Could this be an opportunity to finally improve the bikeway through Howard Smith Wharves?

The brewery, bars and restaurant precinct at Howard Smith Wharves opened almost exactly 6 years ago, and it immediately became apparent that from the perspective of active transport, the worst predictions of groups like Brisbane CBD BUG had been realised; trying to get through the area by bike or scooter—or even just jogging or walking—was a nightmare. The movement function of the corridor had been ignored, and this vital connection from the CBD to the publicly-funded New Farm Riverwalk had been significantly downgraded.

Looking back through the planning documents, we could see that Brisbane City Council had tried to insist that the developers do more to facilitate the through-movement function for people walking and cycling. But somehow at the last minute, it seems as if someone with higher authority in City Hall overruled Council’s own planning experts. (We can only speculate).

Then in September this year, the group responsible for Howard Smith Wharves submitted another planning application—now seeking to replace the barrel hall with a 9-story hotel (with additional 162 car parking spaces), and build a pool and bar area out over the river at the eastern end of the site. We’re pleased to see that Brisbane City Council have again requested that the path through the proposed re-development comply with Austroads design rules, and provide separated paths for people walking and cycling to connect to the Riverwalk.

But of course there’s always a danger that Council’s planners will be overruled again. Please help us send a message that the community expects Brisbane City Council to stand firm; any additional development must comply with the standards for a primary cycle route along the river.

Please sign this petition from CBD BUG: https://www.epetitions.brisbane.qld.gov.au/petition/view/pid/1407

You can find more details about the development application (A006618899) on Council’s planning website.