policy
Brisbane City Council Confirms Story Bridge Footpath Reopenings and Security Funding Allocations
Council actions on footpath access and club security funding affect pedestrian movement and community facility safety across Brisbane.
How we reported this
Brisbane City Council confirmed the Western Path and both sides of the Story Bridge footpath will reopen to the public. The Cityside Path opened ahead of schedule, with the remaining sides scheduled to open on Thursday. These changes restore pedestrian routes across a key river crossing used by residents for daily travel and recreation.
The decisions form part of regular oversight by the Brisbane Civic Cabinet, also known as the Establishment and Coordination Committee. This group meets weekly to manage major projects, finance, urban planning, transport and preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The City Planning, Suburban Renewal and Economic Development Committee maintains the Brisbane City Plan 2014 and implements the Shaping SEQ South East Queensland Regional Plan 2023.
Footpath Access and Resident Movement
Reopening the Western Path and Story Bridge footpaths restores continuous routes for people walking or cycling between the central business district and northern suburbs. Residents who use these paths for commuting, exercise or connecting to public transport will regain direct access without detours. The Cityside Path section opened early, allowing partial use while final works on the opposite side were completed.
Security Funding for Local Clubs
The Council provided over $480,000 in funding to upgrade security and deter crime at local clubs. This included $11,000 for CCTV cameras at Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club after repeated vandalism. The allocation supports facilities used by community sports groups and reduces the need for repeated repairs at affected sites.
The State Government refused the Council's request for a 15% deep planting concession. The Council had submitted this request as part of its planning processes. This outcome leaves current planting requirements in place under the Brisbane City Plan 2014 for new developments.
Residents will see the Story Bridge footpaths return to full public use on Thursday. The security funding has already been directed to clubs, including the installation of cameras at Brisbane Super Kings Cricket Club. The City Planning, Suburban Renewal and Economic Development Committee continues its work on the Brisbane City Plan 2014 and the Shaping SEQ South East Queensland Regional Plan 2023.