Brisbane’s Five New Green Bridges
Brisbane City Council and Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner are proposing 5 new green bridges for the central area of Brisbane.
Improving pedestrian connections and prioritising bicycle and pedestrian routes across Brisbane is certainly a good step in the right direction. This will see increased connectivity and improved permeability.
However, what are the impacts of built form on our landscape? What about visual assessment and impacts of more visual elements in viewsheds?
Construction of bridges on any river are significant visual changes. These changes can have dramatic impacts on visual amenity. They change the character of a city. As a community we should be very careful how this design is developed and implemented. The community needs to have every opportunity to voice their opinion on any detailed design proposal.
Kangaroo Point Twin Mast Cable Design
The first cab off the rank is the Kangaroo Point Bridge. The design proposed is a twin mast cable design. This type of design is likely to create a significant visual element to the existing vistas of the City Reach including notable vistas from River Terrace and Kangaroo Point Cliffs to the heart of the CBD.
Brisbane City Council 2020, Kangaroo Point green bridge, viewed 25 May 2020, https://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/traffic-and-transport/roads-infrastructure-and-bikeways/five-new-green-bridges-for-brisbane/kangaroo-point-green-bridge
A well renowned view of Brisbane is the view toward the City from Kangaroo Point Cliffs. This view is often photographed and seems to be recognized internationally.
A simple search on Google images shows this particular view appears in the first 6 images under a search for Brisbane.
Google 2020, Brisbane, viewed 25 May 2020, https://www.google.com.au
The introduction of a bridge to this vista will result in a significant change – either positive or negative depending on your opinion.
The span is also significant. To achieve clearance heights no doubt the associated structure will be hard to blend into the landscape.
This bridge will definitely change the character of the Brisbane skyline. If the design is sympathetic to it’s surroundings and the surrounding landscapes, then it will be a great edition.
However, if it ends up being a large concrete and steel built form structure, then certainly it will dominate the view of the city from this part of the Kangaroo Point cliffs.
Let’s wait and see how it turns out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Brisbane’s Five New Green Bridges
What are Brisbane’s Five New Green Bridges?
Brisbane’s Five New Green Bridges are a series of pedestrian and cyclist bridges designed to improve connectivity across the Brisbane River, encourage active transport, and support the city’s long-term sustainability and mobility goals.
Why are the Green Bridges being built?
The bridges aim to reduce traffic congestion, promote walking and cycling, improve access between key destinations, and contribute to a healthier, more connected, and environmentally sustainable city.
What are the benefits of the Green Bridges?
The bridges provide safer and more convenient river crossings, encourage active lifestyles, reduce reliance on private vehicles, improve accessibility, and enhance Brisbane’s public realm.
How do the Green Bridges support sustainability?
By encouraging active transport and reducing vehicle use, the bridges help lower greenhouse gas emissions. Their surrounding landscape and public spaces also incorporate sustainable design principles, including urban greening and improved public amenity.
How will the Green Bridges impact surrounding communities?
The bridges are expected to improve connectivity between neighbourhoods, increase access to public transport and recreational areas, support local businesses, and create attractive public spaces for residents and visitors alike.
