Dear Neighbour,

The westerly winds are here, and the days are getting longer as we move towards what I’m sure will be another stunning Brisbane spring.

Last week, I returned to City Hall to begin another seven week sitting period, with Tuesday mornings spent in my allocated Council committees, Financial Governance, and Environment, Parks and Sustainability, followed by General Meetings through the afternoon and into the evening.

My priorities this sitting period are clear: highlighting local issues, delivering for our communities and shining a light on the governance of Brisbane City Council.

At a special meeting at the end of budget week, the Brisbane City Council budget process wrapped up with the LNP ramming through 17 further items in a late night meeting. They changed the meeting rules, stripped opposition Councillors like myself of the ability to request city wide information, handed more powers to the CEO and the closed door Establishment and Coordination Committee, approved the sale of a public asset, the School of Arts, and changed Ethics Committee arrangements that are currently under judicial scrutiny. 

These changes erode democratic processes, concentrate power and weaken accountability.

And then, at the end of the night, the Deputy Mayor declared: “Long may we reign,” to cheers from the 18 LNP Councillors. That says a lot about the attitude of this administration and nothing demonstrates the need for scrutiny more clearly than the reality facing Brisbane households.

The Lord Mayor loves to boast about having “the lowest rates in the state” with a headline increase of 3.9%. But read the fine print; that figure does not tell the story for everyone. Unit owners and other rating categories are facing substantially higher increases, and I have now heard from residents across our suburbs who have received their rates notices and are reporting increases of up to 14%. Brisbane residents deserve to know what they are actually paying, not to be sold a headline figure that obscures the reality facing many households.

This is why the fight for good governance, transparency and accountability has to continue.

I will continue fighting for the local priorities residents elected me to deliver: safer streets and intersections, better public spaces, housing people can actually afford and the infrastructure our neighbourhoods need to thrive.

I will also continue doing the other part of my job: holding this LNP administration to account. Council is not the property of the government of the day. It belongs to the people of Brisbane. It belongs to you.

Brisbane residents deserve a Council that is transparent, accountable and prepared to answer to the community.

Always in your corner,

Trina

P.S. As the chambers kicked off, so did the community defence for our democracy. This photo from above was taken at a "funeral for democracy" protest I attended on 4 August 2026 coordinated by tight knit, a group of community members who have been bringing transparency and accountability into the Council chambers each week.

It was great to stand alongside residents and community advocates who are demanding greater transparency from their elected representatives. Speakers at the event included Paul from WECA and Pam from Kurilpa Futures, who spoke about the importance of protecting community voices and ensuring residents have a genuine say in the decisions that shape their neighbourhoods.

Democracy doesn’t stop at the doors of City Hall. It belongs in our communities too.

Read on to learn more about: 

• Investing in Our Neighbourhoods: Suburban Enhancement Fund

• Working for Safer Intersections

• Musgrave Park: Protecting Our Trees for the Future

• Shafston Ave Bikeway: An Update Following the Community Meeting

• Dog Parks Update: Riverside Drive & Orleigh Park

• Musgrave Pool: Thank You for Your Feedback

Investing in Our Neighbourhoods: Suburban Enhancement Fund

I have been putting the Suburban Enhancement Fund (SEF) to work delivering practical, on-the-ground improvements across the ward. Here are three of the most recent projects completed. 

Cranbrook Place: New Electricity Infrastructure

Cranbrook Place in Orleigh Park is an important Sorry Day memorial site and place of remembrance for the Stolen Generations. The site was once home to the Aboriginal Girls Home, where Aboriginal girls were forcibly separated from their families and sent into domestic service.

Today, Link Up (Qld) uses Cranbrook Place for community events including its annual Sorry Day Breakfast, bringing survivors, descendants and the wider community together for remembrance, connection and healing.

New electricity infrastructure has now been installed at Cranbrook Place following requests from Link Up and First Nations Elders over several years. Completed ahead of NAIDOC Week, the upgrade has already supported community events and will help make this important space more accessible and functional for future gatherings. 

New Bike Racks Across the Ward

114 new bike racks have now been installed across five suburbs in the ward, funded through a 2023/24 Suburban Enhancement Fund allocation, giving residents more secure and convenient places to park their bikes. The new bike racks are the result of consultation with riders across Brisbane and provide more places to securely park bikes near schools, shops, markets and other local destinations. It’s a simple piece of infrastructure, but having somewhere safe and convenient to park your bike can make a real difference when choosing to ride for everyday trips.

From street-level safety upgrades to community infrastructure that supports important cultural events, I will keep using the Suburban Enhancement Fund to deliver the improvements our community needs.

Dornoch Terrace: Pedestrian Upgrade Complete

The Dornoch Terrace pedestrian upgrade, between Boundary Street and Colton Street in Highgate Hill, was finished last week. This project came about after I put the decision directly to residents through a community poll earlier this year, with 78% voting in support. The upgrade has installed a new pedestrian refuge with pram ramps and pre-cast islands, giving people a safe crossing point near the local bus stops on this stretch of road, an area that previously had no safe way to cross.

We've got more pedestrian upgrades being delivered through the Fund on Montague Road in West End and Main Street in Kangaroo Point, while I continue working on the next round of projects for 2026/27.

Working for Safer Intersections

I have recently heard from a number of residents following an incident at the Dornoch Terrace / Hardgrave Road / Ganges Street intersection on 29 July, with concerns about the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. It is heartbreaking to hear about what happened, and my thoughts are with everyone affected, particularly the person involved and their loved ones. 

I understand why residents are particularly concerned about children walking to the 199 bus stop or West End State School. This is a difficult intersection to navigate, with multiple vehicle and bicycle movements, including vehicles turning from Dornoch Terrace. I have been advocating for improvements here since becoming Councillor, and I’m continuing to push for action. After making this intersection, along with many others, a top priority in my annual Brisbane City Council budget submissions in 2023–24, 2024–25 and 2025–26, I decided to research other potential funding streams. Black Spot Funding was one avenue I identified.

In February 2026, I wrote to Cr Murphy, Chair of Council’s Infrastructure Committee, requesting that this intersection and two other ward priorities be nominated for Black Spot Funding. I also met with the Federal Member for Griffith to seek support.

Unfortunately, Council advised in April that the intersections did not yet meet the program’s minimum crash-history requirements. While they will remain under review, I don’t believe we should have to wait for more crashes before improving safety. I have since met with Council’s Senior Traffic Engineers to discuss interim measures and am continuing to advocate for a Road Safety Audit or Safe System Assessment across the priority intersections. We have also been able to secure Brisbane City Council budget funding to deliver safety improvements, a signalised intersection on Wellington Road in Kangaroo Point, demonstrating that progress is possible.

I’m also advocating for safety improvements at other priority locations across the Gabba Ward, including Ferry Road/Drake Street, Montague Road in West End, Dornoch Terrace/Hampstead Road, Gladstone Road in Highgate Hill and Park Avenue in Dutton Park.

I will keep pursuing every available funding avenue, Council, State and Federal, to make these intersections safer. We shouldn’t have to wait for another serious incident before acting. Please keep an eye out as I work on the next steps in this advocacy. 

If you witnessed or were involved in the 29 July incident, please report it to Queensland Police via Policelink on 131 444. Recorded incidents help build the evidence base for future road safety funding and improvements.

Musgrave Park: Protecting Our Trees and Planting for the Future

I’m pleased to share that two important projects are now underway at Musgrave Park: tree protection works and major tree planting.

Over the past three years, residents have been in contact with me not only about protecting the existing trees in Musgrave Park, but also about the significant trees we have lost over recent years. Hotter seasons, storms and poor soil nutrition, alongside the pressures of vehicle use and soil compaction within the park, have all contributed to declining tree health and canopy. I have been working with Council staff and arborists to better understand these challenges and identify practical ways we can protect Musgrave Park’s existing canopy while also investing in its future. I’m pleased to see this work now being delivered.

Major Tree Planting

The current project will see 14 new large 400 litre native trees planted across the park, strengthening the canopy and helping keep Musgrave Park cooler, greener and more comfortable for everyone who uses it. These are the largest trees currently available through Council’s procurement for this project, giving the new plantings the best possible start as they become established.

You’ll start seeing the new trees planted throughout August, weather permitting.

Protecting Existing Trees

Tree protection works are also underway, running through to August, weather permitting. 

Bollards will be installed along internal park roadways, spaced about 1.5 metres apart, to prevent vehicles from driving and parking on grassed and mulched areas and damaging tree root zones. The bollards are intended to restrict vehicle access only. They will not block pedestrian movement, and accessible paths will remain open.

Musgrave Park is home to some of our most mature and significant trees. Protecting the existing canopy while planting new trees is essential if we want this important park to remain cool, green and welcoming for generations to come.

This work has broad impacts. Across the city, we need to be protecting our mature trees and replacing significant canopy where trees have been lost. I’m currently working with Council arborists on plans to replace significant trees lost earlier this year at the West End Ferry Terminal, in front of the Sailing Club and at Orleigh Park.

I also recognise that these changes will have an impact on neighbouring businesses and facilities. If you have any concerns or questions about how the works are affecting you, please don’t hesitate to raise them directly with my team at [email protected].

Shafston Avenue Bikeway: An Update Following the Community Meeting

After many years of advocacy, Council has released the preliminary design for the Shafston Avenue Bikeway, a 1.2 kilometre separated walking and cycling path from Deakin Street to Mowbray Park. I want to be clear: I support this project. Separated cycling infrastructure is an important safety upgrade for Kangaroo Point and Brisbane. As our neighbourhoods grow and change, making it safer and more accessible for people to walk, roll and ride is a key priority for me.

However, Council needs to get it right.

I’m pushing Council to properly consult with the community, consider reducing the speed limit to 40km/h between Ferry Street and Cairns Street, where the corridor is most constrained, and address the significant loss of trees proposed along Shafston Avenue.

The proposal to remove 47 trees represents a substantial loss of canopy and shade for our neighbourhood. I have written to the Chair of the Infrastructure Committee calling for every tree removed for this project to be replanted in Kangaroo Point and East Brisbane, along with arbour structures on the bikeway wherever feasible.

Dozens of residents attended my community meeting last week, and it was clear there are concerns about the current proposal. Without proper and up to date consultation, residents are understandably frustrated.

Council should be proactive and transparent about this project, including the work already undertaken, the decisions that have been made and what is still being considered before it moves into delivery. 

My office is running a survey to hear directly from residents about the proposal. I’ll use this feedback to advocate to Council’s City Projects team for proper, up to date community consultation before the design is finalised.

The survey is open throughout September. Please share it with your neighbours and community networks. If you have questions, contact my office at [email protected] or (07) 3403 2165.

Dog Parks Update: Riverside Drive & Orleigh Park

Riverside Drive Dog Off-Leash Area: Works Starting Soon

Great news! Construction on the new dog off-leash area at Riverside Drive, near Beesley Street, is scheduled to begin in late August and run through to mid-September.

This project has been years in the making. It was voted in by the community and is now being delivered through my Suburban Enhancement Fund, after Council and the Lord Mayor failed to fund a replacement for the original Riverside Drive dog park, which was permanently closed following contamination discovered after the 2022 floods.

For the full background on this project, including the community consultation process and FAQs, visit my website here.

Orleigh Park Dog Off-Leash Area: Remediation Works Underway

Council is also currently carrying out remediation works at the Orleigh Park Dog Off Leash Area. Some of the existing soil on site is contaminated with asbestos, so the work is being completed by a licensed asbestos contractor. This involves removing 500mm of soil, backfilling with clean fill, spreading new topsoil and establishing new turf.

Works began on Monday 29 June and are expected to continue through to Friday 25 September, with most of the earthworks being completed in the first six weeks before turf establishment continues. This area was part of the initial upgrades to the Orleigh Park Dog Off Leash Area. Once the remediation is complete, I’m hopeful we can continue expanding and improving the facility for our community and their dogs.

I will continue to keep the community updated as both projects progress. If you have any questions in the meantime, get in touch with my office at [email protected].

Musgrave Pool: Thank You for Your Feedback

Thanks to the many residents who took the time to share their thoughts on Musgrave Pool with my team. The response was fantastic, and it told us something important: whatever your view on the details, people across this ward genuinely care about this pool.

We have collated all of the feedback we received and shared it directly with Council in a recent meeting. Council has taken this feedback on board, and my office will continue working directly with them to make sure this outcome reflects resident needs. What came through clearly, across the full spectrum of feedback, is that Musgrave Pool matters to this community. People want it to remain a space that's open and accessible, and one that genuinely works for everyone who uses it.

Our public spaces should be open and inclusive for all residents and visitors across the city, and that's the standard I will keep pushing Council to meet here. Thank you again to everyone who shared their feedback. It made a real difference in this conversation, and we'll keep you updated as this progresses.

Community Notices

Computers 4 Learning: Drop Your Old Devices at the Gabba Ward Office

My office is now a drop off location for Computers 4 Learning, which refurbishes donated devices and gives them to people who are disadvantaged.

Got an old laptop or computer gathering dust? Drop it in and we'll pass it on. Every device given a second life helps tackle digital inequality and e-waste.

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 brisbane.qld.gov.au/libraries 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.

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

Research Participants Wanted (Brisbane, 18+)
Do you live in, work in, or spend time socially in West End? We’re looking for community members to take part in a QUT research study exploring how local social spaces (like cafés, libraries, parks, and community centres) can help reduce social isolation.

What’s involved? You’ll be invited to take part in a casual walk-along interview at a local social space library or cafe) in your area. We’re interested in your everyday experiences of local places and community connection. No planning expertise needed.

Important details: Adults 18+. You may withdraw at any time without penalty.
Interested? Fill out our screening survey here. 

Closures and Works Notices

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.

Temporary Bus Stop Closure – Dornoch Tce, West End
top 17 (ID 1142), located on Dornoch Terrace at Doris Street, will be temporarily closed to facilitate daily construction activities. The closure commenced in early July and is expected to be in place for approximately 15 months, subject to construction progress. Dornoch Terrace Hail ‘n’ Ride (ID 10488) will operate with extended bus zone hours, changing from 6am–7pm to 6am–8pm (1 hour later) to support a temporary service adjustment to Route 192. Traffic controllers will also be onsite to manage local access and guide pedestrian detours.

Tree Removals

• 12 Dudley St, Highgate Hill: 1x Melaleuca viminalis (Bottle Brush) has been removed due to the tree being dead with a compromised union toward the base of the tree. Replacement planting details are yet to be confirmed. 
• 28 Dibley St, Woolloongabba: 1x Melaleuca viminalis (Bottle Brush) has been removed due to the tree being dead. 1x replacement Lophostemon confertus (Brush Box tree) will be planted at this location. 
• 28 Dibley St, Woolloongabba: 1x Libidibia ferrea (Leopard tree) will be removed by the end of September due to the tree being planted out of alignment with a driveway and streetsign. This is also an undesirable weed species. Replacement planting details are yet to be confirmed.
• 89 Lambert St, Kangaroo Point: 1x Agathis robusta (Queensland Kauri Pine) will be removed by the end of October due to damage sustained to the structural root zone during footpath maintenance works. 1x same-species replacement tree will be planted at this location. 
• 108 Lambert St, Kangaroo Point: 2x Golden Penda trees will be removed in August to allow for truck access to a development construction site. Replacement trees will be planted in accordance with Council guidelines as part of the streetscape design.
• 15 Lindon St, Dutton Park: 1x Libidibia ferrea (Leopard tree) will be removed by the end of September due to its root system lifting the footpath and causing a trip hazard, and causing damage to private property. This is also an undesirable weed species. 2x replacement Blueberry Ash trees will be planted nearby at this frontage within 90 days following removal works. 
• TJ Memorial Drive, Dutton Park: 2x Eucalyptus species trees will be removed by the end of September due to the trees being dead. 5x replacement Flindersia species trees will be planted along TJ Memorial Drive. 
• 19 Brook St, South Brisbane: 1x Koelreuteria elegans (Taiwanese rain tree) will be removed by the end of September due to the tree being dead. 1x replacement Tristaniopsis laurina (Water Gum) will be planted at this location. 
• Musgrave Park, South Brisbane: 1x Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay Fig) will be removed by the end of September due to unmanagement decay, borer damage, and splitting of internal layers. 1x replacement Ficus macrophylla (Moreton Bay Fig) will be planted at this location. 
• South East Bikeway between O’Keefe Street and Morrisey Street, Woolloongabba: 1 x Ficus benjamina (Weeping Fig) has been removed by TMR due to being a safety hazard to nearby infrastructure and potential impacts to nearby property. 1x replacement Weeping Lilly Pilly will be planted nearby in early August.