Brisbane City’s proposed riverfront redevelopment has raised alarms among traffic experts and nearby residents, who warn the project could create congestion, impact privacy, and disrupt the character of the area with oversized towers built too close to homes.
A Development Under Scrutiny
Led by Dexus Funds Management, the project (DA A006697510) seeks to modify an already-approved development near Mary and Felix streets. Key changes include increasing the gross floor area by 580 square metres, boosting car parking to 226 spaces, and reworking access and landscaping around Naldham House and Waterfront Place.
The design introduces new dining and retail areas while expanding outdoor seating and walkways. However, residents and professionals say the proposed form may outweigh the benefits, especially given the site’s location alongside Riparian Plaza and Brisbane Riverwalk.
Traffic and Safety Questions
Traffic consultant Bryce Trevilyan reviewed the project’s traffic modelling and found it didn’t reflect real-world conditions at key intersections. He said the SIDRA modelling used by Dexus underestimated congestion, especially during peak times, and failed to account for how traffic currently exits Riparian Plaza.
He also noted that large service vehicles would need to cross multiple lanes to enter the site, posing safety risks for cyclists and pedestrians. Trevilyan called for access redesigns and more accurate traffic data to avoid future gridlock.
Community Concerns Over Privacy and Scale
Residents from Riparian Plaza voiced concern over tower spacing, claiming the Northern Tower sits too close to their building compared to other Dexus-owned towers. One submission criticised the use of leased riverfront land to meet site coverage rules, saying it went against the intent of city planning standards.
Privacy was another concern. Residents called for frosted glazing to start from Level 39 to protect their homes from views into new function rooms. Others flagged safety risks with proposed rooftop landscaping, warning that strong winds could turn debris into hazards.
A Call for Balanced Growth
While the community supports the idea of updating Eagle Street Pier and the surrounding area, they’ve urged Brisbane City Council to ensure the final project fits well within the existing neighbourhood. The development remains under review, with traffic and residential concerns now part of the planning conversation.
Published 2-April-2025