Dear Neighbour

Across the Gabba Ward, I speak regularly with new and long-term residents. The issues raised are consistent: pedestrian safety, public transport reliability, green space, and increasingly, local development and what it means for community expectations.

At the heart of many of these concerns is what can best be described as Brisbane City Council’s performative planning system.

Most suburbs in the ward have a neighbourhood plan in place. These plans are developed through years of consultation, community feedback and technical assessment. They set out the intended “rules of the game” for how our streets, buildings, and neighborhoods should evolve, covering things like building height, bulk, carparking and local traffic effects, setbacks from boundaries, design standards, and sustainability requirements such as flooding.

Basically, neighbourhood plans are meant to provide certainty: a shared understanding between the community and the planning system about what kind of development is appropriate in a given area.

However, in practice, those rules are not binding.

Developers can apply through what is called an impact assessment process. This pathway allows proposals that do not comply, or break the rules within the neighbourhood plan, to still be considered. In those cases, the developer must argue why an exception should be made, whether that relates to height, bulk, site coverage, proximity to neighbours, traffic impacts, or even environmental considerations like flood resilience.

This is where the system becomes “performative”.

The neighbourhood plan sets the expectation, but the impact assessment process opens the door for those expectations to be tested, negotiated, and at times set aside. Outcomes can therefore diverge significantly from what the community understood the rules to mean.

Over time, this creates a broader issue. Each approval that departs from the neighbourhood plan can influence what is considered acceptable in future applications. In other words, exceptions can gradually become precedents. This can slowly reshape the practical meaning of a neighbourhood plan, even if the written document itself does not change.

For residents this means, even where clear planning rules exist on paper, there is often a lived experience that those rules do not consistently determine outcomes. Instead, what was agreed through extensive consultation can feel disconnected from what is ultimately approved.

This is not an argument against development or change. The Gabba Ward is a growing part of Brisbane, and thoughtful, sustainable and affordable development is both necessary and expected. However, it is reasonable for communities to expect that the planning frameworks they helped shape are given real weight in decision-making, rather than being routinely set aside through discretionary assessment processes.

A planning system works best when there is alignment between community expectations, adopted policy, and final development outcomes. When that alignment breaks down, trust in the system is eroded, not because people oppose growth, but because the rules they were asked to help design or were told existed do not appear to consistently guide what is built.

Did you know that neighbourhood plans set expectations, but don’t always determine what ultimately gets approved? 

Email my office at [email protected] as I would love to hear your feedback.

Take care, 

Trina

Yesterday I hosted a community consultation with UQ Masters students from the Centre for Communication and Social Change on the State Government's proposed sale of the Visy site;  another example of the disconnect between community expectations and government decision-making. 

Read on to learn more about: 

• Help Make These Projects Impossible For Council to Ignore 

• Main Street Crossing, Kangaroo Point: Community Poll Result

• Intersection Safety Update: Black Spot Funding Program 

• Works Coming to James Warner Park & C.T. White Park, Kangaroo Point

• Come Volunteer for the Gabba Ward Office!

• Rainbow Families – Pop-Up Playgroup in West End

• Still Collecting Feedback for Musgrave Park Pool

Help Make These Projects Impossible For Council to Ignore 

Brisbane City Council manages a $4 billion budget and every budget is a clear statement of priorities by the LNP Administration. What gets funded, and what doesn’t, reflects political choices.

My office works year round to fight for practical improvements across the Gabba Ward, and this budget year is no different.

For two critical projects, the next step is clear as we head into the budget period: demonstrating strong community backing. When our community speaks together, these priorities become much harder for the LNP Administration to ignore.

Wellington Road Crossing

A signalised pedestrian crossing on Wellington Road is already designed, costed, and ready to build. It sits at a well known pedestrian safety blackspot on the boundary of Kangaroo Point and East Brisbane, where residents, families, school children and commuters cross a busy four-lane road every day, often without a safe signalised option.

This project has featured as a budget priority in my submissions to the Lord Mayor for three consecutive years. At its current cost estimate of $2 million, it is a modest investment in the context of a $4 billion Council budget, but for the community it serves, it is essential.

Years of delay has meant years of unnecessary risk. With the budget now on the table, there is no reason this project cannot be delivered in 2026–27.

If you walk this corridor, take children to school, visit local parks, or simply want safer streets in your neighbourhood, please sign and share the petition. We need to clearly demonstrate that community support is strong and the need is urgent.

I’ll also be discussing this at a community BBQ at Raymond Park on 28 May, from 5 - 8pm. Come along, bring a picnic blanket, and have a chat in person.

West End Second Ferry Terminal

West End has been waiting for a second ferry terminal since 2011. In that time, it has become one of Brisbane’s most densely populated inner city suburbs, without the public transport infrastructure originally promised to support that growth.

In 2011, the LNP Administration identified a new CityCat terminal near Victoria Street as critical infrastructure to support the South Brisbane Riverside Neighbourhood Plan, which upzoned much of the Montague Road corridor. That expectation helped justify increased density and was used in marketing to prospective residents. Many residents who later contacted my office purchased homes on the understanding that the terminal would be delivered. 

In 2017, the Gabba Ward Office put together a petition with over 1,500 signatures calling for Council to commit funding to the project; it was voted down along party lines.

After 15 years of delay, the terminal was finally reinstated into Council’s infrastructure pipeline in 2025 through the Local Government Infrastructure Plan, with an estimated cost of $17.8 million and a delivery window of 2026–2031.

While this is progress, the timeframe does not reflect current demand or population growth. There remains a 5.5km gap in river crossing options for southside residents along a rapidly intensifying corridor.

In June 2025, I moved an emergency motion to fund and deliver the terminal immediately. It was not supported, and no funding was included in the 2025 budget.

This terminal needs to be delivered now -  not in five years, not eventually, just now. 

I’m asking you to sign this petition to support the West End ferry terminal and to send a clear message that 15 years of delay is enough, and that commitments to growing communities must be kept.

All are welcome to join me for a community BBQ on Riverside Drive on 4 June from 5 - 8 pm to talk about this and other local issues. 

Main Street Crossing, Kangaroo Point: Community Poll Results

Thank you to everyone who participated in the community poll for the proposed pedestrian crossing on Main Street, Kangaroo Point. The response was fantastic, and your feedback has been invaluable.

After verifying responses and excluding duplicates and out of ward submissions, 146 valid responses were received from Gabba Ward residents. The results showed overwhelming support, with 82% of respondents in favour of the proposed crossing.

Responses came from a broad cross-section of the community. Residents on Main Street (18%), adjoining streets (53%), elsewhere in Kangaroo Point (20%), and the broader Gabba Ward (10%). Of those who responded, 85% walk along Main Street regularly, doing so for leisure, to visit local businesses and cafes, to commute, or to connect to public transport.

Alongside strong support, residents raised some important concerns and ideas including: alternative crossing locations, a preference for a raised "wombat" crossing, street lighting, speeding, and the loss of five on street parking spaces. While these have all been carefully considered, the proposed location between Baildon Street and Wharf Street was identified through Council's technical assessment as the safest and most feasible site, meeting Australian Standards and minimising conflicts with buses and turning vehicles. A raised crossing, while preferable, is not financially feasible within the Suburban Enhancement Fund allocation funding this project. 

I will keep the community updated as this project progresses. Thank you again for your thoughtful engagement! 

Intersection Safety Update: Black Spot Funding Program

Over the past few months, I have been advocating for improvements at three intersections in the Gabba Ward that residents have consistently raised as safety concerns: Dornoch Terrace at Hampstead Road, Dornoch Terrace at Hardgrave Road and Ganges Street, and Montague Road, Ferry Road and Drake Street.

After writing to Council, I met with the Federal Member for Griffith to seek support for funding through the Australian Government Black Spot Program, and I also wrote to the Chair of Council’s Infrastructure Committee requesting all three sites be considered for the program.

I have now received advice from Council that none of the three intersections currently meet the minimum crash history required to support a Black Spot nomination, and that all sites will continue to be reviewed over the next five years for future programs. In effect, this means Council requires recorded crash data before funding safety upgrades. In a growing inner city area with increasing pedestrian and cyclist activity, this approach is not good enough. Residents should not need to be involved in a crash before action is taken.

While this is disappointing, it has not stopped my office from pursuing improvements through other channels. I have met with Council’s Senior Traffic Engineers to discuss alternative safety measures at each location and have shared community feedback. This process can take time, but there are practical short-term measures that can be implemented while longer-term upgrades potentially including reconfiguration, realignment, and signalisation improvements are secured. 

One of the most important ways to support this advocacy is to ensure incidents are reported. Council relies heavily on crash data to prioritise safety upgrades, and we know many incidents go unreported. Even minor incidents matter, as they help build the evidence base needed for funding decisions.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an incident at any of these intersections, please report it to Queensland Police via Policelink at policelink.police.qld.gov.au or by calling 134 666.

Works Coming to James Warner Park & C.T. White Park, Kangaroo Point

Soil remediation works are commencing at James Warner Park (next to the Brisbane Jazz Club) and C.T. White Park (under the Green Bridge) and will continue through to late 2026. This is a long overdue project given contamination in the area, and one I fully support, as safety at both parks will be significantly improved once complete.

The works involve the full removal of contaminated soil across both sites.

What to expect during construction:

• Sections of both parks, including the playground, will close progressively as works move through each area; and
• A temporary worksite will be established between the two parks, resulting in the closure of part of the shared green space for the duration of the project.

These disruptions are necessary to safely deliver the remediation works, and I acknowledge they will be felt by the community.

Once complete, the dog park will be revitalised with new turf, upgrades to the retaining wall, and minor infrastructure improvements. The existing playground will be relocated within C.T. White Park, connected by a new accessible footpath and moved out of its current constrained location, with the former site returned to open green space.

Approximately 28 trees will be removed as part of the remediation process, where root systems are impacted by contaminated soil and cannot safely remain in place. All removed trees will be replaced, and significant existing trees are being retained where possible, alongside additional native plantings in the final design.

I will continue to provide updates as work progresses. If you have any questions, please contact my office at [email protected].

Come Volunteer for The Gabba Ward Office!

Want to make a difference in your local community? Come along to my Volunteer Information Night on Monday, 18 May.

It's a social evening to launch our new volunteer program, hear about what I have been up to, meet like-minded people, and find out how you can play a part in building a stronger, more connected Gabba Ward.

Whether you enjoy chatting with residents, lending a hand at community events, helping with flyering, tending gardens, or supporting our community tool lending library, there's something for everyone. I will be sharing details on volunteer opportunities over the next 6 - 12 months, as well as longer term ways to support and build community. No prior experience needed, just a willingness to contribute and be part of something positive.

Pizza and snacks will be provided, with plenty of time to stay, chat, and get to know the team afterwards.

 South Brisbane Sailing Club, 68 Hill End Terrace, West End 

 Doors open 5:30 pm 

 Presentation starts 6:00 pm

Rainbow Families – Pop-Up Playgroup in West End

Last September, I was stoked to support and collaborate with Rainbow Families and Play Matters to put on the southside’s first dedicated playgroup event for LGBTQ+ families, at our very own Jagera Hall. I’m now excited to share that their next pop-up playgroup event is returning on 18th May at West End Uniting Church. 

This event is all about celebrating our diversity, making connections, and letting kids enjoy being themselves while you have a cuppa with people who just get it.

Whether you’re parenting as two mums, two dads, solo parenting, co-parenting, a carer, chosen family, or something beautifully in between, you are welcome.

Space is limited, so please RSVP via Facebook RSVP via facebook  and spread the word to your rainbow crew. 

Still Collecting Feedback for Musgrave Park Pool

Thank you to everyone who has already emailed us their experiences and feedback on Musgrave Park Pool. We are still collecting responses and would love to hear from more of you before we wrap up this process.

If you haven't yet shared your thoughts, please do get in touch. Whether it's about access, pricing, facilities, opening hours, staff, or anything else, all feedback is valued. You can reach us at [email protected].

Community Notices

Safer Schools Program — Term 2 2026

Brisbane City Council's Parking Compliance team is back on the ground for Term 2 to support safer school zones across the ward. This term, the Safer Schools Program will be active at Dutton Park State School, Somerville House, St Ita's Regional Primary School, St Laurence's College, and West End State School.

Officers will be monitoring and enforcing parking compliance in and around these school zones to keep students, families, and pedestrians safe. If you observe illegal parking near a school, please report it to Council directly on 3403 8888. Community reports are a critical part of how Council deploys its resources, so your call makes a real difference. For more information, visit brisbane.qld.gov.au.

Baby Give Back – Clothing Donations Needed
Baby Give Back is critically low on preloved clothing in sizes 3 – 5 (Boys and Girls). Since January, they have issued over 6,000 clothing boxes, more than the total distributed in 2024. Donations of clothes can be dropped at the Gabba Ward Office to help families in need.

Share the Dignity – Council Cares Initiative
The Gabba Ward Office has partnered with Share the Dignity as part of their new Council Cares initiative. The program aims to increase awareness and understanding of menstruation and help break down barriers. Check out the resources and tools available on the menstruation education hub today: Share the Dignity Education Hub

Tree Removals

• 27 Appel St, Highgate Hill: 1x Callistemon Viminalis (Bottlebrush) will be removed as the tree is dead. Removal is scheduled to be completed within 90 days. The original location has been deemed unsuitable for replanting, so a replacement Tristaniopsis laurina (or suitable alternative species) will be planted further down at 19 Appel St, Highgate Hill.

• 16 Ganges St, West End: 1x Callistemon Viminalis (Bottlebrush) has been removed as it was planted in an inappropriate location and posed an unmitigable risk to pedestrians and e‑mobility users. A replacement Tristaniopsis laurina (or suitable alternative species) will be planted at this location on the verge.  

• 10 Goodwin St, Kangaroo Point: 3 x Cuban Royal Palms will be removed due to identified safety concerns associated with the size and weight of their fronds, seed pods, and seed pod sheaths. Individual fronds can weigh up to 20 kg and are shed frequently. In a high pedestrian traffic area, this creates a significant and ongoing safety risk. Removal work is scheduled to be completed within 90 days. 2 x replacement Tristaniopsis laurina (Water Gum) trees will be planted at the waterfront end of Cairns Street, adjacent to Goodwin Street, as the original location is not suitable and is already heavily treed. 
• 71 Deighton Rd, Dutton Park: 1 x Delonix regia (Ponciana) will be removed due to being ring barked and poisoned. Interference with protected vegetation was reported to Council’s Compliance and Regulatory Services. Removal work is scheduled to be completed within 90 days. A replacement tree (species unconfirmed) will be planted at the same location.