Brisbane City Council has released a report outlining what is needed to restore the Story Bridge by its 100th birthday in 2040.
The Story Bridge Restoration Committee, chaired by Property Council Past President Nigel Chamier AM, found the 85-year-old Story Bridge was approaching the end of its design life with significant restoration work required over the next 15 years.
The report also recommended the immediate restoration of the Story Bridge’s two separate footpath structures, which have been closed to pedestrians.
The report found the bridge would not be able to carry traffic within 20 years without a full restoration and identified a number of funding models, including:
- annual joint contributions over a 15-year restoration project by the Queensland and Australian governments and Council; or
- the reintroduction of a toll like that in place on Sydney Harbour Bridge; or
- an annual rates levy and corporate sponsorship
Council will now seek a joint funding partnership with the State and Federal governments, with a toll or levy only to be considered as a last resort.
A detailed business case, funded in partnership with the Federal Government, is already underway to determine the restoration costs.