Dear Neighbour, 

As a child, I walked everywhere.

After immigrating to Australia and eventually settling in Brisbane, my family didn’t have a car. I walked to school, to the shops, to the park, to friends’ houses, and to bus stops. I remember my mum pushing my little brother in his pram, never letting go of his hand and reminding me never to let go of it either, especially when crossing the road.

That way of getting around continued through my teenage years and well into adulthood, it was walking, biking, and buses (I didn’t get my drivers license til a few years back). Along the way, I learned what so many of you already know: the near misses with cars, the longer routes taken because they feel safer, and the buses missed because crossing the road simply wasn’t safe.

That’s why pedestrian safety is deeply personal to me and why it was one of my key public commitments during the 2024 elections. As your Councillor, I’ve been working with Council and using my Suburban Enhancement Fund to progress pedestrian safety upgrades at four locations across the ward. This work included delivering designs, working with Council teams to undertake traffic and safety assessments, and securing Council approvals.

On 7 February, I went public with the first two projects at community meetings in Highgate Hill and West End. I had the privilege of meeting dozens of residents, showing how Council arrived at these designs, what the upgrades would mean for the streets, and talking about the next steps - a community vote.

These upgrades are approved by Council and budgeted, and I’m committed to delivering them if the community votes yes. They span West End, Highgate Hill, Kangaroo Point (where a meeting has just been announced), and Woolloongabba (still to come). 

I’ll be out chatting on the streets and, as always, happy to hear from you via the office. 

There’s always more work to do, but I’m excited to be able to share the work I’ve been doing in the background to increase pedestrian safety in the Gabba Ward and the opportunity to deliver these upgrades for our community.

All the best, 

Trina

Read on to learn more about: 

• Pedestrian Safety Upgrade Updates Across The Gabba Ward

• Musgrave Park: Displacement Is Not a Housing Solution

• Meeting the Young Leaders Shaping Our Ward's Future

• Have Your Say on Brisbane's Olympic Legacy + Join Me at the Olympics for the People Summit

• More Homes, Sooner - My take on Council's New Proposal

• Exciting Dog Park Updates for Kurilpa Dog Owners!

• Save our 86 Campaign: Share your Story 

Pedestrian Safety Upgrade Updates Across The Gabba Ward

Following community meetings on 7 February, polls are now open for residents to vote on proposed pedestrian safety upgrades at Dornoch Terrace, Highgate Hill and Montague Road, West End. These upgrades are Council-approved and budgeted but the final decision is yours. Polls close Sunday 15 March 2026.

• Montague Road Pedestrian Upgrades FAQs and vote 
• Dornoch Terrace Pedestrian Safety Upgrade FAQs and vote 

I'll also be out and about if you'd like to chat in person: 

• Friday 13 March, 7:30–9:30am: Highgate Hill Park 
• Friday 13 March, 4:00–6:00pm: Come to Daddy, West End 
• Saturday 14 March, 8:30–11:00am: West End Markets

The next community meeting covers proposed upgrades on Main Street, Kangaroo Point: 

Wednesday 19 March 2026, 5:30–6:30pm:  Story Bridge Hotel, 200 Main Street, Kangaroo Point 

Updates on a fourth upgrade at Nile Street, Woolloongabba will be coming later this year.

Can't make any of these? Get in touch at [email protected] and we'll make sure your feedback is heard.

Musgrave Park: Displacement Is Not a Housing Solution

Last week at 6am, around 30 - 40 police and council compliance officers arrived at Musgrave Park with bobcats to move people sleeping rough on from the park.

As I have said publicly many times, I do not support moving people on when there is no safe and secure housing available for them to go to.

Council has not been able to tell me what actions were taken by the Department of Housing, or whether people were genuinely offered housing before being evicted. What I have been able to confirm is that only two people were temporarily housed, meaning 28 - 30 people were displaced with nowhere to go.

This is harmful. Forcing people to move on without housing solutions pushes them further away from support services, making them more hidden and more vulnerable. It creates trauma and fear, not solutions.

Most shockingly, a person sleeping rough who is on the NDIS had their prescription medication confiscated during the move-on. This is unacceptable and deeply concerning.

If Brisbane truly wants to call itself a compassionate city, we must invest in housing and support services. People need homes, healthcare, and dignity, not displacement.

Housing and support services are the solution. Compassion must be more than a slogan.

Meeting the Young Leaders Shaping Our Ward's Future

Over the past month, I've had the privilege of welcoming future leaders at Brisbane State High, West End State School, and Dutton Park State School.

I met young people who see care, listening, and kindness as the foundation of leadership. Their ideas, energy, and optimism were truly inspiring.

I want to congratulate not just the student leaders at these schools, but young leaders at all schools across the ward. The kids are alright! Let's keep working to build a brighter future for them.

Have Your Say on Brisbane's Olympic Legacy + Join Me at the Olympics for the People Summit

Brisbane City Council has released the 2032 Olympic Legacy announcement and now it's your turn to weigh in.

The community can provide feedback on ideas to benefit the city through Council's consultation, open until 15 March. Council plans to release the full City of Brisbane Legacy Plan later this year.

Share your ideas at the Council page here.

But consultation alone isn't enough. We need to fight for a better deal.

With over $7 billion of public investment, the 2032 Brisbane Olympics are a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reshape our city with better public transport, a greener environment, and more affordable homes. But ight now, we're getting a bad deal.

Instead of genuinely asking the community what they want for our city, governments are selling off public space, delaying public transport improvements, and removing affordable housing requirements. As your local representative, I want the Olympics to benefit ordinary people, not just developers.

That's why I'm joining Elizabeth Watson-Brown (Ryan MP) and Michael Berkman (Maiwar MP), at the Olympics for the People Summit. I will join a panel of experts and residents to discuss how we can together get a better deal for Brisbane.

At the summit, we will explore questions like:

• What would it take to clean up the Brisbane River?
• How was South Bank won, despite government plans to privatise it?
• How can we make sure the Olympics don't push people out of their homes?

I encourage you to take action on both fronts and I hope to see you on Saturday!

When: Saturday 28 February
Where: TAFE Queensland, South Bank Campus

More Homes, Sooner - My take on Council's New Proposal

Brisbane City Council is seeking community feedback on proposed changes to the Low-Medium Density Residential (LMR) zone. Given this will impact nearly all suburbs across the Gabba Ward, I want to make sure you have what you need to share your opinion before consultation closes on Friday 20 March 2026.

Pockets of Highgate Hill, West End, Woolloongabba, Dutton Park, Kangaroo Point and East Brisbane are all affected by this proposal. To find out whether your street or property falls within the LMR zone, I encourage you to check Brisbane City Plan 2014 and look for the Low-Medium Density Residential designation in the legend. Knowing where you stand is the first step to having your say.

Council's More Homes, Sooner proposal would change building heights, lot sizes, and onsite car parking requirements to make it easier and cheaper to build townhouses, low density units and apartments across the zone. In principle, I support more housing, specifically affordable townhouses, low and medium density units located across Brisbane, and reviewing mandatory car parking minimums where public transport is a genuinely good option. But supporting density in principle is not the same as accepting every proposal uncritically, and this one cannot be viewed in isolation.

Right now, our community is simultaneously fighting to protect the 7 hectare Visy site, the largest publicly owned land in The Gabba Ward, from being handed and sold off to private developers via a process that has excluded genuine community input. The Don't Sell South Bank 2.0 campaign, which I proudly support, is calling on the State Government to keep this land in public hands and deliver a lasting legacy for current and future generations. These two issues are deeply connected: the State Government quietly privatising our last remaining inner city public land on one hand, and Council loosening planning rules for private developers with no binding requirement to deliver affordable housing in return, on the other. Together, they paint a concerning picture of who our city is actually being built for.

My concerns with the LMR review are clear. Design quality and liveability must not be traded away for yield. Green space requirements need to be strengthened, not weakened; our suburbs are already struggling with the urban heat island effect, and the current 10% onsite minimum for deep planting is too low. Height limits and setbacks must be binding, not negotiable. And if we are unlocking significant development value across our suburbs, mandatory affordable housing requirements must come with it. Loosening planning rules for private developers while selling off public land is not a housing policy. It is a handout.

The decisions being made right now via this review, the Visy Site Sell Off, and the Woolloongabba PDA will shape our city for decades to come. 

Public land for Public Good and once sold, is gone forever. 

Please review the proposed amendments and submit your feedback before 20 March and share any thoughts with my office at [email protected].

Exciting Dog Park Updates for Kurilpa Dog Owners!

Orleigh Park Dog Off Leash Area Welcome Back!

We're thrilled to share that the Orleigh Park Dog Off Leash Area officially reopened on 7 February following its upgrades. It's wonderful to see it back in action and we hope the community is already making the most of it. This upgrade has been delivered through the Gabba Ward’s Suburban Enhancement Fund. 

I’m also excited to share that budget allocation has been secured for remediation of the neighbouring site (which was part of the dog park expansion). This remediation should be completed before the end of the financial year.
 

New Riverside Drive Dog Park: Come See the Final Design

As many of you know, our community has been asking for a new off leash area for some time now. With the closure of the old park following the 2022 floods and contamination issues, West End was left with just one formal off leash area despite our growing population and thousands of local dogs who deserve a safe space to run and play.

After years of advocacy, I'm excited to share that we now have the supported proposed location and a final design for the Riverside Dr near Beesley St DOLA concept ready to present to the community.

I'd love to see you at our upcoming Community Information Session where you'll have the chance to see the final design, ask questions, and learn about the project timeline, with the goal of opening the park by mid 2026. Details are as follows: 

• When: Sunday 30 March 2026, 5:30pm – 6:30pm 
• Where: South Brisbane Sailing Club, 68 Hill End Terrace, West End 

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the October community vote. Your support is what made this project possible and I can't wait to share the next steps.

Can't make it? Get in touch with the Gabba Ward Office at [email protected] with any questions and we'll make sure you're kept in the loop.

Save our 86 Campaign: Share your Story 

Despite vocal opposition and a 1,179-signature petition, the LNP Council cancelled the 86 Kurilpa bus loop on 27 January 2025.

Thank you to the dozens of residents who have already shared their stories about how this removal has impacted their lives. Your contributions are invaluable for our ongoing advocacy to restore this essential service.

If you haven't yet had the chance, I still want to hear from you. Whether it's added travel time, difficulty getting to work or school, or losing access to essential services, your experience matters. Please share your story here:

Community Notices

Don't Sell South Bank 2.0: Community Session for Parents & Carers

The future of the Visy site — one of the last large publicly owned riverfront spaces in Brisbane's inner city — is being decided now. Join local P&Cs and Cr Massey for an informative and interactive one-hour session covering what's proposed, what's at stake for 4101 families, and how you can have a say. 

Event details:  Sunday 15 March 2026, 2:30–3:30pm West End State School, PLH Room (old admin building) — Gate 17, Campus Heart. Spots are limited - register here!

Sunday Road Closure – South Brisbane and Kangaroo Point
There will be road closures in place on the morning of Sunday 8th March, for the annual International Women’s Day Fun Run. Emergency service vehicles will have access at all times. Major roads closed include Stanley St, Vulture St, Grey St, River Tce, Main St, and Story Bridge. Please avoid the area if you can and check here for the full list of closure locations and times.

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.

Artforce Brisbane – People’s Choice Award Voting
Artforce Brisbane is a community art program that gives local residents the opportunity to paint their original artwork on traffic signal boxes around Brisbane suburbs. The annual People’s Choice Award is your chance to choose your favourite artwork from 2025. Browse the gallery and vote by clicking the VOTE button on any individual artwork page. One vote per person per email address. Voting closes midnight 28 February! 

Public Art Restoration – Kangaroo Point
Public artwork* located along the river at Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park will undergo important maintenance and restoration works, including onsite repainting and corrosion repairs, from 23 February to 31 March 2026. *(Man and Matter by Peter D Cole is a series of 12 colourful metal sculptures featuring human forms and arches.)

SCIPS Teacher Aide Training Opportunity
School Community Industry Partnership Service (SCIPS) partners with schools, local communities, and registered training organisations to support access to meaningful work experience and training. They are delivering a Certificate III in School Based Education Support to assist mature-aged community members to enter the education sector as Teacher Aides. The program is particularly suited to those entering or re-entering the workforce, changing careers, people of First Nations background, people with disability, or individuals receiving Centrelink benefits. Find out more and register your interest online here.

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 given out in 2024. Donations of clothes can be dropped at the Gabba Ward Office to help families in need.

Tour De Brisbane Family Fun Community Ride
The Free Big Family Ride returns to Brisbane City on Sunday 12 April. This is a chance for local families to enjoy our great City - and the best part? It’s completely FREE! Join in for a fun, relaxed ride along closed city streets, perfect for families of all ages. Kids 8 and over can ride on their own, while little ones under 7 can join in a trailer or bike seat with a parent. Don’t miss this chance to explore Brisbane together, make memories and enjoy the ride. Register Now!

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

Fire Ant Eradication – Brisbane Treatment Day
Join the community treatment day! Collect your FREE fire ant yard treatment kit on Saturday 7th March between 9am and 1pm at Bunnings Oxley, Mt Gravatt, or Acacia Ridge. Treating as many properties across Brisbane on the same day will help reduce the number of fire ants, limit their spread, and protect our community. Kits are also available to order online for free.

Tree Removals

I know many of you have been reaching out with concerns about tree removals across the ward, and I want you to know that my office receives notification of every Council removal and carefully reviews each arborist assessment report to ensure all options for saving a tree have been exhausted before removal goes ahead. It's also worth knowing that many of Brisbane's street trees are not native species, and a significant number of removals are the result of storm or flood damage or trees simply not coping with our subtropical climate. If you ever have questions or concerns about a specific tree removal in the ward, please don't hesitate to get in touch with my office directly.

• Orleigh Park, West End (adjacent to ferry terminal): 1x ficus benjamina (weeping fig tree) has been removed due to damage sustained during a recent weather event, resulting in the development of a large crack in the lower trunk. Following an assessment and recommendations outlined in an independent arborist report, a decision has been made to remove the tree. This decision was not taken lightly. A replacement tree (species unconfirmed) will be planted at this location as soon as possible. 
• Orleigh Park, West End (opposite 5 Hill End Tce): 1x ficus benjamina (weeping fig tree) will be removed due to significant health decline. Removal works are scheduled to be completed within 14 days. A replacement tree of the same species will be planted at this location.