Two Significant Projects Progress in Brisbane and Launceston

Launceston, Tasmania and Brisbane, Queensland

University of Tasmania’s new Inveresk campus development reached an important milestone on 24^th September with the official opening of the North Esk River pedestrian and cycle bridge.

The new $5 million North Esk River pedestrian and cycle bridge is a key community asset that provides a vital link between the Inveresk precinct and the Launceston CBD.

The bridge is part of the first stage of construction of the $283.4 million redevelopment of the University of Tasmania – a major initiative under the $536 million Launceston City Deal.

“The bridge is a critical piece of infrastructure connecting the new Inveresk campus to our vibrant and bustling CBD,” said Federal Member for Bass, Bridget Archer MP.

Mayor for the City of Launceston, Albert van Zetten said, “This is an excellent example of how three levels of government can successfully come together and work towards a common goal, with the Launceston City Deal continuing to promote new opportunities for growth and development.”

Meanwhile, almost 2,000 kilometres further north one of Brisbane’s most important pieces of bicycle infrastructure continues to progress.

The North Brisbane Bikeway is a critical link between the CBD and suburbs to the north. It has been built in four stages so far at a cost of $32.11 million.

Stage 1A opened May 2015. Stage 4 was most recently opened this year and stage five is currently in critical phases of community consultation.

Grassroots advocacy group Space4cycling is a coalition of seven local bicycle user groups and other community organisations.

On Thursday evening 4^th November a group of their members rolled up to a community consultation for Stage 5 of the North Brisbane Bikeway.

“For bicycle user groups, this last missing piece finally looks almost within reach after more than a decade of advocating for a link between the CBD and the Kedron Brook Bikeway,” a spokesperson said after the meeting.