West End.

The bridge will also enhance access to Toowong Centre, ferry terminals, rail stations, and high-frequency bus services. New and upgraded riverside parks at both landing sites are planned, adding more green spaces for residents to enjoy.

Council stressed that the bridge will not just ease traffic congestion by reducing car reliance, but will also enrich Brisbane’s public infrastructure with a design uniquely suited to the city’s subtropical character.

Although funding hurdles remain, the community spirit behind the project signals a strong desire for a bridge that is as much about connection and lifestyle as it is about crossing the river.

Published 29-April-2025

West End Locals Petition to Keep Free South Brisbane Loop Service

West End residents are expressing frustration over the decision to cut the free South Brisbane Loop that has served as an essential transport option for locals navigating West End and South Brisbane.

Starting in early 2024 as a temporary service, the South Brisbane Loop (Route 86) quickly gained traction among West End’s residents, including retirees and students who relied on the bus to access schools, businesses, and community services.

Council announced recently that the free route, which travels along Montague Road, Vulture Street, and nearby areas, would be cancelled by year’s end. The decision has spurred community outcry, including a petition with over 1,200 signatures requesting the bus be kept.

The Purpose of the South Brisbane Loop

The South Brisbane Loop, which began as a 12-month trial, was extended in early 2024 to provide easy access to the area’s key cultural and entertainment sites. It was introduced to offset some of the disruptions caused by the Brisbane Metro Project, and to encourage locals and tourists alike to use public transport instead of cars.

The bus, easily recognisable with its green and white design, made regular stops at popular sites such as the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Queensland Theatre, and Davies Park, as well as providing local access to South Bank and Brisbane State High School.

The South Brisbane Loop was intended as a temporary service to help locals build a habit of using public transport while easing traffic congestion. Cr Krista Adams said the route had always been a short-term solution and reported lower ridership than Brisbane’s other free bus loops. Over six months, the South Brisbane Loop reported a patronage of nearly 56,000 riders, whereas other loops, such as the Spring Hill Loop, attracted more than 180,000 riders.

Community Response to the Planned Cancellation

West End resident Jan Wild, who moved to the suburb partly for its public transport access, shared her disappointment, noting that the route had allowed her to rely less on car transport. With Vulture Street’s hilly terrain and an aging spine that makes carrying loads difficult, Ms Wild explained that the bus helped her easily reach essential services and businesses. Many other locals agreed, stating they would face challenges getting around the area without this free service.

Gabba Ward Cr Trina Massey has also expressed support for the continuation of the loop, suggesting that the trial succeeded by meeting the unique needs of West End’s growing population. With projections indicating that South Brisbane’s residential population may double by 2036, Ms Massey argued that reliable and accessible public transport is more critical than ever for the suburb.

Alternative Options and Future Plans

Despite community calls for a permanent free service, the council has decided to end funding. Ms Adams indicated that while the route’s trial was appreciated, its lower patronage made it less viable than other free services. She added that public transport options are still available for residents, such as the City Glider and routes 196 and 199, which run through parts of the inner city, though they don’t fully cover the areas served by Route 86.

A new bus route, 197, is expected to start running soon and will connect South Brisbane and Woolloongabba, but West End will be left out of this coverage.

Meanwhile, additional improvements to the city’s transport network will be rolling out as part of preparations for the 2032 Olympics, including upgrades to public spaces and routes. However, West End residents are concerned that these changes may not directly address their immediate transport needs, especially for those who have come to rely on the free route for daily activities.

Published 14-Nov-2024

Council Cuts Musgrave Park Power After Violence Reports

Photo Credit: Facebook / Wes Leake

Brisbane City Council cuts power access at Musgrave Park following what officials describe as a serious escalation of violence and anti-social behaviour at homeless encampments.

**Musgrave Park, Brisbane**
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The council’s action comes after reports of stabbings, fires, and vandalism at the sites over the past month, according to Councillor Sarah Hutton.

“We’re genuinely concerned about the serious escalation of violence and anti-social behaviour in these encampments, including alleged stabbings, fires, and vandalism of electric barbecues, and have switched off the power for safety reasons,” Hutton said.

While park lighting remains operational, residents who need power can access charging services at nearby facilities including West End Community House and Emmanuel City Mission, which are within walking distance of the park and open seven days a week.

The decision follows a recent tent fire at Musgrave Park where one resident lost all their belongings. Police have determined this particular fire was non-suspicious, with investigators finding it was caused by a power board connected to multiple appliances.

Alisha Risley, who has been living in a tent at Musgrave Park for more than two years, confirmed an increase in drug-fuelled violence at the site. Risley expressed concerns about available housing options and reported that the power cut has affected her ability to charge her phone and communicate with family members.

At Kurilpa Point Park, workers were observed repairing a damaged electrical box lock. Workers reported that residents had been breaking into the switchboard to turn off park lights at night.

Micah Projects CEO Karyn Walsh acknowledged the camps have been “unsettled” over the past month. “There has certainly been an increase in fires and there’s certainly violence, it happens regularly, when you get that tense build up,” Walsh said.

Walsh called for a coordinated response from all stakeholders, including Brisbane City Council, state government, and community agencies. “We need a coordinated response to how long people are going to be using Musgrave Park as a campsite,” she said, adding that “living in a tent in a park is no way for anyone to live.”

Published 22-October-2024

Applications for Brisbane’s Creative and History Grants for 2019-2020 Now Open

Did you know that you can apply for a grant with the Brisbane City Council to fund your projects as an artist, creative or art worker? Whether as an individual or as a group, you can secure funding between $10,000 to $30,000 through the Creative and History Grants if you have a brilliant idea that would also benefit West End or the rest of Brisbane.

In fact, applications are now being accepted at the Council for three types of grants below:

GRANT		DEADLINE of APPLICATION
Creative Sparks Grants Program Funding: $10,000	For creatives whose initiatives will help enrich Brisbane’s cultural, social and economic status.	Monday 9th of Dec 2019
Lord Mayor’s Young and Emerging Artists Fellowships Funding: $20,000	For budding creatives who want a career in the arts. Age limit: 17 to 30 years old	Monday 9th of Dec 2019
Innovation Grants Program Funding: $30,000	For innovators with unique ideas, products or projects.	Monday 16th of Dec 2019

If you’re interested in giving this grant application a shot, the Council is also willing to help you prepare a good pitch by hosting a Creative Grant Information Sessions for the first two weeks of November 2019. Attending one of these sessions will provide you with more information to ensure that your application will be picked, such as:

the different creative grant programs available
grant guidelines and application forms
advice on project eligibility and
tips on making an application

Take note of the time, date and location of the Creative Grant Information Sessions below:

Date/Time	Location
Monday, 4 Nov 2019 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.	Brisbane Square Library 266 George Street, Brisbane City BOOK YOUR TICKET
Wednesday, 6 Nov 2019 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.	Nundah Library 1 Bage Street via Primrose Lane, Nundah BOOK YOUR TICKET
Thursday, 7 Nov 2019 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.	Seven Hills Hub 28 Tallowwood St, Seven Hills * near Ron Hurley Theatre BOOK YOUR TICKET
Monday, 11 Nov 2019 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.	Indooroopilly Library Indooroopilly Shopping Centre, Level 4, 322 Moggill Road, Indooroopilly * inside Indooroopilly Shopping Centre BOOK YOUR TICKET
Monday, 11 Nov 2019 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.	Garden City Library Level R4 – Yellow Car Park Garden City Shopping Centre Corner Logan Road &, Kessels Rd, Upper Mount Gravatt BOOK YOUR TICKET
Thursday, 14 Nov 2019 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.	Visible Ink 5 Green Square Cl, Fortitude Valley BOOK YOUR TICKET

The Brisbane City Council provides grants annually to support and encourage talented local artists, innovators, historians, as well as organizations in their field of expertise. More than a source of funds, the help from the Council brings more opportunities for grant recipients to secure future stable projects or network with the leaders in their industry.

Grant holders, on the other hand, can contribute to the social-economic and cultural progress of Brisbane. This arrangement is a win-win situation for everyone.

Draft for the Improvement Plans of West End’s Davies Park Open for Community Feedback

Brisbane City Council has developed a draft improvement plan for Davies Park, West End as part of its commitment to keeping Brisbane clean and green, and making the city livable and sustainable for future generations. The plan is set to provide a blueprint for future upgrades for the park.

Davies Park is a valued green space in West End that provides sport and recreation opportunities for the community. Feedback received in the community consultation in late 2017 has helped in the development of the key features of the improvement plan. The park’s improvement plan will focus on the following:

increasing and enhancing accessible green space
promoting a sense of community and celebrating its cultural heritage
increasing recreational use of the park.
maintaining the park’s natural appeal
improving connection through the park.

The Council worked with the Southern Suburbs Rugby League Football Club who have had a presence in the park for more than 100 years. The club has agreed to reduce their leased area to improve outcomes for the community. The additional area will increase green space and provide room for new park features that can be enjoyed by the club and the wider community.

The project’s allocation of $2.1 million this financial year will be used to help in the delivery of key elements of the plan, with a progressive delivery of other elements in future years based on citywide priorities for park improvements.

The proposed key features for the current draft improvement plan includes:

New green spaces and connections
Upgraded park roadway
Creative play area
Multi-use hard courts
Relocation of the community garden
Drainage upgrades
Additional features such as seats, picnic tables and drinking fountains

The draft improvement plan for Davies Park, West End is still open for community feedback. Online submission of feedbacks for the draft improvement plan for the park will be open until Friday, 24 August 2018. This round of consultation will help in finalising the plan.

Improvement works are anticipated to commence in 2019.

To learn more about the Council’s Davies Park improvement project in West End, visit the project’s official page. You may also call the Council on 07 3403 8888 or send an email to parks@brisbane.qld.gov.au.