New bus layover zones in Fortitude Valley have drawn criticism from local businesses and residents, who report lost parking and declining trade.
Background and Rollout of Bus Zones
Brisbane’s inner-city suburbs, including Fortitude Valley, have recently seen the introduction of multiple new bus layover zones as part of infrastructure changes under the Metro agreement between BCC and the former Queensland Labor government. These stops, some equipped with driver rest facilities, are intended to support Brisbane’s New Bus Network, which aims to increase suburban services by 160,000 annually.
One such site includes Barry Parade in Fortitude Valley, where a new bus zone has replaced several metered parking bays. Other sites include Countess Street in the CBD, Merivale Street in South Brisbane, and King Arthur Terrace in Tennyson.
Impacts on Fortitude Valley Businesses
The implementation has led to direct impacts on traders in Fortitude Valley. Kirsty Campbell, owner of The Daily Maid café on Barry Parade, reported a 10–15 per cent drop in trade following the removal of nearby parking spaces.
Ms Campbell highlighted not only the financial strain from an $800 fine but also difficulties for her patrons—one of whom received a $400 fine before road markings were painted. She explained that some customers are now asking her to hurry their coffees so they can get back to their cars before they’re fined.
Another nearby business owner initiated a petition in response, citing reduced customer access and parking shortages around Plumridge House, where many offices lack off-street car spaces.
Concerns at Other Locations
Tennyson residents have also raised objections to a large layover planned outside the Tennyson Reach unit complex on King Arthur Terrace. Local petitions have attracted over 250 signatures across suburbs including Ashgrove.
Tennyson Reach body corporate chair James Bottomley described the plan as “poorly designed”, citing safety concerns for elderly pedestrians and cyclists along the popular River Loop bikeway.
Stephen Dowdle’s petition detailed further concerns over noise, pollution, and safety risks. He proposed alternative locations nearby that would avoid such issues.
Community Sentiment and Online Feedback
Community sentiment has been mixed, with strong reactions on social media. Several users pointed to the broader issue of inadequate parking in new developments, where unit blocks are approved without sufficient car spaces.
One commenter noted, “The reduction on parking in new units is a disgrace,” while another suggested that “the BCC is slowly prying private vehicles out of the city.” Others expressed frustration with public transport accessibility and feasibility for families, older residents, or those with mobility issues.
Some defended the changes, advocating for increased public transport usage, while others criticised the lack of consultation and planning. A few users also reflected on past proposals to reduce vehicle access to the CBD in favour of trams and driverless taxis.
BCC Response
Transport chair Ryan Murphy defended the network upgrades as “the biggest improvement to bus services in generations.” He noted that these works were essential to support service expansion and reduce congestion.
However, local official Nicole Johnston criticised the process as lacking transparency. She claimed she was only notified of the King Arthur Terrace plan days before Christmas. Ms Johnston labelled the rollout “dictatorial” and “lazy”, suggesting there were better alternatives in nearby industrial areas.
Another local official, Trina Massey echoed these concerns, stating that the administration repeatedly failed to consult with local communities and argued that poor planning led to community pushback.
Outlook
The bus layovers, including the one on Barry Parade in Fortitude Valley, remain a point of contention for locals. While the city moves towards greater public transport investment, ongoing petitions and mounting complaints may prompt further review of infrastructure placement. Whether the city authorities will revisit its consultation processes or layout designs remains to be seen.
Published 27-Mar-2025
