Man who led City Hall rescue called in to fix Story Bridge

The man who led the massive three-year project to save City Hall from falling down has been called in to keep the Story Bridge open as its design life comes to an end.

The man who led the massive three-year project to save City Hall from falling down has been called in to keep the Story Bridge open as its design life comes to an end.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced on Tuesday, August 13, that Nigel Chamier had been chosen to develop a “road map’’ to restore the iconic bridge.

Mr Chamier was instrumental in the restoration of Brisbane City Hall, which took from 2010 until 2013, as well as the refurbishment of Anzac Square in the CBD in 2019.

Last week Infrastructure Chair Andrew Wines told the council meeting that a significant boost to its maintenance program was needed to extend the 100-year design life of the landmark, which was opened in 1940.

Mr Wines said despite spending $78 million since 2019, more expensive over-water work was due soon.

Nigel Chamier AM inspecting the Story Bridge from the suspended scaffolding. Picture: Liam Kidston

He pointed out that major crossings elsewhere, such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, were the responsibility of state or federal governments and that council would struggle to find all the necessary funding itself.

Mr Schrinner said he would write to Premier Steven Miles and was due to meet him today, August 13.

He also wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese about the appointment of Mr Chamier and asked his government for financial support.

Mr Wines has already written to federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King seeking $4.5 million.

Recent extensive repairs, which involved progressively stripping back old paint and applying new protective coatings, revealed a myriad of complexities that could only be addressed with a comprehensive restoration.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and Nigel Chamier announce Council’s Story Bridge restoration program. Picture: Liam Kidston

“The Story Bridge is an icon and I’m committed to working with all levels of government so it can continue to serve Brisbane residents for another 100 years,’’ Mr Schrinner said.

“While Council has been the steward of the Story Bridge for the last 77 years, the work ahead is beyond our means and will require a team effort from all levels of government.

“Nigel was instrumental in the heritage restoration of Brisbane City Hall and I’ve asked him to examine how we can give Brisbane’s Story Bridge another century of life.

“Nigel will investigate Council’s stewardship of the bridge as well as other bridge restorations and develop funding options for the renewal.

“A major restoration of the Story Bridge won’t just preserve one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks, it will help keep Brisbane moving.”

Workers spray painting the bridge to prevent rusting. Picture: Brisbane City Council

Mr Chamier, who received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2008 for his services to the property industry, said he was delighted to be involved with another icon of the city.

“I can’t imagine a Brisbane without the Story Bridge and I know many Brisbane residents feel the same,’’ he said.

“This is an opportunity to look at every possible way to preserve the longevity of this national icon.’’

Mr Miles said he and Mr Schrinner “exchange texts regularly but I won’t disclose the content of them’’.

“He’s got my number and I’m sure if he needs to talk to me, he’ll give me a call,’’ he said.

In recent years most maintenance work has bene under the road deck and over land on the Kangaroo Point side. Picture: Brisbane City Council

Mr Miles said any funding for bridge upgrade would “probably” require federal input.

“But first and foremost, this bridge is owned and is the responsibility of the Brisbane City Council,” he said.

The bridge was built by Evans Deakin-Hornibrook Constructions for $3.2 million.

At the time it was the seventh largest of its type in the world and the second largest in Australia after the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Originally tolled, it was transferred from the state government to Council in 1945.