Mt Coot-tha Draft Vision reveals potential wins  

Changes to road riding conditions, improvements to mountain bike trails and better connections to surrounding suburbs are among the opportunities identified in Brisbane City Council’s Draft Mt Coot-tha Vision 2026–2046. 

The 20-year Vision, developed by Brisbane Sustainability Agency on behalf of Council, outlines a long-term approach to protecting and enhancing one of Brisbane’s most popular outdoor recreation destinations. The document was developed using extensive community consultation, including with BQ. 

Several proposals stand out for bike riders. 

Could Mt Coot-tha become safer for road cyclists? 

One of the most interesting proposals is looking at improvements to cycling safety on Sir Samuel Griffith Drive, one of Brisbane’s best-known riding routes. 

The draft specifically identifies the section between Simpsons Road and the Paramount site (Network 10). Commonly known as Coot-tha back, this area will have further investigation including the possibility of introducing one-way vehicle sections which could provide safer separation for riders while maintaining vehicular access. Bicycle Queensland has been in favour of this idea for more than a decade, but the presence on the mountain of workplaces (the TV stations) has blocked its introduction. 

Better mountain bike trails and connections 

Mt Coot-tha and Gap Creek already offers around 25km of mountain bike trails, and the draft Vision supports continued improvements to the trail network. 

This includes building on the existing Mt Coot-tha Reserve Mountain Bike Concept Plan, improving the trail experience and exploring opportunities for better connections. 

The Vision also identifies a potential long-distance trail connection towards D’Aguilar National Park, creating opportunities to link recreational experiences across Brisbane’s western bushland areas. This is something BQ is really excited about – there are a lot of opportunities to have nationally significant riding experiences launching from Brisbane. 

Making it easier to ride to Mt Coot-tha 

The draft recognises that reaching Mt Coot-tha without a car can be challenging. But should it be expected that we can drive to the top of a mountain? 

Proposals include improving walking and cycling connections to surrounding neighbourhoods and Brisbane’s existing active transport network, particularly through Toowong and the Sylvan Road corridor. If the bridge from West End eventuates in the future, proper active transport connections to green spaces like Mt Coot-tha must be prioritised. 

Better wayfinding and cycling infrastructure between destinations, trailheads and arrival points are also identified.  

Bike shuttles and new recreational destinations 

The Vision raises the possibility of dedicated bike shuttle services to destinations including Gap Creek, as well as future low-emission shuttles capable of carrying bicycles where practical. That means riders visiting could park near the front side, with a shuttle to the main trails. However, BQ believes this cannot be at the expense of bikeway and trail connections for those who want to ride to the trails. 

Meanwhile, the proposed transformation of the 26-hectare Mt Coot-tha Quarry into parklands could create new opportunities for outdoor recreation – right next to a large capital city. 

A proposed Arrival Hub between the Botanic Gardens and future Quarry Parklands would also incorporate cycling connections and help visitors move between destinations without relying on a car. 

What does BQ think? 

BQ welcomes the recognition of riding within the draft Vision, particularly the opportunities to improve road safety, trail access and connections to surrounding communities.  

But riding needs to be considered as part of a connected network for the surrounding areas, rather than a series of individual projects. 

“We are all for making the back of the Mt Coot-tha loop safer for bike riders,” said CEO Dr Matthew Burke. “Something needs to be done and BQ will seek to be part of the investigations proposed in this plan.” 

“Mt Coot-tha has been a premier riding location for both mountain bikers and road cyclists for decades, so it’s great to see that BCC is taking these needs seriously in its vision document,” added Director of Advocacy Andrew Demack. 

“The provision of both a capital budget for trail and infrastructure builds, and a well-resourced maintenance budget, would go a long way to turning this vision into facilities that make Brisbane a better place to live.” 

The Draft Mt Coot-tha Vision is a long-term planning document, and the proposed initiatives will require further investigation, consultation and, where appropriate, funding and approvals before delivery.