A prominent Queenslander instrumental in the restoration of City Hall has been tasked with examining ways to ensure the Story Bridge continues to serve Brisbane for another 100 years.
Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner today confirmed Nigel Chamier AM would develop a road map to progress the Story Bridge’s restoration.
“Story Bridge is an icon and I’m committed to working with all levels of government so it can continue to serve Brisbane residents for another 100 years,” said Lord Mayor Schrinner.
“While Council has been the steward of the Story Bridge for the last 77 years, the work ahead is beyond our means and will require a team effort from all levels of government.
“I want to thank Nigel for coming on board to help us with this vital restoration project.
“Nigel was instrumental in the heritage restoration of Brisbane City Hall and I’ve asked him to examine how we can give Brisbane’s Story Bridge another century of life.”
Mr Chamier’s report will consider:
- Council’s historical stewardship of the Story Bridge;
- global case studies of other historical bridge restoration projects; and
- options to fund the Story Bridge’s renewal, including support from other levels of government.
Mr Chamier is highly regarded for his role as chair of the City Hall restoration committee from 2008 to 2013 and more recently oversaw the refurbishment of ANZAC Square.
“It is a privilege to be involved in protecting another Brisbane icon that has helped shape the identity of our City,” said Mr Chamier.
“During my time overseeing the City Hall restoration, it became apparent Brisbane residents had profoundly important memories of City Hall where so many key events took place.
“I can’t imagine a Brisbane without the Story Bridge and I know many Brisbane residents feel the same.
“This is an opportunity to look at every possible way to preserve the longevity of this national icon.
“I look forward to working with the Lord Mayor and Cr Wines to ensure we can get another 100 years of life from our landmark bridge.”
Council has invested around $78 million to restore Story Bridge since 2019, however, it says more complexities were found as more work was undertaken.
The extensive repairs, which involved progressively stripping back old paint and applying new protective coatings, revealed a myriad of complexities that can only be addressed with a comprehensive restoration.
The Story Bridge is one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks and the works required to give it another century of life can only be delivered in partnership with all three levels of government.
Lord Mayor Schrinner said he will write to the Prime Minister and Queensland Premier to advise them of Mr Chamier’s appointment and seek their support for the bridge’s renewal.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese helped secure Federal funding for the restoration of Brisbane City Hall in 2009 when he was Minister for Infrastructure and Local Government.
“Just like state and national governments in Australia and around the world support iconic bridge restorations, we are hopeful we can establish a similar funding partnership for Brisbane’s Story Bridge,” said Lord Mayor Schrinner.
“A major restoration of the Story Bridge won’t just preserve one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks, it will help keep Brisbane moving.”
The restoration of Brisbane City Hall was supported by Brisbane City Council and the Federal Government, as well as corporate donors and Brisbane residents.
The bridge remains the largest steel bridge designed and built predominantly by Australians from Australian materials.
State Government contractors began construction on Story Bridge in 1935. It was opened as a toll bridge on 6 July 1940 to a crowd of 37,000 people. The toll was removed seven years later when the bridge was transferred to Brisbane City Council.
