Dear Neighbours,
It’s been a busy few weeks and I’m stoked to be sharing an update with you as we head into September. Below you’ll find information about the Kurilpa Loop, Kurilpa Library, Changes to Brisbane City Council Infrastructure Charges and update on the Local Government Infrastructure Plan Amendments and More.
A reminder that the Kurilpa Derby is this Sunday!! A full day of music, art and celebration of life on wheels. I’ll be there to help marshal. My office will also have an interactive stall - we're seeking your feedback on opportunities and challenges facing our neighbourhoods, so pop by, say hi, and tell us what you think!
Kurilpa Loop: Timetable Change
I’ve been speaking to South Brisbane and West End residents for months about the Kurilpa Loop. This 1-year trial free bus service has been running since November 2022, 10 am to 11 pm daily.
I’ve received feedback that an earlier service would be much more appropriate. I’m excited to confirm that I’ve been able to secure a timetable change as we move toward the last three months of the Free Loop Trial.
From Monday, 18 September, the 86 Loop will run from 8 am – 9 pm daily.
I look forward to seeing you on the 86!!
Kurilpa (West End) Library New Opening Times
After years of advocacy from the Gabba Ward Office to extend the opening times of the Kurilpa Library, I’m stoked to announce that from 3 October 2023, Kurilpa Library will open on Mondays (9am - 1pm) and Tuesdays (1pm - 5pm).
This a great win for the West End community and all library users.
While this is an excellent positive step that I’m proud to have delivered, there is still much work to be done with the Kurilpa Library. On top of a much needed expansion to accommodate our growing population, addressing the library’s accessibility issues and lack of bathroom facilities is my top priority. I’ll keep advocating and working hard to deliver these needed upgrades in the future.
Wellington Road pedestrian crossing update
As a busy four-lane one-way thoroughfare, I’m always hearing stories from residents about how hard it is to cross Wellington Road, East Brisbane. After much advocacy from the Gabba Ward Office, Council has finally developed an initial concept plan for a signalised crossing.
The proposal is for traffic lights similar to the ones recently completed on Vulture St East near Withington St. They are to be placed just north of Mowbray Tce. In my feedback to Council, I raised the impact of nightworks on residents and pushed for as much work as possible to be done during the day.
We still need Council to fund detailed design and delivery of the project.
Local Government Infrastructure Plan amendments
On Sunday, 3 September, State MP Amy MacMahon and I held a community meeting to discuss The Local Government Infrastructure Plan (LGIP) amendment and receive feedback from the community and representatives from local community groups. Thank you to everyone who attended.
People discussed the need for more parks, including a call for a larger Riverside parkland. They were happy to see the Victoria Street Ferry back on the LGIP, including completing the Kangaroo River Walk and the Toowong to West End Green Bridge.
However, there was a clear call for more connectivity across the suburbs within the ward via bikeways and pedestrian infrastructure, support to expand the West End Library and call for more intersection upgrades.
We’ve taken all this feedback and created a public submission!
You can access it via this link.
Council has an interactive map which you can use to view the draft LGIP and information about how to make a submission can be found here. Please note that Submission closes on 14 September at 11:59 p.m.
Changes to Infrastructure Charges
Last week, the Lord Mayor announced a 75% per cent reduction in development charges, partnered with the use of the Temporary Local Planning Instrument and relaxation of height requirements across the City. It’s never been clearer that big developers run this City.
Only a few years ago, the Lord Mayor supported the plans to raise the State government cap on Infrastructure charges. With the push for hyper-density development, the infrastructure needs of local communities must become a higher priority. Developers should pay their fair share for parks, public transport, library upgrades, community facilities, improved footpaths and barrier protected bike lanes.
This point is particularly relevant for Kurilpa (West End and South Brisbane) with the forthcoming Temporary Local Planning Instrument. With no clear plans for delivering basic infrastructure needs related to hyper-density, resident concerns are made worse by the Council’s practice of pooling infrastructure charges into general revenue rather than committing to spend infrastructure charges in the suburb where they’re collected.
It's clear that there is a rot at the heart of Brisbane City Council and it needs to be removed. The council elections are six months away, the Greens will be running in every council ward with the aim to take over City Hall, so it brings me great pleasure to inform you that...
Jonno is running for mayor!
Many of you will be excited to hear that former Gabba Ward Councillor Jonno Sriranganathan is running to be the Mayor of Brisbane.
During his time in office, Jonno really shook up the conservative establishment and modelled the possibilities of a local government that centres communities and grassroots participation.
Jonno’s now taking this fight to the top and will be running on a platform of resident empowerment - getting our city government out of the pockets of big developers and giving residents more control over the important decisions that shape our city.
Sign up to Jonno's mailing list if you want to get more involved.
Bowman Johnson Hostel beds needed
Bowman Johnson Hostel is a 22-bed hostel that provides short-term accommodation and case management services for unhoused persons or persons at risk of being lost.
The hostel is at 5 Oxford Street, South Brisbane, close to the City, bus stops, the West End shopping precinct and Southbank. In the last financial year, they provided clients with 6404 nights of immediate accommodation.
Bowman Johnson Hostel are calling out for donations of beds. Their rooms require 14 single beds and four double beds. If you can provide support or donate, please contact Samantha ([email protected])
Brisbane Festival Is Here!
I wanted to share some Free events that will be happening across our suburbs during September:
West End Stories: This world-premiere show weaves storytelling and songwriting tools to illustrate a historical timeline of Meanjin Brisbane through the lens of First Nations people. Meanjin Recovered documents the history of the City as we know it today… but perhaps not in a way you have had the opportunity to hear before.
Fri 8 September 5:00 pm The Norman Price Theatre, TAFE Queensland, Building C, 66 Ernest St, South Brisbane
Brisbane Serenades – Ensemble Q An ensemble of nationally renowned musicians who now call Brisbane home, Ensemble Q have garnered an enviable reputation for their brilliant programming and exceptional performance standards.
Sun 17 September 3:45 pm Captain Burke Park, Kangaroo Point
Brisbane Serenades – Kooralbyn: Kooralbyn is a performance group redefining Australian music by drawing on their diverse cultures and unique art forms to reveal songs from their homelands and musical traditions as a shared expression of collective cultural authenticity.
Sat 23 September 3:45 pm Orleigh Park, West End
Pop-Up Offices
Let's meet and chat in person! I am hosting a number of pop-up offices across the Gabba Ward as an opportunity for local residents to meet me, raise issues or just have a chat.
Everyone is welcome to stop by during this time. I'm looking forward to connecting with you.
Fables: Friday after work with Trina
Friday 15 September 5pm - 7pm
Fables Bar & Café, 8 Annerley Rd, Woolloongabba
Coffee in Kangaroo Point with Trina
Saturday 30 September 8am - 10am
Flour Leopard Café, 93 Baines St, Kangaroo Point