Dear Neighbour, 

Public land is owned by all of us. And once it's sold, it's gone forever.

This month we've watched power consolidate at both local and state level in ways that will shape our neighbourhood for generations, and the pattern is becoming impossible to ignore.

It started with the State Government's announcement of a Provisional Priority Development Area (PPDA) over Montague Road, backed by the Lord Mayor. Sixty-five percent of the precinct is public land, including the old Visy Glass factory site. Residents were given just 15 business days to read, understand and respond. Six days after that window closed, the Deputy Premier stood in front of the media with Lendlease to unveil a "masterplan," drawn up, evidently, while the ink on community submissions was still drying. You don't draft a masterplan with a developer in six days. This was already decided with "consultation" for theatre purposes only.

Days later, the Council's LNP administration capped off two weeks of budget meetings by using their majority to sell off the heritage-listed School of Arts. Buried in the same meeting: a decision to hand the CEO new delegated power "to negotiate and enter into a trustee permit in relation to land under the Land Act 1994." In plain terms, this lets the CEO authorise private or commercial use of Council-controlled trustee land (land held in trust for public purposes) without it coming back to elected Councillors or the public for sign-off. It's a quiet but significant transfer of decision-making away from democratic oversight and into the hands of unelected officers.

Then, this week, the same playbook again: Kurilpa Commons, a vacant lot locals turned into a genuinely thriving community space, has been quietly transferred from Transport and Main Roads to Economic Development Queensland for upcoming sell off. No notice. No consultation. Fences went up overnight, shutting out the community that brought this space to life. Once again, public land is being moved into the private development pipeline behind closed doors, without the transparency our community deserves

This is a pattern not a coincidence, announce, backroom deals, and dictate to residents afterwards. And it's happening across our City. It has to be called out in Council Chambers, in the media, in submissions, directly to the Deputy Premier and the Lord Mayor and across our streets. Don't Sell Southbank 2.0, West End Community Association (WECA) and Kurilpa Futures are on the ground, and they need more hands. 

Read my full PPDA submission. The formal consultation window has now closed, but the fight over this precinct is far from over. You can read the full submission I lodged, setting out exactly why this process has failed our community on my website here. 

Get involved with the community groups leading this fight. Don't Sell Southbank 2.0 and the West End Community Association (WECA) are doing the heavy lifting on the ground, and they need more hands. If you'd like to volunteer to doorknocking, staff a stall, or just showing up to events, contact my office so we can connect you with the relevant groups.

Current action: WESS P&C Petition. The West End State School P&C has a petition running that we're backing and I encourage you to please take a moment to sign and share it. 

I want to thank everyone who came to our Public Land in Public Hands Town Hall, who joined us at our BBQ pop-up, who submitted, who signed our petitions, and who turned out to rallies to protect public land.

We need to share what we know and act together, before there's no public land left to fight for.

With thanks and resolve,
Trina

photo from my Public Land Public Hands town hall on 11 June 202

Read on to learn more about: 

• Budget : The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

• Shafston Avenue Bikeway: What Comes Next

• A New Mural at People’s Park, West End

• Fire Ants in the Gabba Ward: What You Need to Know 

• School Holidays Activities 

Budget 2026/27: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Brisbane City Council Budget is done, and I want to give you an account of what it delivered for the Gabba Ward: the wins we fought for, and the LNP failures we can't ignore.

Our voices worked and I want to acknowledge that. Several of the wins below didn't happen because Brisbane City Council decided to be generous. They happened because residents signed petitions, showed up, and refused to let Council ignore us.

The Good

Pedestrian Safety: Recently, I sponsored two petitions, one being for the implementation of a signalised crossing at Wellington Road.  It has been a known danger for years. Fully designed and costed since 2023, it sat on a shelf while Council found money for everything else, until now. After years of advocacy and petitions, it's finally funded in the 2026/27 budget. Thank you to everyone who signed my petition and wrote in support. 

Active Travel: The budget includes funding for the Shafston Avenue Bikeway, a separated cycling and walking path connecting Deakin Street to Mowbray Park; a genuine win for Kangaroo Point and East Brisbane. The design separates pedestrians, bike riders and scooter users, with increased pedestrian crossings for safety, and forms an important connection from the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge to Brisbane's eastern suburbs. Since the announcement, my biggest concern has been the absence of genuine community consultation (more on that in my article below). 

Infrastructure and Stormwater: Montague Road resurfacing is finally in the budget, after years of residents raising it and my office pushing the case directly to the Lord Mayor and Infrastructure Chair. Merivale Street (South Brisbane), Bank Street (West End), Bradfield Highway (Kangaroo Point), and Logan Road (Woolloongabba) are also funded. And after years of flooding complaints, stormwater and drainage upgrades are locked in for Stanley Street (South Brisbane), Drury Street (West End), Dutton Street (Dutton Park), and Franklin Street (Highgate Hill).

The LNP's budget is deliberately light on detail, and I know there are more ward deliveries buried in the fine print. I will be scrutinising it line by line and reporting back everything I uncover as it's confirmed because if they're not going to be upfront about it, I will be.

The Bad

This budget hits Brisbane households with another rates increase, while the LNP continues to let developers off the hook.The Lord Mayor loves to boast about having “the lowest rates in the state”, but that claim depends on how the numbers are framed. It applies to owner-occupiers in standalone houses.

For everyone else, the picture is very different. The headline general rates increase is 3.97%, but when unit owners are included the average rises to around 5.63%. For non-owner-occupied residential properties, which are often passed through to renters, the average increase is about 7.74%. Once again, those already under housing pressure are carrying a greater share of the burden.

I also want to flag something residents should know: this year's budget figures aren't directly comparable to previous years. A new cost allocation methodology has changed how overheads are structured, which means real cuts may be deeper than the headline figures suggest, and "new" investments announced with fanfare may not actually be new money at all. Worth keeping in mind every time you hear an LNP press release.

Housing:  Still no inclusionary zoning, vacancy levy or meaningful affordability measures. This, in a city facing a housing crisis and rapid population growth. The LNP has spent years shaping Brisbane to be unaffordable and unsustainable, and this budget is a clear choice to keep it that way.

Public Transport: From what I interpreted, the budget documents show just $1.1 million for new bus infrastructure and $1.6 million for new ferry infrastructure for the entire city. When I pressed for detail in the Transport budget session, there was no clarity on how many buses this actually delivers, no clear plan for new or upgraded bus stops, and no commitment to bringing stops up to DDA compliance. Instead, everything was framed as "investigations," with no clear idea of what it will actually deliver on the ground. After two petitions, thousands of signatures, and more than a decade of requests from residents and councillors, there is, once again, no new ferry terminal for West End. My most recent petition gathered over 700 signatures and was met with silence. The Gold Glider gets reannounced yet again, still with no confirmed routes, no bus stops, and no funding attached. At this point it's less a project than a press release on loop. The Montague Road Transport Study remains a rollover item three years running. Meanwhile, demand on our buses and ferries keeps climbing, and this budget delivers no real relief — no commitment to more frequent or reliable services through fleet expansion, no more buses, and no more ferries. Even big, splash projects like Operation Smooth, which is, in plain terms, road resurfacing, get dressed up as major new investment, when roughly 20% of it is simply rollover work left uncompleted from the 2025/26 budget.

Green Space and Community Services: Significant cuts to tree and park maintenance, with the Trees team quietly shifted out of Parks and into Infrastructure, a structural change with zero transparency from the LNP about who is now accountable. And in a particularly callous move, Council's support for Emmanuel City Mission's emergency homelessness services has been slashed from $500,000 to $250,000 for the next three years, with no alternative support offered, at a time when homelessness is growing and increasingly visible across our ward.

The Ugly

On the final night of budget, the LNP rammed through 17 items in a late night special meeting that I can only describe as an assault on democratic process.

In a single sitting, Council changed its own meeting rules, stripped opposition councillors of the ability to request city-wide information, handed more powers to the CEO and the behind-closed-doors Executive and Coordination Committee, approved the sale of a public asset, and changed ethics committee arrangements that are currently under judicial scrutiny. These decisions were made at the end of a long week, late at night, with minimal opportunity for scrutiny or debate. 

These decisions concentrate power, erode democratic accountability, and weaken the checks and balances that residents rely on. 

Shafston Avenue Bikeway: What Comes Next

This is something I have been advocating for since becoming Councillor for the Gabba Ward in 2023, and I support this project. However, there are still outstanding questions that need to be addressed.

Separated cycling infrastructure is a much-needed upgrade for our neighbourhood, improving safety and helping save lives. Stronger protections for people using active transport are critical.

However the process to date, particularly the lack of meaningful public consultation, has fallen short of what a project of this scale requires.

The proposal to remove 46 trees along Shafton Avenue represents a significant loss of canopy and shade for Kangaroo Point and the wider ward. I am calling on Council to replace every tree removed within the Gabba Ward, within Kangaroo Point itself rather than offset elsewhere across the city, and to prioritise arboreal structures wherever feasible.

I have been clear with Council and Cr Murphy that lack of official Consultation is an issue. Projects with this level of impact require genuine community input. I have also pushed for a 40km/h speed reduction between Ferry Street and Cairns Street.

I will continue working with Council throughout the design process because the details matter. Given there is not an official feedback process currently in place and many residents still have questions about the bikeway, I will be hosting a community meeting so people have a direct opportunity to raise concerns and hear updates.

Community Meeting

Come to find out more about the project and have your say on the issues that matter most to our community:

📅 Wednesday, 5 August
🕠 5:30 – 6:30 pm
📍 SeaLegs Brewing Co, 89 Main St, Kangaroo Point

Get in touch anytime at [email protected] or (07) 3403 2165.

Fire Ants in the Gabba Ward: What You Need to Know

My office has received a growing number of enquiries from residents about fire ants, including reports of nests in Musgrave Park. I raised this directly in Chambers on 12 May, which led to the immediate treatment of seven nests in the park and a follow-up retreatment the following week. We're on it but we need your help.

The Gabba Ward is currently a suppression area, meaning full eradication treatment is not yet underway, but community reporting is critical in the meantime. If you spot a suspected nest in a park or public space, please contact my office directly on (07) 3403 2165 and we will escalate on your behalf. You can also report online at ants.daf.qld.gov.au/help-me-report. Private property owners can request a free treatment kit at fireants.org.au/treat/residents/free-kit.

If you are stung, move away from the nest immediately, wash with soap and water, apply an icepack, and take pain relief and antihistamine. Call 000 if you experience any serious symptoms including swelling, breathing difficulties, or chest pain.

I'm hosting a Fire Ant Information Session with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program on Friday 24 July at 11am at my office. Community groups are warmly invited to attend, email my team at [email protected] to register your interest.

A New Mural for People's Park Kiosk

I'm so proud to share that the new mural at the Kurilpa Kiosk at People's Park in West End is finally complete, and it is absolutely beautiful.

Funded through my Suburban Enhancement Fund, this has been a true labour of love. First Nations artists Uncle Duane Doyle, Aunty Jenny Pineapple, and their team (shout out Sue Loveday) spent six months in deep planning with the community before putting brush to wall, and the result speaks for itself. It's a joyful, meaningful addition to Boundary Street.

The People’s Park Kiosk is a proud extension of West End Community House, and Community Plus does wonderful work there every day. This mural is a fitting celebration of everything the Kiosk means to our neighbourhood and I have no doubt it will bring colour and pride to the street for years to come.

This is the sixth mural I've funded through my Suburban Enhancement Fund, and I am as proud of this one as I have been of every single one before it. Supporting the arts and making our neighbourhoods vibrant, welcoming places for everyone is something I will always fight for.

School Holidays Activities

School holidays are here, and there are so many free and low-cost activities on offer in and around the Gabba Ward to help keep the kids busy and having fun. There’s something for everyone!

Get active and outdoors at our local parks and pools with aqua fitness,  abseiling,  rock climbing,  kickboxing,  martial arts, team fitness, and  laser tag sessions. Bookings are essential, so get in quick. 

Get creative and scientific at our local libraries with craft activities, STEM workshops, chess club, live performances, and storytelling sessions. These activities will take place across West End Library, Fairfield Library, Stones Corner Library, and Brisbane Square Library. 

Check out the kids holiday programs at the Museum of Brisbane in City Hall and the State Library of QLD in South Brisbane. 

Once school returns, enrol the little ones in a free weekly active program at Orleigh Park. Designed for kids aged 2-5, Brazil Grumble Playtime is a series of interactive learn and grow sessions using balls, hoops, parachutes, tunnels, jumping sacks, puppets, storybooks, costumes and music for children to explore all the different ways their growing bodies can move. 

Community Notices

Gold Star and Little Stars Reading Clubs at Brisbane Libraries

Council’s Gold Star and Little Stars Reading Clubs are back this year at Brisbane libraries. From 27 June to 28 August 2026, children of all ages are invited to join the fun. Kids can log their reading, complete challenges, and earn gold stars. All participants will be invited to celebrate their achievements in our recognition ceremonies in September where they’ll be rewarded with a certificate, medallion and cake!

For more information about the Gold Star and Little Stars Reading Clubs, pick up a copy of What’s On in Libraries at the ward office or your local library branch, visit the website or phone Council on 3403 8888. 

Kurilpa Derby 2026 – Save The Date & Get Involved
Kurilpa Derby returns on Sunday 13 September 2026! It’s West End's annual volunteer-run street festival, celebrating local community, creativity & "life on wheels" since 2007. There will be a colourful, family-friendly parade on wheels, followed by an afternoon of races, local performances, creative competitions, and more! Sign up to help run our free BBQ or follow West End Community Association on facebook for more info as we draw closer to the day.

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.

Extended Track Closures and Travel Changes – Dutton Park
From Friday 27 June to Sunday 19 July, there will be major track closures and travel changes on the Beenleigh and Gold Coast lines for works on multiple rail projects. Dutton Park Station will be impacted and buses will replace trains between Varsity Lakes and Boggo Road Stations. Please allow extra travel time and plan your journey by downloading the Translink app, visiting translink.com.au or calling 13 12 30.

Share the Dignity – Council Cares Initiative
The Gabba Ward Office has partnered with Share the Dignity as part of their 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

Lord Mayor’s Seniors Cabaret 2026
Do you want to sing, dance and perform? Registrations are now open for Council’s Lord Mayor’s Seniors Cabaret 2026 program. This year’s theme is Legends and icons: the people, moments and music that shaped our world. Whether you’re new to the stage or an experienced performer, as part of a series of masterclasses, you will work alongside top industry professionals and develop your creative and artistic talents.

Registrations are open until Sunday 19 July 2026 to all Brisbane seniors. Masterclasses run throughout July and August in various locations. No auditions are required but participant registration is essential. For more information and to register, visit the link above or call Council on 07 3403 8888. 

Boggo Road Precinct – Temporary Road Closure
From 6:00am Monday 29 June for up to 12 weeks, a section of Boggo Road and Joe Baker Street, Dutton Park will be temporarily closed to through traffic to facilitate utility and road reconstruction works as part of the new Boggo Road station precinct. Vehicle and pedestrian detours will be in place with traffic control and signage to assist. Access to local properties, Boggo Road station and busway will be maintained. More details here.

Boundary St, South Brisbane – Temporary Road Closure

On Thursday 2 July and Friday 10 July between 6am-6pm, a half road closure will be implemented on Boundary St (southbound) between Edmonstone St and Melbourne St for the purpose of staging a mobile crane. Detours will be in place with traffic control to assist. Access to all properties will be maintained. 

Calling All Artists – ECCQ’s 50th Anniversary Art Commission
In celebration of Ethnic Community Council of Queensland’s (ECCQ’s) 50th anniversary, ECCQ is proud to commission a landmark collaborative artwork that brings together artists from Queensland's diverse multicultural communities into a single, unified piece. Submit your Expression of Interest by Sunday 12 July. Project guidelines and submission details can be found here.

Tree Removals

• 20 Bailey St, West End: 1x Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip tree) has been removed due to severe decay throughout the tree. A replacement Flindersia species tree will be planted at this location. 
• 23 Rotherham St, Kangaroo Point: 1x Flindersia australis (Crows Ash tree) has been removed due to complete decay and small limbs dropping. A same-species replacement tree will be planted at this location.
• Deakin St, Kangaroo Point: 4x Flindersia australis (Crows Ash trees) have been removed due to extensive signs of decay and borer beetle. Same-species replacement trees will be planted at each location. 
• 57 Gloucester St, Highgate Hill: 1x Syzygium luehmannii (Lilly Pilly tree) has been removed due to tree health decline and branches dropping over the footpath. A replacement tree (species unconfirmed) will be planted at this location. 
• Main St, Kangaroo Point (Thornton St bus stop): 1 x Peltophorum pterocarpum (yellow flame tree) has been removed as the tree is impacting visibility and access to the bus stop, and has been deemed a safety issue. Replacement planting options (species and location) are currently being considered. 
• 8 Colton St, Highgate Hill: 1x semi-mature Lophostemon confertus (Brush Box tree)  will be removed as the tree is dead. A replacement Backhousia citridora (Lemon Myrtle tree) will be planted at this location. 
• Bouquet St, South Brisbane: 4x street trees (species unknown) will be removed due to a development construction project. Replacement trees will be planted upon completion of the project. 

Replanting Updates

• 68 Hill End Tce, West End (South Brisbane Sailing Club, Orleigh Park): A mature Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig tree) was removed in January 2026 due to significant damage. A replacement advanced Ficus benjamina is being arranged for replanting at this location and is anticipated to be completed by late July 2026.