This was published 9 years ago
Labor lord mayor hopeful Rod Harding pledges to fast track CBD-Kangaroo Point pedestrian bridge
By Kristian Silva
Labor's lord mayoral hopeful Rod Harding has vowed to fast-track construction of a pedestrian bridge between Kangaroo Point and the CBD if he is elected.
Mr Harding, who will take on the LNP's Graham Quirk at next year's council elections, pledged to fund an estimated $90 million starting from the 2015-16 financial year.
An artist impression of the proposed Kangaroo Point-CBD pedestrian bridge.Credit: Richard Kirk Architect
He said the bridge linking Thornton St and Edward St would be finished in 2018 under his administration.
The bridge has been part of the Brisbane City Council's long-term river vision, and in 2014 $32.12 million was allocated for the bridge. At the time Deputy Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the total cost was still unknown.
Labor's Rod Harding at Kangaroo Point's Thornton St ferry terminal on Monday.Credit: Kristian Silva
"The current Lord Mayor has been talking about this bridge for over a decade. Today the talking ends, it's going to be built," Mr Harding said on Monday.
"This bridge will be good for jobs, good for pedestrians and commuters, great for Brisbane."
However Mr Harding was unable to provide an estimate of how many people would use the bridge or how many jobs would be created.
Mr Harding echoed the stance of the current administration by committing to build the bridge regardless of whether the federal or state governments provided financial support.
He said there would be no rate rises for Brisbane residents if the council had to fund it alone.
It seemed to contradict Labor's council opposition leader Milton Dick, who last year said: "Brisbane City Council can't afford these projects without accruing more debt or increasing rates and charges".
Gabba ward councillor Helen Abrahams said the bridge was needed due to an expected increase in large-scale residential developments in the area.
"I know the community of Kangaroo Point will absolutely support this. But Norman Creek and Bulimba and all of the outer suburbs now have a direct, safe route to the CBD," she said.