Brewery and river hub position Murarrie as lifestyle destination

MURARRIE has the potential to become a destination like Howard Smith Wharves with construction underway for a craft brewery and plans lodged for a key river connection.

Cr Ryan Murphy at the site of the proposed River Access Hub in front of the craft brewery development at Murarrie. Picture: AAP/Richard Walker

MURARRIE has the potential to become a destination like Howard Smith Wharves, with construction underway for Scottish craft brewers BrewDog and plans lodged for a key river connection at the brewery site.

Brisbane City Council has proposed plans for a new pontoon stretching out 50m from the existing fishing platform off Metroplex Ave as part of the River Access Network program.

The new River Access Hub was originally proposed for Colmslie Reserve but proved too shallow on the southern side of the reach.

Councillor Ryan Murphy (Doboy) said he had previously been approached by a private water taxi service interested in operating from the area and said being the last public access point on the river to the bay, the pontoon could become a docking point for charter boats.

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He said the BrewDog development gave Murarrie potential to become a destination with the riverwalk and new pontoon opening up the picturesque outlook to the Gateway Bridge.

“While much of Murarrie is industrial, it is increasingly becoming known as a lifestyle suburb due to its riverside location,” Cr Murphy said.

“The new River Access Hub will also provide a new way for residents and visitors to access the area and support local businesses, as well as opening up world-class tourism opportunities in Moreton Bay and its ­islands.”

It will replace the old fishing platform off Metroplex Ave in Southgate Business Park, which has been closed to the public.

“As well as allowing leisure craft to be docked, the proposed design will incorporate flood resilient features and lighting for those wanting to access the river at night,” Cr Murphy said.

“There’s going to be a great opportunity for charter boats and water taxis to begin or end journeys out into the bay by stopping in at BrewDog, once it’s completed later this year.”