Targeted community consultation will be conducted on the proposed Bellbowrie Green Bridge to ensure all residents have a chance to have their say following mixed feedback in the first round of consultation.
Public and Active Transport Chair Cr Ryan Murphy said community consultation has driven the green bridges project, with more than 3000 locals having their say last year through community consultation sessions, pop-up events and an online survey.
“It is clear from feedback that residents are ready to embrace a future with more opportunities to ditch the car and walk, run or ride their bike or e-scooter around the city, but we need to get this right and that’s why we are heading back to the community for more feedback about the proposed Bellbowrie green bridge in Brisbane’s southwest,” Cr Murphy said.
Pullenvale Ward Councillor Greg Adermann said while there was strong support for most of the green bridges, the proposed Bellbowrie green bridge received mixed feedback from local residents.
“As the newly elected Councillor for the Pullenvale Ward, I am dedicated to ensuring local residents can have another opportunity to have their say on the Bellbowrie green bridge project and that’s why I will conduct targeted, face-to-face consultation to help determine its future,” Cr Adermann said.
“We only have one chance to get the planning right for this proposed bridge and that why I am pleased to visit the communities that this bridge will potentially be used by to inform early planning stages.
“The vision for the Bellbowrie Green Bridge is for it to connect Bellbowrie and Moggill residents to active and public transport options on the eastern side of the river, including rail services at Wacol and Darra, while also providing emergency access.
“But last year’s consultation saw some mixed feedback, with only 20 per cent of survey respondents indicating they would use the bridge daily or weekly.
“Questions were also raised about the bridge location and function, with residents suggesting the Bellbowrie green bridge should cater to all modes of transport, including general vehicles, while others would prefer an alternative landing site.
“I encourage all residents in Bellbowrie, Moggill, Riverhills and surrounding suburbs who are keen to have their say about the future of the Bellbowrie green bridge to contact the Pullenvale Ward office.”
Newly elected Jamboree Councillor Sarah Hutton said she would also be seeking feedback from her community in Riverhills, who raised concerns with her over the potential traffic impact on their quiet riverside suburb.
“Riverhills residents are not so much concerned about the Green Bridge itself, but are worried that it might be used for general traffic, which is what residents in Moggill and Bellbowrie would prefer,” Cr Hutton said.
“Ultimately, we want to deliver something that both sides of the river can agree upon. Not something that’s going to get neighbours offside.”
Cr Murphy said it was “only fair” that the two newly elected councillors had the ability to consult with their communities on the proposed bridge before the project advanced any further.
“We have a situation here where we have two newly elected councillors, on either side of the river, who would love the opportunity to revisit the issue with their communities.
“Given the low levels of support we’ve seen thus far, I think it’s a sensible move.