Vision for South Bank to be preserved for all

11 May 2024

Media Statement from Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing
The Honourable Grace Grace

  • The Future South Bank Master Plan has been finalised, putting in place a long-term vision for one of Queensland’s most popular precincts.
  • The plan will complement the new Walkable Spine’s journey through South Bank, from Brisbane Arena and Suncorp Stadium to The Gabba
  • More than 25,000 pieces of public feedback shaped the Master Plan.

Released today, the Future South Bank Master Plan outlines proposals for the future of this well-loved space, with better connections, more active transport and more trees. It’s a plan to make South Bank even better.

The plan identifies three key points for change - at the Southern Gateway, Northern Gateway and Grey Street - focused on prioritising people and active transport.

The plan also envisages a revitalised gathering place at the site of the Cultural Forecourt, shaping the area to suit the needs of our rapidly-growing city.

South Bank’s transformation is central to Brisbane’s larger journey to become a better connected, fully accessible city for everyone.

More than 25,000 pieces of feedback from the community helped shape the Master Plan.

The plan sets out the vision. The scope, timing and investment in South Bank will be the subject of ongoing consideration.

The government’s Connected Precincts Program, also launched today, will improve the performance and connectivity of state-significant precincts critical to the future of Brisbane. 

These are both initiatives focused on making Brisbane a more accessible, cooler, greener city and examples of how we’re working to better integrate our inner city.

The Connected Precincts Program identifies 11 inner-city precincts with significant state interest and investments, which would benefit from better active and walkable links to each other and coordinated planning.

The precincts considered include:

  • The major destination precincts of the Gabba, South Bank, the Cultural Centre, Kurilpa and Roma Street
  • The major economic precincts of Herston, Albert Street,the CBD and Boggo Road
  • The lifestyle precincts of Northshore Hamilton, Bowen Hills and Albion

The Connected Precincts Program includes a green active travel corridor and a Walkable Spine, through the Woolloongabba Priority Development Area and South Bank, linking with the Brisbane Arena at Roma Street and Suncorp Stadium.

Come the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games the South Bank Master Plan, and the Connected Precincts Program will help enable easy, walkable access between the city’s proposed Olympic venues including the Gabba, South Bank itself, Suncorp Stadium and the planned Brisbane Arena.

Quotes attributable to Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace:

“Queenslanders love South Bank, we want to protect and enhance it for the future.

“The Future South Bank Master Plan provides a vision to further enhance the heart of Brisbane as a connected and liveable space.

“For more than 30 years, South Bank Parklands has been Brisbane’s premier lifestyle and cultural destination, visited by around 14 million people every year.

“More than 25,000 pieces of feedback on the draft Master Plan show that Queenslanders love South Bank and we’ll make sure it continues to be a centrepiece of our thriving city.

“We know that people want more greenery and shade, enhanced connections to surrounding areas like the CBD, Kangaroo Point Cliffs and Gabba, and more active transport opportunities – this plan delivers that and more.

“South Bank is a lasting legacy of Expo ‘88 and its Master Plan envisions how South Bank can help create our next big legacy, including from the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We want to ensure the legacy of these investments is felt for residents and visitors for decades to come.

“These precincts are home to some of Queensland’s most transformational investments, including Cross River Rail, Queen’s Wharf, South Bank, and the Brisbane Arena.

“We want locals and visitors of all abilities to explore our great state, and we want people to be able to do that seamlessly.”

Quotes attributable to Susan Forrester AM, Chair South Bank Corporation:

"We are thrilled to unveil the finalised Future South Bank Master Plan.

“The Master Plan sets the stage for the long-term evolution of the South Bank precinct, ensuring it continues to meet the expectations of international and interstate visitors, residents and businesses.

“It is a testament to the collective efforts of the community, who provided invaluable feedback and insights throughout the planning process and played a crucial role in shaping the future of South Bank.

“With 89% of respondents expressing support for the plan’s vision, we are prioritising increased greening of the precinct, improved accessibility and travel connectivity improvements.

“We have a unique opportunity to reimagine South Bank and create an incredible legacy for future generations.

“We will continue to work closely with the Queensland Government to plan for and invest in the precinct’s next exciting phase as world-class destination and a place for everyone."

BACKGROUND:

  • The Future South Bank Master Plan has been endorsed by the South Bank Corporation and Queensland Government. Scope, timing and funding of the projects is subject to ongoing consideration by South Bank Corporation and Queensland Government.
  • The Connected precincts considered include the major destination precincts of the Gabba, South Bank, the Cultural Centre, Kurilpa and Roma Street; the major economic precincts of Herston, Albert Street, the CBD, and Boggo Road; and the lifestyle precincts of Northshore Hamilton, Bowen Hills and Albion.
     

For further information:

Future South Bank Master Plan https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/southbankmasterplan

Connected precincts: https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/cpp