Massive planned protest across Brisbane’s Story Bridge during peak hour derailed after court blocks demonstration

[Pelican Press 0]

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Massive planned protest across Brisbane’s Story Bridge during peak hour derailed after court blocks demonstration

A planned protest which would have shut down all six lanes of Brisbane’s Story Bridge during peak hour has been blocked by a court, after police claimed there were major safety concerns and the risk of massive public disruption.

The demonstration, scheduled for 8am Friday, was organised by active transport advocates pushing for one vehicle lane to be dedicated to cyclists and pedestrians.

But police asked Brisbane Magistrates Court to stop the process due to the risk of safety concerns if the protest were to go ahead.

The court sided with the police, finding the demonstration could delay emergency services, interfere with public transport, and compromise safety.

Camera IconA planned protest to shut down Brisbane’s Story Bridge during peak hour has been blocked by a court. NewsWire / John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia

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While protesters won’t be allowed to occupy the bridge at the intended time, organisers say they remain committed to pressuring Brisbane City Council to prioritise active transport access amid ongoing footpath closures.

The footpaths on the Story Bridge have been shut since March after inspections uncovered structural issues, including concrete degradation and rusted reinforcements.

The council has pledged to reopen the paths once urgent safety works are completed, ahead of a broader restoration project expected to take up to 15 years.

An independent committee recently warned that, without a full restoration, the 85-year-old bridge could be unable to carry traffic within two decades.

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The long-term fix is forecast to be beyond council’s financial capacity, prompting discussions around federal funding, tolls, or special levies to foot the bill.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said earlier this week that local infrastructure remains the responsibility of local governments, pushing back on suggestions the Commonwealth should shoulder the restoration costs.

However, the federal government has contributed $2.25 million toward a joint business case exploring long-term options for the bridge.

Despite the legal setback, protest organiser Kathryn Good said her group would continue advocating for safer and more accessible transport options across the bridge.

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