Riverhills Included in Review of Brisbane Pontoons for Tourism Use

Riverhills has been listed among eight Brisbane river pontoons under review for expanded use by tourism and hospitality operators.



Review of Pontoons

On 9 September 2025, BCC confirmed plans to review the use of eight pontoons along the river, including the Riverhills Recreation Hub. The proposal would allow facilities currently used for recreation, such as kayaking and drop-offs, to support activities including river taxis, tour boats, and floating restaurants.

Proposed System and Infrastructure

The review will consider new infrastructure where required and a licensing framework intended to give operators more certainty. The proposal requires state government approval before commercial operators can use the facilities. Larger pontoons at New Farm Park and the City Botanic Gardens have been identified as best equipped to host bigger vessels.

Riverhills recreation hub
Photo Credit: ExploringTheCountryWithRuth/YouTube

Broader Context

The plan is being compared to earlier changes that introduced footpath dining in Brisbane. The review will also examine the former Gardens Point marina moorings near the City Botanic Gardens. Some pontoons, such as West End, are currently closed for repairs but remain part of the network under consideration.

Community and Industry Views

Industry representatives, including the Committee for Brisbane, said further activation of the river would create opportunities for locals and visitors. They noted investment along the river has been consistent, but on-water activity has remained limited to the CityCat service and small private ventures.

Existing operators, such as seafood and adventure services, have already shown interest in broader river use. Others have raised concerns about the potential shift from public to commercial access, underlining the need to balance business investment with community use.

Brisbane River
Photo Credit: ExploringTheCountryWithRuth/YouTube

Next Steps for Riverhills



The Riverhills Recreation Hub will be assessed alongside the other seven sites as part of the BCC review. Any changes will rely on state approval of commercial water licences. The initiative is linked to preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where Brisbane aims to showcase its river as part of the city’s visitor experience.

Published 17-Sep-2025

Let Your Dogs Run Free at Off-Leash Dog Parks in Centenary

Every dog lover knows how much their dog wants to have some freedom to run carefree without the restraint of the leash. Brisbane dogs are lucky as there is a host of parks where they can roam and play freely off the leash.

Brisbane has over a hundred dog off-leash parks. (Photo credit: (Forest Lake Off-Leash Dog Park / Facebook)

In the Centenary area, there are several parks that allow dog owners to let their dogs loose. These dog parks are fenced areas where dogs can run around and socialise with other dogs and park visitors.

The use of the dog parks comes with some responsibility on the part of the owner. Brisbane City Council reminds dog owners of their obligations when releasing their dogs in the park.

Before they can use any Centenary designated dog park, the dog must be registered with the City Council, wormed regularly and should have updated vaccinations. The dog owner must also have full control of his or her dog.

The Dog owner should make sure that the dog does not have behaviour issues and can socialise well with other dogs and humans in the park. Dog owners should also take care of any dog droppings and dispose of them properly in poo bins provided inside the dog park.

Here is a list of dog parks in the Centenary area where you can go and set your dogs loose and give them an enjoyable time.

Thomas Macleod Park, Sinnamon Park

Thomas Macleod Park in Sinnamon Park provides the largest dog off-leash area in the Centenary area. The park is located at 40 Sinnamon Road and allocates 6,512 sqm of dedicated off-leash area for dogs.

(Photo credit: Centenary Pet Sitting / Facebook)

Visitors can feel relaxed and comfortable as there is a picnic shelter, benches, table with benches, tap, dog water, trash bin and poo bin to help them clean up after their furry friends.

Jindalee Boat Ramp Park, Jindalee

In Jindalee, locals can bring their pets to the Jindalee Boat Ramp Park at 99 Mt Ommaney Drive. This park has good facilities for its 912-sq-m dog off lease area, with bench seat, dog water, bubbler, poo bin and regular trash bin.

Phil Denman Park, Jamboree Heights

The Jamboree Heights dog park is at Phil Denman Park located at 56 Loffs Road. The park, which has a basketball/netball court, provides 2,298 square metres of dog off-leash area. The Phil Denman Park has a picnic shelter, bench and table, bubbler, dog water and poo bin. The park also includes a dog agility and exercise equipment.

Wolston Creek Bushland Reserve, Riverhills

(Photo credit: Centenary Pet Sitting / Facebook)

Located in Riverhills, Wolston Creek Bushland Reserve has an off-leash dog area of 2,621 sqm. The dog park is off Sumners Road and has regular park amenities such as benches and tables, picnic area and tap.

The dogs are provided with dog water and there is a poo bin for dog droppings.

Tigris Street Park, Riverhills

There is also a dog off-leash park at 22 Tigris St in Riverhills. Dogs can run and play around the dog park of 1,516 square metres. Aside from benches, picnic shelter and tables, there is a bubbler, tap and poo bin at the dog park.

Barcoorah Street Park, Westlake

Dog owners can opt to bring their dogs to the Barcoorah Street Park, located at 88 Barcoorah St in Westlake. The area is a bushland with a dog off-leash park on Loffs Road.

Delapine Place Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks

Delapine Place Park at 6 Delapine Place provides an off-lease dog park with an area of 3,399 square metres. There are bench seats in this dog park.

Locations of off-leash dog parks in the Centenary area. (credit: Brisbane City Council)

 

 

Lift the Lid Walk to Support Mental Health at Seventeen Mile Rocks

Rotary and Rotaract clubs will host the Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks, raising funds for Australian Rotary Health.



Event Overview

Rotary and Rotaract clubs will host the Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks, raising funds for Australian Rotary Health.

The Lift the Lid Walk for Mental Health will take place on Sunday, 21 September 2025, as part of a national initiative by Australian Rotary Health. It is organised by the Rotary Clubs of Brisbane Centenary, Greater Springfield, Jindalee, Brisbane Taylor Bridge, Sumner Park, Brisbane Inner West, and the Rotaract Club of Brisbane Rivercity.

The walk aims to raise awareness of mental illness and generate funds for research. It is open to all members of the community, with dogs permitted on leads.

mental health awareness
Photo Credit: Lift the Lid Walk

Background

The original Walk for Mental Health was created by mental health advocate Vicki Stewart, a former president and long-time member of the Rotary Club of Mooloolaba. After three years of successful fundraising, the event evolved into the Lift the Lid Walk in 2020. The walk is intentionally non-competitive, focusing on conversation and community connection rather than racing.

Funds raised from all Lift the Lid Walk events go directly to Australian Rotary Health research, addressing mental health issues in communities, schools, workplaces, and homes.

Australian Rotary Health
Photo Credit: Lift the Lid Walk

Event Details

Participants will walk a 2.5 kilometre loop along the Brisbane River within parkland, with the option to complete a total of five kilometres. There will be no road traffic on the course.

Schedule:

  • 6:00 a.m. – Bump in
  • 6:30 a.m. – Check-in, T-shirt collection, late registration opens
  • 7:30 a.m. – Late registration closes
  • 7:45 a.m. – Pre-start briefing, Australian Rotary Health speaker, sponsor recognition
  • 8:00 a.m. – Walk start
  • 10:00 a.m. – Event completion
  • 10:30 a.m. – Pack-down finish

Entry Fees:

  • Adults: $30 (includes event T-shirt)
  • Children 15 and under: Free entry (T-shirts available for purchase)
Lift the Lid Walk
Photo Credit: Lift the Lid Walk

Facilities and Entertainment

A coffee van, ice cream vendor, and Rotaract-run sausage sizzle will be on site, along with other display stalls. Brisbane City Council is the corporate partner for the event.

Contingency Plans

If the event is cancelled due to extreme weather or COVID-19 restrictions, participants will be encouraged to walk in their own neighbourhoods and share their experience online. Registration fees will still go towards funding Australian Rotary Health research, and T-shirts will be available for collection.

Contact Information



For enquiries, contact Craig Clarke on 0430 871 664 or Steve Bennett on 0434 921 300.

Published 16-Aug-2025

Hendra and Jindalee State Schools See Decline in Student Numbers

Two Brisbane state schools, Hendra and Jindalee, are among the hardest hit by falling enrolments, even as the suburbs around them continue to grow.


Read: Jindalee’s Olivia Spallek-Caballero Crowned 2025 National Gymnastics Champion


Hendra State School, already Brisbane’s smallest public primary, has seen its enrolments halve since 2021. Meanwhile, Jindalee State School has dropped by 20 per cent, down to 587 students.

Photo credit: Hendra State School/Facebook

Yet both areas have experienced modest population growth. According to AreaSearch estimates, Hendra’s population rose by 4.5 per cent since the 2021 Census, reaching around 5,178 people as of May this year. Jindalee–Mount Ommaney grew by 4.2 per cent in the same period, up to approximately 7,960 residents.

Photo credit: Hendra State School/Facebook

The declines at these schools mirror a broader trend across Brisbane’s public primary sector. More than half of state primary schools shrank between 2021 and 2024, with an overall drop of 1,005 students, despite the city’s population increasing by more than 9 per cent.

Education researchers and community advocates cite a mix of causes for the shift. These include changing demographics, strict catchment rules, increased take-up of home-schooling, and more families enrolling children in private schools, particularly from Year 5 onwards.

Photo credit: Jindalee State School – JSS/Facebook

In suburbs like Jindalee, where independent schooling options are within easy reach, families may be moving away from local public schools in favour of alternatives. In Hendra, limited new housing stock and higher property prices may be reducing the number of young families with school-aged children.

While many schools are facing smaller Prep cohorts and flatter growth, some areas are experiencing the opposite. Pallara State School, in Brisbane’s south-west, grew by 48 per cent to 1,283 students over the same three-year period, with enrolments projected to reach 1,600 by 2027. Growth suburbs like Kenmore, Moorooka, Hamilton and Newmarket also saw double-digit increases.

A Department of Education spokesperson said enrolment shifts often reflect local population movements and demographic patterns, and that the department continues to plan for both high-growth and lower-demand areas.


Read: Was Jindalee’s Amazons Aquatic Adventureland a Danger Zone? Locals Share Stories


For Hendra and Jindalee, the question remains whether current trends will continue or stabilise in coming years, and what role schooling preferences and family movement will play.

Published 7-August-2025

Sunny Queen Australia Joins Hall of Fame for Feeding Millions With Integrity

Sunny Queen Australia, the nation’s largest egg producer, has joined the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame. The Brisbane company was recognised for its strong impact on the state’s economy and culture.



Decades of Commitment to Quality

Sunny Queen began in 1930 as the Queensland Egg Board, formed by local farmers to improve food access. It has since grown into a national supplier, distributing over 1.5 billion eggs each year. The company was officially inducted into the Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame on 25 July at a Brisbane ceremony, with CEO Julie Proctor accepting the award. 

Known for prioritising innovation and animal welfare, Sunny Queen introduced Australia’s first cage-free eggs in 2009. It now offers free-range and organic options, working closely with vets and nutritionists to uphold ethical standards across its farming network.

Strong Leadership and Shared Values

CEO Julie Proctor said Sunny Queen’s success comes with a strong sense of responsibility to Australian families. She credited the company’s team and loyal customers for helping deliver healthy, protein-rich food nationwide. Directors Simon Hall and Robert Antonio highlighted Sunny Queen’s deep ties to regional farmers and long-term shareholders. 

The company is known for its commitment to transparency, including the launch of its “Chook Tracker” tool. This live-stream lets customers see free-range hens in real time, showing that farming can be both humane and productive.

Innovation That Keeps Pace With Everyday Life

Sunny Queen has expanded beyond shell eggs into ready-to-eat products like omelettes, egg bakes and poached eggs. These meals are supplied to foodservice venues, aged care, schools and airlines across the country. By using eggs that don’t meet shell standards, the company helps cut food waste while maintaining nutrition.

Photo Credit: Sunny The Egg/Facebook

With over 60 products, Sunny Queen continues to meet changing consumer needs without compromising quality. Its focus on innovation, sustainability and market adaptability contributed to its recognition as one of Queensland’s top business leaders.

A Win for Queensland Farming and Community

Sunny Queen’s Hall of Fame induction highlights the importance of family-led, community-based businesses in Queensland’s growth. The recognition was made possible through support from QUT, the State Library of Queensland and the Hall of Fame Induction Committee. 



Headquartered in Brisbane with roots in regional areas, the company reflects values of local pride, ethical farming and strong leadership. More than just eggs, its story is about becoming part of everyday life for millions of Australians.

Published 25-July-2025

Volunteer Call for Wildlife Survey in Wacol

What’s swimming, slithering or paddling through our local creeks? A major five-year wildlife survey environmental DNA from local creek systems in Wacol is about to find out—and locals from the area and across the Centenary suburbs are being called on to help.



Creek Sampling with Cutting-Edge Science

The project, led by the Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland (WPSQ) and Wolston & Centenary Catchments (WaCC), will use environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling to detect traces of animals in waterways. From late August to September, volunteers will collect water samples from 12 sites along Bullockhead Creek, Sandy Creek and their tributaries.

Each sample is analysed in a lab to identify species—from elusive platypus and rakali to native fish, frogs, and turtles—without disturbing their habitats. The data will be compared year-on-year to track population changes and the impact of urban pressures on local biodiversity.

Why This Matters

These creeks form part of a vital wildlife corridor linking the Brisbane River to surrounding bushland. By mapping the species that live here, scientists can better protect threatened fauna and identify areas needing habitat restoration. The survey also complements earlier monitoring projects in the area, including camera trapping for koalas and waterway health assessments.

The project will apply vertebrate metabarcoding techniques to collect eDNA from water bodies. This method allows researchers to detect species by analysing DNA fragments left behind in the environment. Data collected over the five-year period will help track species presence, highlight pollution impacts, and identify long-term ecological trends.

The Wacol catchment region has already been the focus of previous fauna and flora monitoring, including nest box installations in Riverhills and platypus and koala tracking in nearby bushland reserves. eDNA testing has previously been used to confirm platypus presence in the creeks, although visual observations remain necessary to support the findings due to limitations in the method.

How You Can Get Involved

No specialist skills are required—training is provided. Volunteers will assist with collecting, labelling and delivering samples, as well as logging site conditions. The project runs for five years, offering multiple opportunities to participate.

Interested community members are encouraged to register through a formal expression of interest process. Volunteers may assist with data collection, monitoring, and observation logging across the five-year timeline. This builds on an existing tradition of community involvement in environmental work throughout the Wacol area.

Similar community-supported efforts include the koala research program at Pooh Corner and Wacol Bushland Reserves, where trained residents have tracked released koalas and recorded habitat use, including preferred tree species like blue gum and gum-topped box.

Complementary Efforts

Citizen science has long played a role in shaping conservation actions within the region. In 2024, twelve artificial nest boxes were installed in Riverhills to provide nesting opportunities for native species in an area lacking suitable tree hollows. These installations have already been used by rainbow lorikeets and possums, based on follow-up monitoring.

The nest boxes are now subject to routine inspections with help from trained community members. A citizen science workshop conducted in late 2024 involved adults and children learning how to use inspection cameras and report findings for monitoring.

Next Steps

The upcoming eDNA survey presents another opportunity for the Wacol community to contribute to ongoing ecological monitoring. Expressions of interest are now open online for those who wish to participate ahead of the August/September 2025 launch.



Findings from the project will inform biodiversity mapping, conservation planning, and future habitat restoration efforts in the catchment.

Published 26-July-2025

Blood Donations Made Easy as Lifeblood Rolls Into Mt Ommaney

Residents in Mt Ommaney will have an opportunity to help meet growing hospital demand for blood, with a mobile donor centre set up at the McLeod Country Golf Club as part of a year-long initiative by the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood to make blood donation more accessible in Brisbane’s suburbs.



Mt Ommaney Gets Onboard

The mobile centre will welcome donors on 28 July 2025 and will stay in place for a week. It will return to Mt Ommaney for multiple sessions through November and December, offering flexible hours for those who need to fit appointments around school runs, work, or other responsibilities.

This site is one of several rotating pop-up locations Lifeblood is trialling in community hubs to reach more donors where they live. The idea is simple—make giving blood easier by bringing the service directly to local venues.

McLeod Country Golf Club was selected as a central and familiar location for residents in and around Mt Ommaney, providing a comfortable space for first-time and returning donors alike.

Meeting People Where They Are

Belinda Smetioukh, spokesperson for Lifeblood, said that the mobile centres are part of a broader effort to collect 10,000 extra donations from communities across Greater Brisbane within 12 months. She noted that making donation more convenient was essential to reaching this target.

The pop-up centres operate from local venues like halls, sports clubs, and event spaces, and are packed down and set up again on a scheduled basis. Mt Ommaney’s involvement marks one of the earliest sites in the new rollout, alongside others in Holland Park and Springfield.

While Lifeblood is confident in the community’s willingness to support the program, Smetioukh said that filling appointment slots remains key to ensuring the initiative can continue and expand to new areas.

How Mt Ommaney Residents Can Help

Donors can book a time through Lifeblood’s website at lifeblood.com.au, by calling 13 14 95, or using the Donate Blood app. While walk-ins are permitted, making an appointment helps the team prepare and ensure short wait times.

Lifeblood Pop-Up Donor Centres Schedule (2025)

Location Dates
Holland Park Sports Club 22–25 July 2025
Holland Park Sports Club 13–17 October 2025
Mt Ommaney – McLeod Country Golf Club 28 July – 3 August 2025
Mt Ommaney 8–10 September 2025
Mt Ommaney 3–9 November 2025
Mt Ommaney 1–3 December 2025
Mt Gravatt – Showgrounds Memorial Hall 4–8 August 2025
Mt Gravatt 27–31 October 2025
Cleveland – Comfort Hotel Pacific Cleveland 11–17 August 2025
Cleveland 15–21 September 2025
Cleveland 20–26 October 2025
Cleveland 17–23 November 2025
Cleveland 8–14 December 2025
Toowong – Wests Bulldog Rugby Club 18–22 August 2025
Toowong 7–10 October 2025
Toowong 10–14 November 2025
Springfield – Brighton Homes Arena 1–6 September 2025
Springfield 24–29 November 2025
Victoria Point – YMCA Victoria Point 22 September – 3 October 2025
Victoria Point 15–24 December 2025

The mobile centre at McLeod Country Golf Club is scheduled to return again from 8–10 September, 3–9 November, and 1–3 December. Each visit will include multiple days of donation opportunities with varying opening hours to suit the local community’s needs.



With just one donation able to help up to three patients, Mt Ommaney’s participation in the new mobile donation model could play a critical role in maintaining blood supply levels across Queensland.

Published 22-July-2025

Jindalee’s Olivia Spallek-Caballero Crowned 2025 National Gymnastics Champion

Jindalee teenager Olivia Spallek-Caballero has been named the 2025 Level 10 National All-Around Champion at the Australian Gymnastics Championships, following a powerhouse performance that confirmed her status as one of the country’s rising gymnastics stars.


Read: Jindalee Siblings Recognised For Work on Raising Awareness About Childhood Stroke


Held on the Gold Coast from 3–17 July, the national championships brought together Australia’s top gymnasts across artistic, trampoline, rhythmic, aerobic and acrobatic disciplines. Among them was 17-year-old Olivia, who not only took out the prestigious All-Around title but also finished first on vault, and earned silver medals on bars and floor.

Photo credit: Delta Gymnastics/Facebook

Her triumph at the national level caps off an extraordinary season. Just two months earlier at the Queensland State Championships, Olivia dominated by placing first on every apparatus — a clean sweep that saw her named the 2025 State Team Captain.

Olivia trains at Delta Gymnastics, where she began her journey in the sport at age 7. Her coaches describe her as more than just a high-level athlete — they speak of her quiet determination, resilience through setbacks, and her ability to trust the process and improve, one skill at a time.

Photo credit: Delta Gymnastics/Facebook

“From nailing big routines to refining the finer details, Olivia’s hard work has paid off in a huge way,” Delta Gymnastics said. “Her journey is a reminder that showing up, backing yourself, and staying committed can lead to something truly special.”

In 2024, Olivia achieved one of her greatest milestones when she made the Level 10 Australian Team. For her, it’s a tie between that honour and placing first across the board at the State Championships.


Read: Metro Middle Park Shopping Centre Sold for $40.4M in Major Retail Deal


With her latest haul of national titles, Olivia has added a new chapter to her already remarkable gymnastics story — one built on years of discipline, focus, and a deep love for the sport.

From Jindalee to the top of the national podium, Olivia Spallek-Caballero is a name to watch.

Published 21-July-2025

Top 3 Property Sales in Postcode 4074

Postcode 4074, centred around the exclusive lakeside suburb of Westlake, has emerged as one of Queensland’s most prestigious residential enclaves. Over the past year, three exceptional sales have redefined luxury living expectations in this coveted riverside location, where expansive estates, waterfront positioning, and architectural excellence continue to attract Brisbane’s most discerning property buyers.



1. 395 Loffs Road, Westlake – $3.15 million

Dominating the market is the extraordinary estate at 395 Loffs Road, which achieved $3.15 million in June 2025. This once-in-a-generation property spans an impressive 2,606sqm and represents the ultimate in multi-generational luxury living. The three-story executive residence boasts eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, and seven living areas, including a fully self-contained lower level with private entrance. Premium features include a 75,000-liter pool, wine cellar, outdoor kitchen, and wrap-around balcony, all complemented by expertly manicured gardens and potential development opportunities. The scale and sophistication of this sale establishes a new benchmark for large-format luxury estates in Brisbane’s western corridor.

2. 7 Wendouree Crescent, Westlake – $2.618 million

The elegant riverfront residence at 7 Wendouree Crescent captured $2.618 million in May 2025, demonstrating the premium that genuine waterfront positioning commands in Westlake. This north-facing five-bedroom home combines classic architectural charm with modern luxury, featuring direct river access via private jetty, renovated swimming pool, and panoramic water views from multiple living zones. The property’s 2021 renovation included new flooring, bathrooms, and a comprehensive air conditioning system, while its flood-free history in both 2011 and 2022 provides additional buyer confidence. The sale reflects Westlake’s growing reputation as Brisbane’s premier riverside residential destination.

3. 48 Baikal Place, Westlake – $2 million

Completing the top three is the lakeside sanctuary at 48 Baikal Place, which sold for exactly $2 million in July 2025. Positioned on the edge of Westlake’s exclusive private lake, this fully renovated five-bedroom estate occupies an expansive 1,206sqm parcel within a quiet cul-de-sac. The property’s standout features include a resort-style pool with lakeside gazebo, built-in outdoor kitchenette, and meticulously maintained terraced gardens leading to the water’s edge. With multiple formal and informal living areas and a wet bar for entertaining, the home epitomises the lakeside luxury lifestyle that defines Westlake’s market position.

Why These Numbers Matter

These three sales underscore Westlake’s transformation into one of Brisbane’s most exclusive residential addresses, with all properties achieving prices above $2 million within a concentrated timeframe. The $3.15 million result at Loffs Road represents a significant milestone for the broader western suburbs market, proving that exceptional properties with unique attributes can command premium prices regardless of distance from the CBD.

The waterfront theme running through all three sales highlights the suburb’s key competitive advantage – genuine water access in a city where such opportunities are increasingly rare. From the massive Loffs Road estate to the intimate lakeside setting at Baikal Place, each property offers a different interpretation of luxury waterside living, yet all demonstrate strong buyer appetite for this lifestyle proposition.



For Westlake property owners, these results validate the suburb’s emergence as a legitimate luxury market, with sale prices now competing with Brisbane’s established inner-city prestige suburbs. The quick sale times and strong pricing achieved suggest limited supply and strong demand dynamics that favour sellers with quality properties. For buyers and investors, these sales confirm that Westlake has evolved from a lifestyle choice to a serious investment proposition, where waterfront positioning and architectural quality continue to drive significant capital appreciation.

Published 20-July-2025

$55-Million Lifeline to Get Centenary Bridge Back on Track

Daily delays, blown-out budgets and mounting frustration—Brisbane commuters have felt the pain of the Centenary Bridge upgrade creeping off schedule. Now, an extra $55 million has been committed to help get the project moving again after months of disruption that have left the western suburbs choked with congestion.



Worksite Disruptions Blamed for Setbacks

The long-awaited bridge expansion, designed to ease bottlenecks along the Centenary Motorway corridor, has been plagued by interruptions on-site. Since February 2024, around 70 workdays have been delayed or disrupted due to escalating tensions and physical threats on the job site.

Site access has repeatedly been blocked, with reports of delivery trucks turned away and workers needing additional security protection. These disruptions have driven an estimated $22 million in direct costs alone—covering delays to labour and materials, extra site security, and lost productivity.

Flow-on Impact for Motorists and Taxpayers

The knock-on effect for motorists has been just as costly. Ongoing delays to construction mean peak-hour traffic snarls have worsened, with fewer signs of progress and no immediate relief for frustrated drivers.

Project leaders say the extra $55 million now injected into the budget is intended to get the Centenary Bridge upgrade back on track and cover the mounting costs caused by the disruptions. The project’s overall cost has now risen from $298.5 million to $353.5 million.



Safety Measures Stepped Up

In response to the growing number of site incidents, significant security measures have been introduced. CCTV cameras and additional security personnel have been brought in to protect workers from what’s been described as violent and bullying behaviour.

The situation has prompted a broader industry response, with a Commission of Inquiry launched to investigate the underlying causes of the worksite unrest. The inquiry aims to address a reported culture of intimidation and delay tactics that have impacted not just this project, but others across the state.

While attention now turns to restoring momentum on the Centenary Bridge build, the financial and emotional toll of the setbacks continues to be felt—by the crews on-site and the commuters stuck in the queue.

Published 19-July-2025