The first bridge delivered under the Schrinner Council’s city-shaping program has officially been opened, with the community gathering to take their first steps over Breakfast Creek on Saturday 10th February 2024.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the opening of the Breakfast Creek Bridge, now also officially bearing the duel name of Yowoggera, is an exciting milestone for walking, cycling and scooting in Brisbane.
“Our green bridge program is all about building a better-connected Brisbane, making it easier for residents and visitors to get around,” Cr Schrinner said.
“While we’re building these bridges, we’re also delivering major road improvements like the Moggill Road Corridor Upgrade and the Beams Road project which will help motorists get home sooner and safer.”
Cr Schrinner said local residents had already shown how much they enjoyed being active, with more than 2300 people a day using the nearby Lores Bonney Riverwalk.
“The addition of the Breakfast Creek / Yowoggera Green Bridge is an important step to making Brisbane even more walkable and active.” he said.
Hamilton Ward Councillor Julia Dixon said the opening of the bridge is a win for her local residents who are keen to be active or leave the car at home for their commute.
“Residents have been telling me just how excited they are for this new bridge to open so I am thrilled to be able to celebrate this exciting opening with the community,” Cr Dixon said.
“This bridge is really important for residents because it will make it much safer for walkers, bikers, and scooter riders to cross over Breakfast Creek into Newstead Park and then on to the CBD.
“Brisbane is the fastest-growing capital city in the country and this bridge is part of our commitment to make it easier for residents and visitors to get around.”
This project delivers not only a bridge, but also around 700 metres of new and improved walking and riding paths, including an extension to the Lores Bonney Riverwalk and a new two-way on-road cycle path from Newstead Park to Newstead Terrace.
Around 600 local workers and more than 70,000 work hours have been completed on this project to date.
More than 95 per cent of the workforce are based in Brisbane and South-East Queensland, with 90 per cent of supplies used on the project from local businesses.
The bridge will bear the traditional name of Yowoggera, which means “corroboree” or “corroboree place”.
A corroboree is a culturally significant gathering place for First Nation people and reflects the role that Breakfast Creek and the Brisbane River plays in the city’s history.
Cr Schrinner said the next to open will be the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, which is being jointly funded by the Federal Government.
“The Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will deliver a fantastic new travel connection between the CBD and Kangaroo Point that’s been talked about for decades,” he said.
“It will take 84,000 cars off the road each year with thousands of people expected to use it per day.
“Kangaroo Point Green Bridge will be more than just a bridge. It’s incredible design in the heart of the city means it will become one of Brisbane’s iconic must-do destination.
“It will not only serve as an incredibly convenient connection but will feature an above-water restaurant and bar as well as a café near the city landing.”
Under 10-year green bridge building program, the Schrinner Council is committed to going alone if necessary to deliver the first two green bridges, while seeking funding for further bridges.
“With our green bridges recognised by Infrastructure Australia as priority projects, we’re confident that the State and Federal governments will in future help fund these bridges,” Cr Schrinner said.
To learn more about Council’s Green Bridges Program, visit Council’s website and search ‘green bridges’.
