Residents get another say on controversial green bridge

Council has listened to complaints from westsiders about a green bridge planned for Bellbowrie and put the idea back out for public consultation.

Residents will get another say on Council’s Bellbowrie green bridge after 63 per cent said they would rarely, or never, use it.

Only 28 per cent of the 545 people who responded to a Council survey late last year on the bridge said they supported the proposed alignment, with 57.4 per cent disagreeing or strongly disagreeing with it.

And almost half said they thought there was little benefit in the project if cars could not use the bridge.

But Jamboree ward locals were just as strongly opposed to a vehicle bridge, fearing worse traffic.

Council announced today that “targeted’’ community consultation would carried out, led by new Pullenvale Councillor Greg Adermann.

A consultation report released by the council showed most people did not like the proposed alignment, from Weekes Rd at Bellbowrie to Grindle Rd, Wacol.

Many Bellbowrie and Moggill locals preferred a link from Birkin Rd or Brooker Place Park to Sumner Rd, Riverhills.

Only 20 per cent of those who provided feedback to a survey late last year said they would use the bridge daily, or even weekly.

“I am dedicated to ensuring local residents can have another opportunity to have their say on the Bellbowrie green bridge project and that’s why I will conduct targeted, face-to-face consultation to help determine its future,” Cr Adermann said.

“We only have one chance to get the planning right for this proposed bridge and that’s why I am pleased to visit the communities that this bridge will potentially be used by, to inform early planning stages.

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“The vision for the Bellbowrie green bridge is for it to connect Bellbowrie and Moggill residents to active and public transport options on the eastern side of the river, including rail services at Wacol and Darra.

“Questions were also raised about the bridge location and function, with residents suggesting the Bellbowrie green bridge should cater to all modes of transport, including general vehicles, while others would prefer an alternative landing site.’’

Brisbane West Bicycle Users Group convener Chris Cox said a greenbridge which had cars was not a green bridge.

But Bridge 4 Bellbowrie Advocacy Group spokesman Simon Ingram said there was strong support for a general traffic bridge.

“Obviously the overwhelming sentiment is it needs to allow cars. You can’t cycle to Brisbane city from Bellbowrie,’’ he said.

“If you were going to the shops and using it, you’d need to carry all your bags.

“I can’t see the point of going back out for more consultation unless they go back to the drawing board and allow cars in some form.’’

Newly-elected Jamboree Councillor Sarah Hutton said she would also be seeking feedback from her community in Riverhills.

“Residents are not so much concerned about the green bridge itself, but are worried that it might be used for general traffic — which is what residents in Moggill and Bellbowrie would prefer,” Cr Hutton said.

“Ultimately, we want to deliver something that both sides of the river can agree upon, not something that’s going to get neighbours off-side.”

About 3500 people took part in surveys and consultation in November and December on Council’s plan for five green bridges at Bellbowrie, Toowong, St Lucia, Kangaroo Point and Breakfast Creek.

Public and Active Transport Chair Cr Ryan Murphy said it was “only fair” that the two newly elected councillors were allowed to consult with their communities on the Bellbowrie bridge before the project advanced any further.