Brisbane's Story Bridge could bring back tolls without restoration deal, council saysJBy Jessica BlackTopic:Infrastructure1h ago1 hours agoMon 12 May 2025 at 9:17pmIn a statement, Brisbane City Council said a toll or levy would only be considered as a "last resort". (ABC Radio Brisbane: Kenji Sato)abc.net.au/news/brisbane-story-bridge-sydney-harbour-toll/105284996Link copiedShareShare articleBrisbane's Story Bridge may go back to being a toll bridge if a funding deal can't be made to restore it, the city council says.An independent committee found the 85-year-old bridge would be unable to carry traffic within 20 years without a full restoration, at a cost which would be "beyond council".To fund that, the committee suggested a toll like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, joint council, state and federal government contributions, or an annual rates levy and corporate sponsorship.In a statement, Brisbane City Council said a toll or levy would only be considered as a "last resort"."The Story Bridge is an icon and I'm sure all Queenslanders and all Australians will support its full restoration so it can continue to operate for another 100 years," Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said."I'm confident the other levels of government will partner with us to restore the bridge and the footpaths."Water leaking through concreteThe committee also recommended the bridge's two footpaths be immediately restored, after a detailed structural assessment following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.The assessment found sections of the path were worse than identified in previous reports, with evidence that water was leaking through the concrete.Brisbane's Story Bridge under construction in 1938. (Supplied: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland)Story Bridge was a toll bridge from its opening in 1940, until 1947 when it was taken over by council.Story Bridge Restoration Committee chair Nigel Chamier said significant restoration was needed despite "regular maintenance and renewal work" by council."Restoring the Story Bridge will be challenging, particularly when it comes to securing funding and the necessary resources to ensure critical restoration works can be delivered in the coming years," he said.Posted 1h ago1 hours agoMon 12 May 2025 at 9:17pmShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top StoriesChild safety staff looking for missing 14yo did 'safety' check with child sex abuserTopic:Child AbusePhoto shows Saachi at the beach.Liberal leadership race goes down to the wire as Nats weigh net zeroTopic:Federal GovernmentPhoto shows Sussan Ley, David Littleproud, Angus Taylor, Peter Dutton QT 20221027_041653670_iOSAlbanese shifts Plibersek from environment in favour of 'can-do' WattMAnalysis by Michelle GrattanPhoto shows anthony albanese points towards reporters outside parliament house in canberraWhy the Reserve Bank is wary of rocketing real estate pricesIAnalysis by Ian VerrenderPhoto shows A man walks past two terrace housesPM's new ministry to be sworn in, Chalmers admits frontbench dumping 'messy'LIVEPhoto shows A close-up of Jim Chalmers in front of a black background. Related storiesFacelift spanning 13 years for Brisbane's Story Bridge just got a lot more expensiveTopic:Local GovernmentPhoto shows The sun sets behind Brisbane's Story Bridge and Brisbane River in the CBD.Related topicsBrisbaneInfrastructureLocal GovernmentUrban Development and PlanningTop StoriesChild safety staff looking for missing 14yo did 'safety' check with child sex abuserTopic:Child AbusePhoto shows Saachi at the beach.Liberal leadership race goes down to the wire as Nats weigh net zeroTopic:Federal GovernmentAlbanese shifts Plibersek from environment in favour of 'can-do' WattMAnalysis by Michelle GrattanWhy the Reserve Bank is wary of rocketing real estate pricesIAnalysis by Ian VerrenderPM's new ministry to be sworn in, Chalmers admits frontbench dumping 'messy'Topic:Government and PoliticsJust InThese Canberrans received a home stamp duty concession. Now they owe thousandsTopic:Housing Policy7m ago7 minutes agoMon 12 May 2025 at 10:26pmPolice declare emergency after reports of armed man in Brisbane's northTopic:Police18m ago18 minutes agoMon 12 May 2025 at 10:16pmDJ dreamed of becoming a concert pianist until he had a stroke. This music inspired him to play againTopic:Explainer34m ago34 minutes agoMon 12 May 2025 at 10:00pmDo you know this man? His identity has baffled police for decadesTopic:Crime53m ago53 minutes agoMon 12 May 2025 at 9:41pmMore Just InBack to top