OUR PROSPEROUS CITY

Despite entering the third year of the pandemic, and experiencing rain and flooding that inundated homes and businesses across the city, Brisbane’s economy has continued to respond to ongoing challenges with inspiring resilience and strength. Council continued to provide support and encourage growth through the new Small Business Roundtable, parking rate relief, the new Brisbane app, and tailored support for women and the tourism industry. We restored our city’s transport and infrastructure networks rapidly in the wake of the floods, and invested in improvements to support business and industry move people, goods and services around the city quickly and efficiently.

The future is bright for our city, and as we look forward to hosting the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Council is committed to maximising the significant economic benefits on offer for residents and businesses.

Getting you home sooner and safer

Across our road network

In 2021-22, Council progressed work on major road projects to support residents, visitors and businesses in moving around the city safely and efficiently.

We started construction of the Moggill Road Corridor Upgrade project – Stage 1 Indooroopilly Roundabout Upgrade. We completed the design and commenced early works for the Beams Road Upgrade project, which once complete, will improve road safety, reduce congestion and improve travel time and reliability.

We also upgraded intersections and traffic signals through nine congestion busting projects, providing an estimated 67,706 hours in collective travel time savings for motorists each year.

Indooroopilly Roundabout Upgrade benefits

Improved safety for road users and pedestrians Improved traffic flow and reduced travel times Upgraded shared pedestrian and cycle paths

Creating a greener space through new landscaping

Becoming a host city for the Olympic and Paralympics Games

As Brisbane secured the rights to host the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Council proudly sponsored the Olympics Live activation event at South Bank Parklands. In addition to widespread local, national and international awareness, Parkland visitors watched the live-streamed announcement, direct from Tokyo, Japan and celebrated alongside the Prime Minister, Premier, Lord Mayor and the rest of the world.

The Brisbane 2032 Host City team will help achieve sustainable, long-term outcomes through the Games and maximise the opportunities possible for our city.

Revitalising the local economy

The pandemic continued to place pressure on Brisbane’s economy throughout 2021-22, with multiple lockdowns, continued border restrictions and the evolving pandemic adding fresh challenges to the way we live and do business while maintaining public safety.

Supporting small business

The Small Business Roundtable was established to continue the work of the Economic Recovery Taskforce. Made up of high-powered representatives from a wide range of local industries, the Roundtable will identify opportunities and initiatives to help Brisbane businesses grow and succeed.

Supported 54 local business owners through the $250,000 inaugural Women in Business Grant

Encouraged people to return to the CBD and support local retailers and businesses through parking rate relief

Designing a prosperous city

The City Centre Master Plan - Stage 1 was released following community engagement. The Plan aims to revitalise the local economy by boosting activity and increasing the appeal of the city centre, and identifies priority actions that will focus on making the city welcoming, connected, animated and beautiful. It also unlocks future potential to plan for our Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games legacy, signified by the launch of the Inner Spark engagement project.

Reinvigorating Brisbane’s tourism industry

The tourism industry has been one of the worst hit by the pandemic. To support local tourism businesses in the wake of relaxed border restrictions, Council delivered a new destination brand for Brisbane, and launched always-on, year-round domestic destination marketing activities. This included 'Summer Always', celebrating Brisbane's endless Summer feeling and 'Here's to Adventure', highlighting adventure opportunities and events available throughout the Brisbane region.

Backing our creative sector

Spent more than $13 million with social enterprises

Facilitated 118 business mentoring sessions through the Brisbane Business Hub

Supported 15 entrepreneurs through the Maker Entrepreneurship program and showcased nine artists and 26 makers through Suburban Business Hub in Nundah

Restoring our transport network

In the weeks and months following the flood, Council worked hard to get our transport network back up and running as quickly as possible. Following the flooding in February, Council:

Repaired more than 17,000 potholes within four weeks

Returned bus operations to normal services in just 36 hours

Opened almost 75% of flood-impacted bikeways within five weeks

Restored 60% of ferry terminals within three months, with the remaining anticipated to be back in service in late 2022 and early 2023