Tag: active transport

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Advocacy

BICYCLE QUEENSLAND NEEDS YOU!  

Let the State and Federal Government know you want the Logan Faster Rail Active Transport Corridor reinstated. 

The project team involved in designing and building the Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project have dumped two key sections of bikeway from the long-promised continuous Active Transport Corridor that was part of the project. We need your help to get a continuous, safe, cycling route reinstated.  

Long bikeways are rare in South East Queensland. The Logan Faster Rail Active Transport Corridor was to be three times longer than Ipswich Road in Brisbane, providing a safe riding corridor all the way from Kuraby to Beenleigh.  

Transport and Main Roads were relying on it for their own Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle Tourism Route. Logan City was relying on it for their Logan Bicycle Network.  

Reference to the “continuous active transport corridor” has now been scrubbed from the project website. Despite this, Transport and Main Roads is not consulting the public about this important change.  

The Logan Bicycle User Group and Bicycle Queensland briefed six weeks after first asking for information. We were informed that instead of a continuous route, the section paralleling Jacaranda Ave between Woodridge and Kingston Stations was to be axed. So was the section from Compton Road north to Kuraby Station. That is despite the land being purchased for the Active Transport Corridor already.  

Our highest priority is reinstating the Woodridge to Kingston section. This would deliver most of the continuous bikeway initially promised. It is also the section that directly services four important schools with 4,000 students: Kingston State School, Groves Christian College, and Kingston State College, all just off the rail corridor, and Loganlea State High School that is smack bang on the corridor south of Kingston Station.  

But really, the whole Active Transport Corridor should be immediately reinstated. Both the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments have promised that whenever they build large transport projects, that they will include active transport as a key part of the project. This decision breaks that promise by both levels of Government. It was the then Transport Minister Anthony Albanese who brought this “positive provision” policy in at Commonwealth level. 

It makes sense: bicycle routes are needed to help people access the stations along the corridor, if we don’t build them as part of the project it is way more expensive to build it later. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

If you want to ride safely from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, or live down near Woodridge and Kingston, please act now: 

  1. Let the project team know your thoughts directly at: logangoldcoastrail@tmr.qld.gov.au 
  1. Write, call or email your local State Member of Parliament and ask them to raise the issue directly, via the details available here.

State MPs in the area are Melissa McMahon (MP for Macalister, email macalister@parliament.qld.gov.au), James Martin (MP for Stretton, email Stretton@parliament.qld.gov.au), the Hon Cameron Dick (MP for Woodridge, email Woodridge@parliament.qld.gov.au) and the Hon Shannon Fentiman (MP for Waterford, email: Waterford@parliament.qld.gov.au). (All of these are Labor MPs, if that assists in shaping your message). 

  1. Write, call or email your local Federal Member of Parliament to ask them to reinstate the Active Transport Corridor – that the Commonwealth also agreed to fund: for details click here.

Federal MPs in the area are Julie-Ann Campbell (MP for Moreton, Julie-Ann.Campbell.MP@aph.gov.au), Rowan Holzberger (MP for Forde email: Rowan.Holzberger.MP@aph.gov.au, and the Hon Jim Chalmers (MP for Rankin, email: jim.chalmers.mp@aph.gov.au). (Again, these are all Labor MPs, but in this case it is a Labor Federal Government which is part-funding this project).  

ANYTHING ELSE 

If you have children or grand-children at Kingston State School, Groves Christian College, Kingston State College, or Loganlea State High School, please contact your local Parents & Citizens Association, and ask them to fight for the bikeway.  

As the project team has decided not to consult the public about the removal of the bikeway corridor, there is no firm deadline to get your submission in. But the project will soon move from the design phase into construction. Then it will be too late.  

They’ve bought the land already. Let’s get the Active Transport Corridor built.  

Please act fast! It can’t wait until after Christmas.  

Categories
Advocacy

Toowoomba Council endorse TCATL

Source: Toowoomba Regional Council

Bicycle Queensland is happy to share the news that Toowoomba Regional Council have endorsed a plan by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to connect the Toowoomba CBD with the Highfields bikeway project, creating a north-south active transport link through Toowoomba.

BQ and Toowoomba Region Bicycle User Group have been involved in the planning for this vital link into Toowoomba’s CBD, so we are delighted to see Toowoomba Council endorse the plan.

“The vision for the Toowoomba Central Active Transport Link Project is to deliver safe, connected and convenient pathways and crossings that make walking and cycling easier and more appealing, helping to reduce reliance on vehicles in Toowoomba’s northern suburbs,” said Toowoomba Regional Council spokesperson Councillor Trevor Manteufel.

“The proposed concept plan has been developed by TMR for 5.5 kilometres of paths and safe road crossings to connect the East Creek Cycleway at Margaret Street in Toowoomba’s CBD, to the Highfields Bikeway at the John French VC Bridge on the New England Highway via TRC’s proposed Railway Parklands Precinct,” Cr Manteufel said.

But the next key phase is for the project to attract funding from the State and Federal Governments. Council can be assured that the bike riding community is 100% behind them on this one!

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Partner News

Bicycle Queensland celebrates 2025 

Bicycle Queensland celebrated a big 2025 with partners, members, advocates and stakeholders in Brisbane last night. The end of year function was held at the Queensland Parliament. The Hon. Brent Mickelberg, Queensland’s Minister for Transport and Main Roads, and the Hon. Bart Mellish, the Shadow Minister, both spoke at the event. This recognises the importance of cycling for government and how BQ is helping more Queenslanders to get out bike riding. 

The Chair of BQ, the Hon. Rachel Nolan, was there. So was the Hon. Mark Bailey – who also previously held the transport portfolio in state government. Other guests ranged from bicycle retailers, members of Bicycle User Groups, other MPs, local councillors, bicycle bureaucrats, organisations that have partnered with us on our advocacy, and members of the BQ board.  

The past 12 months saw BQ jumping back into events, expanding our regional advocacy, campaigning on e-mobility, and appointing a new CEO in Matthew Burke. The evening presented an opportunity to not just reflect on 2025, but to look forward. As Chair Rachel Nolan noted: 

‘We’re an organisation of a huge network of friends and fellow travellers. We are about bikes, obviously, but we are also about bikes and active transport more broadly. And I think bikes are the best mechanism to change the fundamental nature of the world we live in.’ 

‘What we envisage at BQ is … at its simplest, a transport system where [providing for and using bikes] is a mainstream idea. Not a transport system in which that’s an add on. We want cities, in some way like they used to be – where kids can ride to school, where it is safe and nobody really gives that a second thought.’ 

Minister Brent Mickelberg spoke about the recent wins and the challenges in the transport space, and the opportunities for local governments right now: 

‘This week we were pleased to announce our new Active Transport Grants program, unifying the local government cycling and walking grant programs into a single streamlined program, to represent fresh ways to work with local councils… in a more flexible model.’ 

He also noted the importance of Brisbane 2032 and its relevance for visitors as well as for residents during the Games and beyond. 

‘We want to support and encourage active travel as it relates to 2032, it’s really important to maximise those opportunities for residents and visitors to walk and to ride to Games but also to other key destinations across the state. It’s a catalyst for us to invest in communities. Active transport is a big part of where we need to go. Active transport corridors will be important for 2032 but will also provide a legacy for active transport post 2032 – that’s a key priority for the government.’  

BQ was especially pleased that the Minister noted the importance of creating bike and micromobility parking as an essential feature to encourage and support active transport for the Games. Most members will be aware there is negligible bike parking at most Queensland stadiums.  

Shadow Minister Bart Mellish spoke about the impact that Bicycle Queensland and Bicycle User Groups have not just on developing cycling communities, but also their advocacy for safe cycling: 

‘I also want to acknowledge the input Bicycle Queensland has had into the inquiry into e-mobility; both Matt and Rachel have been engaging in a very positive way, which I really appreciate. This is a really important thing for governments to get right.’ 

Mellish also discussed how the 2032 opportunity is such an important thing to get right, looking to the recent examples and success of Paris, with how their investment in infrastructure saw such a dramatic mode shift not just for the Games, but as an ongoing transport choice. 

Our CEO Matthew Burke addressed guests celebrating recent wins for cycling, such as the new active transport links on the Coomera Connector on the Gold Coast. He noted BQ had written to TMR’s Nerang Office to congratulate them on that work. At the same time, he noted TMR’s rail branch had deleted a key part of the funded active transport corridor between Woodridge and Kingston on the Faster Rail project. BQ will be trying to get this reinstated.  

He also noted the success of this year’s Weekend at Wondai event and that we are going to repeat the same event format, with minor improvements, in a new Weekend at Pomona in 2026. BQ will also be doing a “Hallowheeling” family ride as part of a road safety campaign around Halloween, when many US children are killed and injured each year. 

Inaugural BQ Awards 

Matt took the opportunity to make three Bicycle Queensland awards for major achievements for individual bicycle advocacy, for leadership and for community project achievement, as judged by BQ staff. In 2026, we aim to open these awards to formal nominations from our members in a broader, open process. 

Excellence in Individual Advocacy: Kathryn Good 

Kathryn helped lead the Story Bridge Active Travel Alliance and its Bike Bus, a project that created a safe crossing of Brisbane’s Story Bridge after the shared paths on either side were closed by the Brisbane City Council. The advocacy helped bring forward Council’s actions to fix and re-open this important part of the bike network, in a shorter timeline than many had expected. Kathryn is also part of Pedal Party – a group that organises fun and inclusive mass rides in Brisbane, including an upcoming night-time ‘glow ride’ in January. She noted:  

‘It’s critical now more than ever, that we keep engaging with our local representatives at every level of government. They have so much power over our everyday lives in this city when it comes to transport infrastructure.’ 

Excellence in Leadership: Councillor Peter Mitchell 

With his team at Redlands City Council, Cr Peter Mitchell has delivered a more connected and inclusive network of active transport pathways and riding facilities through the Redlands Coast Active Transport Strategy. He helped revitalise Council’s active transport committee, engaging with local cyclists. He also helped bring cycling to greater importance within the Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ), hosting their first forum on cycling earlier this year. Peter said:

‘People who are riding or walking are problem solvers. We’re solving problems with the environment; we’re solving problems in the economy; and, we are solving problems with transportation. We’re not beggars. We are part of the solution and all of the data supports that.’ 

Excellence in Community Project Achievement: Mike and Margie Browne, Pioneer Valley Rail Trail 

Establishing a rail trail is an exhausting process, working with the (very good) Rail Corridor Management team at TMR, local government and other partners. It takes a lot of paperwork and a lot of late nights for the volunteers who take it on. Though others started the journey towards getting the Pioneer Valley Rail Trail established, it was Mike and Margie Browne who led the group that has now made the first 7km section a reality. With other trail development happening in Eungella, there is the potential for the valley to become a world-class cycle tourism destination. On receiving the award, Mike Browne said: 

‘The Pioneer Valley Rail Trail is now a permanent fixture in the Pioneer Valley and the Mackay area – it just needed someone to build it so they would come. We’ve got buy-in now from all levels of government… and we really appreciate the support of Bicycle Queensland and everyone here.’ 

Beyond the awards and speeches, the evening offered the chance for stakeholders, partners and advocates to connect, discuss projects and engage with policy makers. At Bicycle Queensland we would like to say thank you to every one of our members for being with us in 2025. We hope to achieve more for you, our members and supporters, in 2026.

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Advocacy Press releases

Queensland opens $15 million Active Transport Grants Program  

The Queensland Government has today opened applications for its Active Transport Grants Program, offering up to $15 million for councils to plan and deliver new walking and bike-riding infrastructure in the 2026–27 financial year, via a co-contribution model. 

Only $6.5 million was spent under this program last round. We strongly encourage local governments to apply, including those in the regions and Aboriginal Land Councils. Many small councils received funding last year.  

The program is designed to support projects that make walking and riding safer and more accessible, including upgrades around schools, hospitals, public transport hubs and other key destinations. It also aligns with government ambitions for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where they are hoping to achieve transport legacy.  

The announcement merges previous separate walking and cycling funding streams into a single program, which the Government says will reduce red tape and make it easier for councils to apply. Projects are expected to be funded on a 50:50 basis with local governments. 

Applications are open from 8 December 2025 to 27 February 2026. 

Bicycle Queensland welcomes continued state government co-investment in active transport infrastructure with local government. But we recognise that the scale of funding is nowhere near the share of trips already made by walking and cycling across Queensland’s transport networks.  

Bicycle Queensland CEO Prof Burke said: “It’s great to see this Transport and Main Roads program funded again for 2026-27, to help councils deliver important bikeways, shared paths and crossings. It’s a chance of many councils, including some of our smallest regional councils, to plan, design or build new bikeways in their area.” 

A small change to the program could make quite a difference. There are so many council bike paths, bike lanes and crossings in Queensland neighbourhoods that need fixing. The poorest local governments in Queensland, those out in the regions, have very little revenue and can struggle to put up the 50% of the funding required for this scheme.  

Prof Burke said: “We ask that the LNP Government consider the regions here, by raising the share of state government funding for our smallest councils under this scheme, beyond the 50/50 rate. We’ve already seen the tourism impacts walking and cycling improvements are having in Winton, in Fernvale and Kilkivan. It can transform a town.”  

Prof Burke also noted: “Whilst this funding is welcomed, some existing Transport and Main Roads commitments to bikeways are being postponed or cut entirely. We are especially concerned about a bikeway link already funded from Woodridge to Kingston, being built as part of the Faster Rail project down there. It’s just been cut, without public consultation, and we want it reinstated immediately.” 

The Queensland Government has repeatedly highlighted the importance of active transport – including reducing emissions, supporting healthier communities, and relieving pressure on the road network as population grows. Bicycle Queensland strongly agrees with these goals, but remains concerned that smaller, project-based funding will not be enough to create region-wide networks that are continuous, separated, and designed for real-world travel patterns.  

The real opportunity: connected networks and mode shift 

Bicycle Queensland held 25 regional forums across the state in 2025, all the way from Far North Queensland down to Warwick, listening to what cyclists want.  

  • safer separated bikeways 
  • safer intersections 
  • better school and commuting links 
  • safe places for e-bike and e-scooter use 

Yet at current funding levels, Queensland risks only incremental improvements rather than the transformative change required to shift everyday travel behaviour. 

Investment at scale would help: 

  • cut congestion, 
  • reduce household transport costs, 
  • support public health, 
  • reduce emissions, and 
  • ensure children and families can travel safely by bike or on foot. 

Details of grants are online.

Categories
Advocacy

BQ celebrates the Commonwealth’s reinstatement of e-bike standards 

Bicycle Queensland is celebrating a much-needed announcement from the Australian Government that they will reinstate the internationally recognised EN-15194 standard for e-bikes. The decision was confirmed on Friday November 21 in a Ministerial Communique, which confirmed that: 
“… the Commonwealth will reinstate the EN-15194 standard and meet with relevant stakeholders to ensure the use of this standard is well understood and supported.” 

The reinstatement follows advocacy from national and state bicycle organisations, after the standard was removed from the import rules by the Morrison Government in 2021.  

Our colleagues, the Bicycle Industries Australia (BIA) and We Ride Australia, have welcomed the announcement, describing it as an essential move to protect consumers and restore clarity to the market. 

 BIA General Manager Peter Bourke said the decision is a “sensational outcome for the Australian bicycle industry,” adding that EN-15194 is the world’s leading e-bike standard and critical to addressing the influx of poor-quality and unsafe imports.” 

 We Ride Australia’s Stephen Hodge said the move will boost consumer confidence at a time when e-bikes are booming: 
“The reinstatement of EN15194 means Australians will have the confidence to know the e-bikes they buy for themselves, and their children, are safe and fit for purpose.” 

A turning point after 12 months of advocacy from Bicycle Queensland 

Bicycle Queensland CEO Professor Matthew Burke said the announcement is a direct result of sustained advocacy from our organisation, the RACQ, Queensland Walks and other concerned groups. 

“This is a crucial turning point,” Prof Burke said. “For the past twelve months, Bicycle Queensland has been calling for the reinstatement of EN-15194 to help restrict the importation and sale of illegal e-motorbikes and non-compliant e-bikes. The best way to keep these dangerous vehicles off Queensland’s streets, paths and parks, is to not let them into Australia in the first place.”

In November BQ was part of a joint press conference asking for immediate action on non-compliant e-devices.

At this point, the changes mean that importations must meet the EN-15194 standard, but it isn’t yet sure that the effective controls of the past, requiring importers declare their product is is indeed a legal e-bike, will also be brought back. Prof Burke said: 

“We want importers to have to declare their products are compliant with the safe standard. It helped previously to keep illegal vehicles out. Let’s bring it back.”  

“Buyers must still be aware of what the Australian standards are. These are listed on the BQ site and on the Queensland Government’s Street Smarts website.” 

BQ wholeheartedly supports the use of legal e-bikes that meet Australian standards. We continue to encourage parents this Christmas to make an informed decision and to avoid buying an e-motorbike that is not street-legal, can’t be insured, and that is high-risk. There are so many great road bike, mountain bike and legal e-bike options out there, no-one needs to buy an illegal vehicle.  

Stuck on choosing a bike? Visit one of our BQ Link retail partners for advice.

Categories
Advocacy

Queensland takes action on illegal e-motorbikes  

Bicycle Queensland is delighted that the Queensland Government has taken action on multiple fronts to clamp down on the illegal e-motorbikes that have proliferated on our streets, parks and footpaths. 

The Queensland Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has formally notified retailers that it will begin proactive compliance checks across the state. This is a significant development that aligns with Bicycle Queensland’s calls over the past 12 months for tougher oversight on the sale of non-compliant devices. This will hopefully reduce the number of throttle-driven e-motorbikes and conversion kits that do not meet Queensland’s e-bike regulations. This action will be of great relief to the many bike shops only selling legal e-bikes, which were not the problem.  

The QPS have also launched Operation X-ray Surety to enforce e-mobility compliance, targeting the use of non-compliant devices around Brisbane. This has included additional patrols but also safety education sessions run in schools. Earlier this week over 150 e-mobility infringement notices had been issued. The police have been visiting schools in the Logan area, to promote safety messaging around what constitutes a legal e-bike, and the types of e-motorbikes that are not legal to be used on public streets, parks or paths in Queensland. 

Further, state Transport Ministers are set to meet with the Commonwealth Government this month and changes to Australia’s import laws on e-motorbikes are firmly on the agenda. It is understood that Queensland’s Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Brent Mickelberg, has been helping lead the call for change. The Commonwealth has been slow in responding to what has been happening in our state, where three young people have lost their lives in October and November thus far. Bicycle Queensland continues to call on the Commonwealth Government to move swiftly.  

Bicycle Queensland CEO Professor Matt Burke referred specifically to the announcement from the Office of Fair Trading saying:  

“This is a good step towards protecting riders and parents from unknowingly buying unsafe products. A whole industry had emerged of retailers whose main business model seemed to be selling illegal e-motorbikes to parents and kids. Using Fair Trading powers to clamp down on this was a key suggestion in Bicycle Queensland’s submission to the current Parliamentary Inquiry into E-Mobility Safety and Use. We are pleased that the Government has moved on this. But further action may well be needed to stop retailers selling illegal e-motorbikes ‘for use on private property only’ with a nod and a wink, knowing full-well customers are buying them for use on-road and in public spaces.” 

Bicycle Queensland wishes to thank our partners who’ve worked on this advocacy campaign, including Queensland Walks, the RACQ, The Motor Traders Association of Qld, and the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.  

Prof Burke said, “There is still much to do. We now look to the Commonwealth Government to re-introduce appropriate import restrictions and ensure illegal e-motorbikes can’t so easily enter Australia. This will help cut the problem off at the source and stop the deaths we’re seeing in Queensland spreading interstate.” 

Prof Burke said, “Thankfully there are so many awesome bikes and legal e-bikes to choose from no-one ever needs to buy an illegal motorbike. Just looking at some of the mountain bikes that are for sale today in reputable bike shops, there are fantastic options.” 

What the OFT Will Do 

In a letter sent to importers, wholesalers, and retailers this week, the OFT warns that: 

  • Many devices are being marketed and sold as legal e-bikes when they are not legal for use on roads and paths. 
  • Using these high-powered devices in public spaces has already resulted in serious injuries and fatalities. 
  • Businesses may face penalties of up to $50 million for corporations and $2.5 million for individuals under the Australian Consumer Law if they misrepresent illegal devices as compliant. 

The OFT have said that they will visit Queensland suppliers to clarify the law and will follow up with a targeted compliance program examining whether retailers are misleading customers about the legality of their products. 

What counts as a legal E-Bike in Queensland 

To be considered legal for use on public roads and paths in Queensland, a device must meet all of the following criteria: 

  • It is predominantly pedal-powered. 
  • The motor only provides assistance while the rider is pedalling. 
  • Throttle control is permitted only up to 6km/h – also known as walk-mode 
  • The motor has a maximum continuous power rating of 250 watts. 
  • The motor cuts out at 25km/h, and the bike can be pedalled at higher speeds 
  • High-powered motors are never legal, even if software-limited to appear compliant. 

Any device that exceeds these limits is classified as a motorcycle and must meet TMR vehicle registration requirements.  

Many retailers continue to sell high-powered throttle-driven electric motorbikes without making this clear to customers – a practice BQ has strongly campaigned against. 

Protecting riders, parents, and communities 

BQ firmly believes that compliant e-bikes are safe, sustainable transport options helping commuters and boosting recreational cycling and cycling tourism. The problem lies with high-powered, throttle-controlled illegal motorbikes that are being passed off as bicycles and sold to riders, including children, with tragic consequences. 

BQ encourages consumers to look for devices certified to EN15194 (the European Standard for power-assisted bicycles) and to seek advice from reputable retailers. Further details are available via our E-bike rules page. 

BQ will continue advocating for stronger national import rules, better enforcement, and clearer public education, ensuring Queenslanders can enjoy the benefits of legal e-bikes whilst maintaining road safety.  

Categories
Advocacy

Has your school applied for the School Transport Infrastructure Program? 

Bicycle Queensland (BQ) is encouraging schools across the state to apply for the School Transport Infrastructure Program (STIP) before nominations close on November 17. 

The Crisafulli Government has committed $4 million this financial year to the program, which funds projects that improve safety and accessibility around schools. Eligible projects include upgrades to drop-off and pick-up facilities, bikeways and shared paths, bus zones, pedestrian refuges and crossings.  

The program aims to make it easier and safer for children to walk, ride or take public transport to school, rather than relying on car travel. 

Over the next four years, the program will receive $27.5 million, with $4 million allocated to new projects this financial year. 

While the new funding is welcome, with nearly 1800 schools across Queensland, the current pool will average out to a little over $13,500 per school for the entire program – highlighting the need for a broader commitment to long-term investment, and to invest in behavioural change. 

BQ CEO Professor Matthew Burke said the funding represents an opportunity for schools to put forward practical, community-led safety improvements, but it should also be a starting point for deeper reform. 

“We’re encouraging every school to apply – this is money that can make a real difference for children’s safety and independence,” Professor Burke said. 

“But improving safety around schools won’t be possible via infrastructure with this level of investment. We need changes to regulations to support programs that work overseas, including lower speed limits near schools and utilising trained school crossing supervisors to make temporary street closures, creating safe ‘School Streets’ zones like those in Europe, Korea and the UK.” 

Bicycle Queensland continues to advocate for safer school environments that encourage more active travel. As highlighted in BQ’s recent article on changing school drop-off habits, reducing car dependence for school trips could help ease congestion, improve air quality, and boost children’s health and wellbeing. 

“Every parent knows how chaotic the school gate can be,” Professor Burke said. “But if we shift the focus from car drop-offs to safe, independent journeys on foot, by bike or on a scooter, we can make our communities calmer, healthier and safer.” 

Schools can get more details from the Department of Transport and Main Roads website. 

Categories
Advocacy

Kurilpa Precinct Plan Needs to Produce Bike-Friendly Development 

Bicycle Queensland active transport network

Brisbane City Council recently announced plans for thousands of new high-rise apartments in South Brisbane’s Kurilpa precinct, as part of Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner’s anti-sprawl strategy. 

Under the Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct Plan, developers will be able to build taller, more sustainable buildings that exceed current height limits. Council says new buildings exceeding existing height limits must demonstrate design excellence, incorporating subtropical design principles. It is said they must also deliver new green spaces and pedestrian plazas, and contribute to public art and creative lighting. 

Bicycle Queensland wants Council’s Plan to ensure bike-friendly development.  

Proposals have been lodged for 5,279 new dwellings across 12 projects, including apartments, student accommodation and hotel rooms. Plans include: 

  • Three 50-storey towers on Nott Street 
  • Three towers ranging from 24 to 50 storeys on Melbourne Street 
  • Six towers between 12 and 30 storeys on Donkin Street 
  • A 19-storey student accommodation project on Tribune Street with 525 rooms and a rooftop space 

The area has very strong public transport links and a developing active transport network that will be strengthened with the completion of the Grey St bikeway and streetscape project. Justifiably, the Kurilpa precinct is being designed as a neighbourhood where owning a car is optional, with CBD-style maximum mandatory car parking limits and easy walking access to shops, cafes, essential services and public transport. 

Bicycle Queensland welcomes the precinct’s focus on sustainable, connected living and it represents a significant step forward for the city. However, BQ’s CEO Prof. Matthew Burke is adamant that there needs be clear encouragement for active transport, including bike riding. 
 
“We have to get premium resident and visitor bike parking into these new tall apartment developments. If these precincts are going to be “car-optional” as the Lord Mayor suggests, the developers have to provide safer bike storage options than are found in most Brisbane apartment buildings, where thefts are an ongoing concern.” 

BQ’s Director of Advocacy, Andrew Demack, admired the plan’s promotion of urban density and the benefits that may create. 

“Sustainable, connected living, which gives people the convenient, safe choice to walk, ride or take frequent public transport, is what makes great cities great. Brisbane can do this while also recognising that in a subtropical city, shade and shelter are vitally important.” 

“In these parts of the city, the best way to go out for dinner will be to walk to the dining precinct. The best way to visit the shops will be on your e-cargo bike. And the best way to get to work might be via frequent bus or train services.” 

To that end, Prof. Burke insisted that speed limits also be addressed. 

“We also need to reduce the posted street speeds in these small, crowded streets down to 30km/h. The Kurilpa precinct will be crammed with pedestrians, shops, cafes and activity, and you can’t have high speed traffic in such places. We can’t build like the densest Asian cities and not bring our street speeds down to their level.”