OUR INCLUSIVE CITY

Council is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and accessible city, where everyone feels they belong. This means investing in infrastructure, programs and facilities that support people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to travel, work, live, enjoy and connect with all Brisbane has to offer.

As COVID-19 restrictions eased and allowed communities to slowly reconnect, heavy rainfall and flooding challenged Brisbane residents yet again. Council responded promptly with financial and on-the-ground assistance for those in need, while still continuing other important programs, events and initiatives to foster connection and celebration of our diverse communities, including young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, residents with a disability and many more.

Engaging and celebrating Brisbane’s young people

Council is committed to providing opportunities for young people to learn, grow and flourish as part of the Brisbane community. Brisbane Youth Week is an annual celebration and showcase for young people from 12-25 years of age, and provides opportunities for young people to share ideas, attend live events, workshops, activities and forums. In 2021-22, 2500 people attended more than 150 Youth Week events including Indigenous Games Day at New Farm Park, open days with live performances from young people at Visible Ink Youth Hub and a youth-led festival in Bracken Ridge. In 2021-22, we also engaged 62 students in Year 10 as part of the 2022 Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council. Students participating in this program act as representatives of their school and community and are a voice to raise and share ideas that affect young people. So far this year, students have presented eight Inclusive Brisbane project ideas directly to the Lord Mayor.

Listening and responding to our residents

Council uses feedback gathered through community engagement to create, shape and improve local services that matter to our community. In 2021-22, Council engaged more than 31,500 residents on more than 60 projects, including the Ferry Network Review.

Ferry Network Review feedback highlights

Most respondents travel by ferry for leisure and sightseeing

Service frequency was identified as a key area for improvement

Availability of both express and standard services is important

Improving accessibility on the Brisbane Metro

Throughout 2021-22, Council continued to progress improved accessibility outcomes on the Brisbane Metro. Through meaningful engagement with the accessibility sector, Council increased the number and size of the mobility aid bays from two to three, and increased the number of priority seats from two to 10. The result is a completed pilot Metro vehicle that supports Council's Vision to deliver a class-leading, inclusive and accessible public transport system.

Connecting communities through libraries

Council’s libraries continue to be a safe and welcoming place for the community to connect and learn through a wide range of information formats – from books, to newer and more unconventional methods. To encourage residents to learn about a different side of their Brisbane community, Council launched the immersive Human Library program. The program allows residents to borrow a person instead of a book and learn about Brisbane’s diverse community through safe and open dialogue. We also introduced adult reading sessions that encourage open discussion, social connections and inclusion for all, including those living with or experiencing dementia.

Delivered more than 10,000 library programs and outreach activities in-library, online and into communities

Responding to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community needs, issues and aspirations

Council is committed to working collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to value and uphold their important contributions to our city. Feedback was invited from community Elders, Traditional Custodians, community organisations, residents and peak bodies such as Reconciliation Queensland to develop Council’s first Reconciliation Action Plan. The Plan outlines actions and deliverables that further develop relationships, respect and opportunities. Council also introduced Jarjum storytime events as part of the popular First 5 Forever children’s literacy program. The program celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with children five years and younger through stories, songs, rhymes and interactive play.

Rallying together in times of need

As the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, we continued to assist community lessees with more than three months in rent relief, and more than $200,000 in rates rebates for Brisbane’s not-for-profit organisations. To support those in need to recover from the 2022 flood, Council delivered a flood recovery financial assistance package, including a 30-day rates deferral for all ratepayers and a $250 rates rebate for impacted ratepayers.

Registered more than 15,000 Mud Army 2.0 volunteers

Supported 502 SES volunteers who responded to 4262 requests for assistance

Invested $4.7 million to improve accessibility at eight community facilities

Engaged more than 3700 people through Pathways out of Homelessness Grant funded projects

Continued streaming services across cemeteries for guests unable to attend in person

Continued implementation of 62 actions from A City for Everyone: Inclusive Brisbane Plan 2019-2029