Dear Neighbour

Here we go, Joh. Queensland is the only state in Australia without an upper house, and that gives the State Government extraordinary power. Right now, we are seeing exactly what that looks like in practice.

And let’s be clear,  the decisions coming out of the LNP State Government are having real, on-the-ground impacts in our communities and instead of standing up for Brisbane, our Lord Mayor is falling into line.

We’re seeing affordable housing requirements stripped away from developments approved by Council. Changes to the Kurilpa Temporary Planning Instrument now allow developers to aim for performance outcomes, rather than meet stronger acceptable outcome standards.

We’re seeing public land, land that belongs to our community, being sold off. This is happening at Visy in West End, at the Go Print and Gabba sites in Woolloongabba, and at Burrambin / Victoria Park.

At the same time, environmental and conservation laws are being overridden. Heritage protections are being weakened and local government powers are being sidelined. Flood planning controls are being reduced and there is no serious planning for our already overcrowded local schools.

Our ferry and bus networks remain underfunded by both State and Council, with no real commitment to the frequency and reliability a growing city like ours needs.

And while continuing war across the Middle East and conflict in Iran reminds us how fragile things can be, everyday people are feeling the consequences of policy inertia when it comes to transitioning to renewables and electrification.

When global fossil fuel supply is disrupted, prices spike, and people pay for it at the bowser and on their power bills. That’s not just a climate issue - it’s a cost of living issue, it’s an energy security issue, and it’s affecting people right here, right now.

This is not the end of the story nor is it something we should just accept. Across our community, people are speaking up, pushing back and organising. From residents fighting to protect public land to locals advocating for better planning, forward planning for schools, housing and transport. Every bit matters. When people come together, we can shift decisions, demand better, and hold those in power to account.

So if you are wondering what you can do, if you have capacity:

🏞️ Join Don't Sell South Bank 2.0 and help protect the Visy site. 

🤲🏾 Support the Homelessness Connect drive by dropping donations at the Gabba Ward Office or Kurilpa Library. 

🏛️ Show up to Council meetings. Listen in on Council Chambers in the public gallery. And keep politicians like me accountable.

 ✍🏽 Make submissions. Contact your representatives in government and in opposition and demand better. 

🤝🏿 Stand with mutual aid and community groups doing work on the ground, including West End Community House, Anti-Poverty Network and the Community Union Defence League. Support them. 

📣 Get involved in local campaigns. Back your neighbours. Have conversations. 

👫🏽 Bring others with you.

In solidarity and persistence, 

Trina

Read on to learn more about: 

• Pedestrian Safety Across the Gabba Ward: Results, Progress, and Your Next Chance to Have a Say

• The Gabba Precinct: Big Announcements, Bigger Questions

• Have You Visited Musgrave Park Pool Recently? We Want to Hear From You

• New Riverside Drive Dog Park: Come See the Final Design This Monday

• Save Our 86: Last Chance to Make Your Voice Heard

• School Holidays & Kids Activities 

• Got a Community Project? We Have Grants Available 

Pedestrian Safety Across the Gabba Ward: Results, Progress, and Your Next Chance to Have a Say

Our community has shown just how much it cares about pedestrian safety and the results speak for themselves.

Dornoch Terrace Community Poll Results

Thank you to everyone who took part in the Dornoch Terrace Community Poll. After verifying 303 valid responses from Gabba Ward residents, the results showed strong community support for the proposed pedestrian safety upgrade, with 78% of respondents in support and 22% not in support. I am now progressing funding sign-off and Council's tender process, with the goal of delivering this project as soon as possible.

Montague Road Community Poll Results

The response to the Montague Road poll was equally encouraging. After verifying 308 valid responses, an overwhelming 97% of respondents voted in support of the proposed pedestrian refuge, with just 3% not in support. This is a remarkable result that reflects how strongly our community feels about safer streets. Funding sign-off and the tender process are now underway for this project as well.

I am grateful to every resident who took the time to participate in both polls. Your engagement and feedback is so important to my role as Councillor of the Gabba Ward and is what drives these projects forward.

Kangaroo Point: Vote Now for Proposed Pedestrian Safety Upgrade!

With two projects now on their way to delivery, I'm turning my attention to the next pedestrian safety upgrade on the list:  a proposed crossing on Main Street (between Baildon and Wharf Streets) in Kangaroo Point.

As with Dornoch Terrace and Montague Road, I am putting this decision directly to the community. I believe residents should have a say in the future of their streets, and I encourage all Gabba Ward residents to cast their vote now.

Pedestrian safety is one of my top priorities as your local councillor, and I will keep fighting to deliver these improvements. If you have any further questions, please contact my office at [email protected].

The Gabba Precinct: Big Announcements, Bigger Questions

This week, the State Government made a lot of noise about drilling at the former Cross River Rail site in Woolloongabba, calling it a milestone for Brisbane’s 2032 Olympics and a step forward for housing. I am not convinced.

The reality is the Gabba East (The Gabba) and Gabba West (Go Print) sites, over nine hectares of public land in our community, are being handed to private developers through a public-private partnership with no binding commitments to social or affordable housing.

This is not a one-off. From the Gabba to the Visy site in West End and to Hamilton, public land is being openly transferred to private hands, with communities left out of the conversation.

The 2032 Olympics are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape our city with better public transport, greener spaces and genuinely affordable homes. The Gabba precinct sits at the centre of that opportunity but only if governments put the public interest before private profit.

Calling this a housing project does not make it one. What has been announced is a privatised entertainment precinct with no guarantees for the people who need homes the most. Public land should serve the public, not private developers.

I stand with State MP for Maiwar Michael Berkman calling on the State Government to introduce binding targets for social and affordable housing and to keep this site in public hands.

This community has shown what is possible when we fight together. We stopped the demolition of East Brisbane State School. Now we are bringing that same energy to protect public homes and public parks at the Gabba, Visy and wherever the Government tries the same trick next.

I am continuing to campaign to protect the Visy site for our community in West End and South Brisbane. Join us and sign up to the Don't Sell South Bank 2.0 campaign at dontsellsb2.com and help keep this land in public hands.

Our neighbourhood's future should not be decided behind closed doors.

Have You Visited Musgrave Park Pool Recently? We Want to Hear From You.

Musgrave Park Pool is a truly special facility; an iconic inner-city aquatic space that serves our community and brings people together. I want to make sure it continues to work for everyone who uses it.

I'd love to hear about your recent experiences at the pool, whether positive or negative. Your feedback helps us understand what's working well and where there's room for improvement.

If you've visited Musgrave Park Pool recently, please get in touch and share your experience. Whether it's about access, pricing, facilities, opening hours, staff, or anything else, all feedback is valued. You can email my office at [email protected].

Musgrave Park Pool belongs to this community, and every piece of feedback helps us advocate for the best possible facility for our residents.

New Riverside Drive Dog Park: Come See the Final Design This Monday!

After years of advocacy, I'm thrilled to share that we have a final design for the Riverside Drive near Beesley Street dog off-leash area ready to present to the community. Following the closure of West End's much-loved park after the 2022 floods the community engagement and vote last year, this is the important next step in ensuring Kurilpa has sufficient off-leash Dog Parks.  

Join us this Monday for our Community Information Session to see the final design, ask questions, and hear about the timeline toward opening by Spring 2026.

When: Monday 30 March 2026, 5:30 - 6:30pm 

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

Can't make it? Get in touch at [email protected] and we'll keep you in the loop.

Save Our 86: Last Chance to Make Your Voice Heard

Council's decision to cancel the 86 Kurilpa bus loop on 27 January 2025 was one that my office fought hard against. Despite a 1,179-signature petition and significant community opposition, they pressed ahead anyway, having the audacity to claim the route had never really existed as a standalone service and framing its removal as a natural consequence of the Brisbane Metro project. Our community knows the truth, and we lived the reality of what was lost. For many residents, the consequences have been felt every single day since.

 The hundreds of responses already received demonstrate how important public transport is for residents, public transport that is connected and reliable. Most recently, I had the chance to engage with a local retirement village whose residents have been particularly hard hit - an important reminder of just how much the 86 meant to some community members who need it the most. The 86 has been a continual topic at West End State School P&Cs - I need to flesh this thing out.

We will be closing the survey at the end of April, and I urge you to share your experiences with public transport since the loss of the 86 Kurilpa Loop Bus . Whether it's added travel time, difficulty accessing essential services, or simply the loss of independence that comes with a reliable local bus, every response strengthens our case for restoring this service.

The more voices we have, the harder it becomes for Council to ignore the damage this decision has caused. Thank you for your continued support. I won't be letting this go.

School Holidays and Kids Activities

School holidays are coming up, and there are so many activities on offer in and around the Gabba Ward to help keep the kids busy and having fun!

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

Get creative and scientific at our local libraries with a live performance of Tui “n” Friends,  Rainbow Families Storytime,  Family STEAM Day,  Youth Week Live Music,  Chess Club, and a Special Bug Investigation. These activities are happening across West End Library, Fairfield Library, and Brisbane Square Library.

Get outdoors and active at our local parks and pools with aqua fitness, abseiling, rock climbing, kickboxing, martial arts, and orienteering activities on offer. Check online for session times & info and booking details.

Once school returns, enrol the kids in a FREE weekly active program at Orleigh Park: 

• Billy’s Buddies: designed for kids aged 2-7, this program focuses on fun, helping kids build social skills while learning the fundamentals of non-contact ball sports.
• Bazil Grumble Playtime: designed for kids aged 3-5, this series of interactive learn and grow sessions uses balls, hoops, parachutes, tunnels, jumping sacks, puppets, storybooks, costumes and music for children to explore all the different ways their growing bodies can move. 
• ACTivate Children’s Club: designed for kids aged 6-10, these sessions will have a strong focus on creativity and fun in a safe, relaxed and energetic environment. Come and play ball games, brave the obstacle courses and relays, enjoy sack and egg and spoon races, participate in drama based interactive games and much more!

Got a Community Project? We Have Grants Available

Does your community group need funding to get a project off the ground? Each year the Gabba Ward Office receives an allocation (of the Lord Mayor’s Community Fund (LMCF) to fund community projects in the ward.

The grant is open to community groups and not-for-profit organisations for projects of community benefit to Gabba Ward residents, with most grant amounts ranging from $250 to $1500. Previous successful applicants have received funding for project expenses such as performer and artist fees, purchase and upgrade of equipment, as well as workshop, event, art and craft expenses.  

We’re currently welcoming applications from Gabba-based community groups for the 2025/26 grants round. Applications for this round close in early June (or earlier if the allocation is exhausted). You can find out more about LMCF grants including eligibility, guidelines and how to apply on Council’s website.

So, if your community group has an upcoming project that needs a little seed funding then check out the Gabba Ward Office local grants guidelines and give us a call at 3403 2165 discuss. 

Community Notices

Story Bridge Closure – Traffic Changes
Traffic impacts on the Story Bridge and Bradfield Highway will occur from 9pm Thursday 2 April to 5am Monday 13 April for essential maintenance works. During this period, a full closure of the Story Bridge will occur from 9pm Saturday 11 April to 1pm Sunday 12 April. Reduced traffic lanes will be open for the rest of the duration. Some temporary closures of the eastern footpath will also be required at night during this period. Detour signage will be in place to direct pedestrians, cyclists and e-mobility riders as required. These essential works have been planned to occur during the April Easter school holiday period when traffic volumes are lower and to coincide with the closure of the bridge for the Tour de Brisbane Cycling event on Sunday 12 April 2026. For further information about the project and traffic impacts please check online or contact Brisbane City Council on (07) 3403 8888.

Road Closures – Tour De Brisbane
City-wide road closures and traffic impacts will occur on Sunday 12 April to support a safe event for Tour De Brisbane community cycling event. Please make alternate travel arrangements and give extra time to reach your destination as your normal route may experience delays or be unavailable. There will also be significant disruptions to bus services. Please check online for public transport updates and the full list of road closures and traffic impacts including the CBD, Kangaroo Point, Dutton Park, South Brisbane, and West End.

Filmer St Footpath Closure
The footpath along Filmer Street, between Beesley Street and Victoria Street, will be temporarily closed from Wednesday 18 March 2026 until approximately December 2026 due to construction works at 28 Beesley Street, West End. Pedestrians are asked to use the Montague Road footpath as an alternative route during this time.

Homeless Connect Donation Drive
The Gabba Ward Office is now collecting donations for Council’s upcoming Homeless Connect event to help support Brisbane’s most vulnerable residents. Non-perishable food and personal toiletries can be donated before 1 May 2026. More info about the event and volunteering here.

Micah Projects – Spread the Warmth Campaign
Micah Projects' Brisbane Domestic Violence Service is excited to announce that the Spread the Warmth campaign is again underway! We are currently seeking donations of brand new, unwrapped robes which will be distributed to isolated mums living in crisis accommodation and refuges this Mother's Day. Donations of robes can be dropped at The Gabba Ward Office or any one of the dedicated drop off points up until Friday 1 May 2026. This is a great opportunity to make women in crisis feel connected and supported by their community. If you or someone you know needs support for domestic violence, please call Micah Projects' Brisbane Domestic Violence Service on 3217 2544.

Community Survey – Bike riding for women and girls in Brisbane
Brisbane CBD and Brisbane South Bicycle User Groups are working to understand how women and girls experience bike riding across Brisbane's CBD and southside, and we need your insights. Whether you ride a bike or not, we would like to hear about your experiences and perspectives so we can let our local Councillors know how to provide the right environment for women and girls wanting to ride. Take the survey here. Survey closes 29 March.

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.

Community Friends – Do you need food waste for your compost?
Community Friends provide thousands of meals weekly to those living on the street and at risk of homelessness at their West End Food Stall each Wednesday in Bunyapa Park. With so many meals being prepared, they have an abundance of food waste ready for composting. Do you need food for your compost? Can you help transport food waste on Wednesday afternoons? Do you know of growers who can help save up to 50kg of food waste from landfill each week? If you can help out then text Shelly on 0481 275 747. Pick up is Wednesdays 3-4.30pm from Bunyapa Park.

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

Brisbane Freeway History Research – Invitation to Participate
Griffith University researcher Dr Rachel Gallagher is seeking participants for a study titled: Mapping Displacement: Freeways, Protest, and the Remaking of Brisbane. We are looking for adults (18+) who: Lived in areas impacted by freeway construction, Experienced housing demolition or relocation, Participated in or witnessed protest movements, Have memories or knowledge of Brisbane’s freeway projects. Participation involves a voluntary interview (60–90 minutes) and you may withdraw at any time. If you are interested please contact Dr Rachel Gallagher at [email protected]. 

UQ Research Opportunity — Share Your Voice on Housing Development The University of Queensland is inviting homeowners and Department of Housing tenants to participate in a workshop exploring community trust and attitudes towards new housing developments. Participants will receive a $50 gift card as a thank you for their time. If you're interested, register your interest via the relevant link below: Homeowners: Click here to register or Department of Housing Tenants:Click here to register

Tree Removals

• Rogers St, West End: 1x waterhousia (Lilly Pilly tree) and 1x harpullia (Tulipwood tree) have been removed due to safe access requirements for a construction project. The trees will be replaced and maintained for 12 months at the conclusion of site activities.
• Colchester St, South Brisbane: 2x buckinghamia celsissima (Ivory Curl trees) have been removed due to safe access requirements for a construction project. The trees will be replaced and maintained for 24 months at the conclusion of site activities.
• Riverside Lands Park, West End (near 51 Ferry St): 1x Jacaranda tree has been removed due to decay and poor structure resulting in compromised safety status. A replacement tree (species unconfirmed) will be planted at this location.
• Captain Burke Park, Kangaroo Point: 1 x albizia lebbeck (Silk Tree) will be removed due to unmanaged decline causing decay and deadwood, and failing a safety risk assessment. Replacement planting details are yet to be determined.