Pedestrian bridge on hold during land ownership negotiations
A $1 million pedestrian and cycle bridge in Brisbane’s north has been put on hold while the State Government and Council negotiate future ownership of adjacent land.
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A $1 MILLION pedestrian and cycle bridge in Brisbane’s north has been put on hold while the State Government and Council negotiate future ownership of adjacent land.
The bridge over Cabbage Tree Creek at Carseldine will replace a water pipe which has been used for years by students and residents to access Carseldine station and surrounding areas.
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Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said the bridge would divert residents away from nearby roads and give them safe, direct access to sporting activities, transport and the Carseldine Urban Village, which is currently under construction.
However he said Brisbane City Council had “put a halt” on the construction of the bridge “as a result of a proposal to transfer bushland to them”.
The State Government wrote to the Lord Mayor this week offering Council the opportunity to buy a number of bushland sites owned by Economic Development Queensland.
The sites include about 20 hectares at Carseldine, consisting of bushland adjacent to Dorville Rd and Cabbage Tree Creek and including the pedestrian and cycle bridge.
“This bridge is fully funded by the State Government, yet council is now refusing to even meet with State Government officials to progress approvals for the bridge,” Mr Mellish said.
“This is abandoning the students of Aspley State High School and is delaying a much-needed project that the community has been wanting for some time.
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“We are offering up land in Carseldine at a heavily reduced price, well below market price, and offering to give council a free bridge as well.
“Brisbane City Council’s priorities are all wrong if they think stopping this project is what the community wants.
“I want to see this bridge built as soon as possible, not get bogged down in council red tape.”
A Brisbane City Council spokesman said the bridge was being built by Economic Development Queensland “and Council previously had no intention to take on ownership of the bridge or the land”.
“Following the letter received on 15 July, 2019, discussion about land ownership has commenced.
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“Once an outcome about land ownership has been reached, discussions surrounding the bridge can continue,” the council spokesman said.
The proposed bridge, which was announced in April, will be about 25 metres long.
The project includes upgrades to pathways to and from the bridge, and lighting.
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