A pedestrian and cycling bridge from West End to a new park at the former ABC site in Toowong could be funded by a levy on big developers, the Greens argue.
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Maiwar MP Michael Berkman and The Gabba ward councillor Jonathan Sri, both Greens, have released a community survey on future options for the riverfront location.
The survey asks residents if they would support a potential Greens election policy of building a bridge from the Coronation Drive site to Ferry Road in West End.
The site was abandoned in 2006 over a cancer cluster scare that saw many women diagnosed with breast cancer, and was sold by the federal government in 2013 to development company Sunland for $20 million.
Sunland proposed three ‘champagne flute’ apartment towers, designed by famed designer Zaha Hadid, but that development was rejected after a court appeal.
In January, Sunland confirmed it was planning a new development for the site but this month politicians from all sides of politics raised concerns about its future.
Disendorsed LNP MP Jane Prentice wrote to Prime Minister Scott Morrison this month urging him to buy back the site.
On Tuesday, Labor councillor Steve Griffiths (Moorooka) called an urgency motion for the council to support the move. The motion was lost.
On Wednesday, Mr Berkman said in the past 10 years 3500 new apartments had been built or approved within 200 metres of the ABC Toowong site but green space had not kept up.
“The former ABC site could be an idyllic riverfront park and a perfect landing point for a walking and cycling bridge connecting West End and Toowong,” Mr Berkman said.
“Imagine if we used it for a new public pool that everyone could enjoy, a spot to have a barbecue or picnic with friends or family, or a community hall for groups and events.
“The possibilities are endless.”
A joint state and council community poll conducted in 2010 found a pedestrian and cycling bridge between West End and Toowong was a popular idea.
In May 2017 the RACQ proposed an all-traffic bridge crossing. The council supported the idea of a bridge but signalled it would prefer an option restricted to pedestrians and cylists.
Mr Berkman said big developers could be charged a levy on new developments to fund such a bridge.
“For example, the levy could be applied to any development worth over $3 million, at 1 per cent of the cost of each development, creating millions in extra revenue,” he said.
“A new bridge and riverfront park wouldn’t just improve amenity and quality of life, but also boost property values for private development, so it’s only fair they contribute to the up-front cost.”
Cr Sri said currently the quickest way to Toowong from West End was “by kayak”.
“A bridge for pedestrians and cyclists would give West End residents a direct link to Toowong Village and train station as well as a shorter, safer cycling route to UQ,” he said.
“Improving active travel connections between the inner-south and the inner-west would help take cars off Coronation Drive, Montague Road and the William Jolly Bridge, benefiting the whole traffic network.
“Improving walkability will also support local businesses. The average pedestrian would be able to get from central Toowong to the middle of Boundary Street, West End, in 20 minutes.”
