Questions and Answers
ABOUT SOUTH BANK
What is South Bank?
South Bank is one of Brisbane’s favourite places. It is a place for everyone. South Bank boasts much-loved riverfront parklands with cafés, restaurants and retail, and world-renowned cultural, exhibition and education facilities that host about 14 million visitors a year.
South Bank contributed $906 million to Queensland’s economy in 2016-17, with 8,100 full-time equivalent jobs across retail, commercial, residential, education, accommodation, cultural, tourism, events and knowledge industries. It’s also home to a community of residents who live within the precinct.
MASTER PLAN
When was the Future South Bank Master Plan released?
South Bank Corporation released the final Future South Bank Master Plan in May 2024.
What is the vision for the master plan?
The master plan's vision is for South Bank to remain Brisbane’s most lively, green, and inclusive precinct for current and future generations.
Why is there a need for a South Bank master plan?
South Bank is a permanent legacy of Expo ’88. After 30 years, while it remains Brisbane’s favourite destination, it’s important we plan for the future and ensure it continues to meet the needs of the community in a changing world.
What key changes were made to the draft master plan?
Pleasingly, community sentiment and support towards the draft master plan was broadly positive and constructive, with only minor amendments recommended. In response to community feedback, we have:
- Included a summary of the Future South Bank Draft Master Plan Stage 2 engagement outcomes.
- Ensured increased greening of the precinct is retained as an ongoing design principle.
- Updated our accessibility strategy and maps to reflect community feedback, new planning directions and project design outcomes, including Brisbane Metro.
- Illustrated the Wheel of Brisbane ticket office location in relation to the new Neville Bonner Bridge.
- Further clarified our commitment to resilient and flood responsive design including any riverside restaurants at the Cultural Forecourt.
- Removed proposed Little Tribune Street and reinstated Picnic Island Green with an alternate long-term access via the Queensland College of Art should the site be redeveloped in the future.
- Reinforced an integrated approach to the precinct and its surrounds, with particular focus on active travel network connectivity improvements and planning for Brisbane 2032.
- Importantly, committed to regularly reviewing the Master Plan every five years.
How does the master plan support flood resilience?
Opportunities to relax, enjoy and connect with the riverfront are what the community values most about South Bank.
However, it is critical we actively plan for the risk of flooding and the ability to recover rapidly from flooding events.
The master plan outlines a number of flood resilience initiatives including:
- Operational and active asset management practices to enhance resilience
- Investigate relocating in-river promenade structure onto land
- Removing certain in-river structures, and
- Commitment to support resilient design in future projects.
COST AND TIMING
How and when will South Bank's master plan be delivered?
The master plan is a long-term planning vision to help guide the future of South Bank. Future improvements will be considered when spaces need to be renewed or there are opportunities to enhance the precinct’s appeal. The implementation of the final master plan will remain subject to subsequent South Bank Corporation and Queensland Government consideration and approval.
How much will it cost to deliver the Master Plan?
The degree to which any elements of the master plan may be implemented in the future will be determined following further assessment of the associated costs and benefits.
The implementation of any projects within the final master plan will remain subject to subsequent South Bank Corporation and Queensland Government consideration and approval.
COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
How has community feedback contributed to the master plan process?
The community played a crucial role in shaping the Future South Bank Master Plan by providing more than 25,000 pieces of feedback during the extensive consultation process.
The draft master plan was revised based on this feedback, which was collected online, at in-person events, stakeholder meetings, and workshops.
How can people stay up to date on the Future South Bank Master Plan?
To stay up to date on your Future South Bank, visit southbankcorporation.com.au.
If you have a question about the Future South Bank Master Plan, please email the project team at haveyoursay@futuresouthbank.com.au
BRISBANE 2032 OLYMPICS AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
What happens to the proposed Olympic and Paralympic venues if you:
Make improvements at South Bank?
The master plan provides a long-term vision for South Bank. Should a decision be made in the future to implement any element of the plan, this will be coordinated in consultation with Brisbane 2032 Games delivery partners with the view to meet any requirements for Brisbane 2032. The Corporation will support and accommodate any requirements associated with Brisbane 2032 and will work with the government and Games delivery partners to ensure that South Bank is ready to help support Australia's hosting of this global event.
Don't make any changes now at South Bank?
South Bank's central position and existing infrastructure will support the delivery of Brisbane 2032 and activities nominated to be hosted at South Bank, providing a key central hub for public gatherings and experiences during Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
What will South Bank's role be in supporting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games?
South Bank will help Queensland welcome the world during Brisbane 2032. South Bank is proposed to hold a number of sporting events and host a range of activities and, given its heritage as the home of major city events, it will provide a key central hub for public gatherings and experiences during Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
