Brisbane’s newest pedestrian connection across the Brisbane River, the Neville Bonner Bridge, will open to the public tomorrow and is expected to be crossed about 10,000 times each day.
Named in honour of Australia’s first Indigenous parliamentarian, the bridge provides a new connection across the Brisbane River, from Queen’s Wharf Brisbane (QWB) to South Bank and the Cultural Precinct.
“The Neville Bonner Bridge is now officially connecting South Bank, the wonderful legacy of World Expo 88 with Queen’s Wharf,” said Premier, Steven Miles.
“Getting to this point has been an enormous effort and I want to thank everyone involved from idea conception to today.
“The Neville Bonner Bridge is just one of the ways we’re bringing our city together.
“Connectivity matters to Queenslanders and I know the 10,000 people who set foot on this bridge every day are going to appreciate this amazing asset, while honouring Neville Bonner.”
Works on QWB commenced in 2017 with the demolition of the existing buildings on the site including the former Neville Bonner Building.
An 80kg cast bronze sculpture, titled the Bust of Neville Bonner, was designed by Brisbane sculptor, the late John Elliott, more than 20 years ago and has been relocated to the northern end of the Bridge.
The Bust stood proudly in the foyer of the former Neville Bonner Building for many years until it was relocated to Queensland Parliament House during the construction of QWB.
The bridge also features several plaques commemorating the late Neville Bonner, ensuring his legacy lives on.
“The Neville Bonner Bridge will deliver better connectivity, accessibility and walkability, connecting Queen’s Wharf Brisbane with South Bank and the cultural precinct,” said Minister for State Development and Infrastructure, Grace Grace.
“During his 12 years in the Senate, Neville Bonner was a highly respected parliamentary figure, a role model and trailblazer, whose legacy is remembered and honoured for its profound impact on Australia’s journey toward reconciliation and equality.
“Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is one of the largest urban renewal projects in Australia involving the redevelopment of approximately 10ha of state-owned land adjacent to the Brisbane River and expected to support around 8,000 ongoing operational jobs.
“The project is benefitting Queenslanders by delivering approximately 8 hectares of public open space, as well as an upgraded bikeway, the adaptive reuse of 9 heritage buildings and the Neville Bonner Bridge.”
The bridge is over 320 metres in length, spans 45 metres across the Riverside Expressway and the height of the mast is 77 metres above sea level.
Queens Wharf Brisbane will commence a staged opening tomorrow, with William Street reopening after seven years providing access to the broader precinct including the Neville Bonner Bridge, the Brisbane Steps (offering a pedestrian connection to the riverline), the Sky Deck and the wider CBD.
William Street will also serve as the entry point for the Star Grand Ballroom, food, beverage and retail precinct, guests of the Star Grand Hotel and other new hotels which are yet to open.
Visitors to the precinct will also be able to enjoy some of the magnificent displays of public art by renowned artists that have been commissioned and curated specifically for the precinct.
