Media release 16 Feb

North Bank development must restrict car parking

Community Action for Sustainable Transport (CAST) are urging the State Government to consider the transport requirements of the North Bank development to avoid it becoming a traffic disaster.

The group believe the amount of car parking provided on site should be minimised due its proximity to public and active transport networks.

“If the State do this development badly it will put more cars on the city’s roads, increase the amount of pollution and reduce the attractiveness of the CBD,” said CAST spokesperson Tristan Peach.

“We think 80% of workers and visitors could easily access the 150,000sqm commercial precinct by foot, bicycle or public transport, and only bare minimum parking should be provided for the 480 apartments,” said Mr Peach.

North Bank is serviced by City Cat, Council Ferry, South Brisbane and Central railway stations, the Myer Centre and Cultural centre busway stations, the free City Loop bus service, the Goodwill Bridge and the Coronation Drive bikeway.

CAST suggest that for the commercial precinct parking and access should be provided for bicycles (with secure bike parking and shower/change rooms), taxis, public transport, service vehicles, emergency vehicles, people with disabilities and motorcycles/scooters, but only a limited number of car spaces should be provided for shoppers and workers.

“We should not be encouraging people to drive to North Bank when the public transport options are so fantastic,” said Mr Peach.

“Most people could easily drive to a train or busway station and jump on a fast, air-conditioned public transport service to access North Bank” he said.

“Car pooling should be encouraged for workers in the precinct who need to drive, and a car sharing scheme should be in place for residents in the apartments so they don’t even need to own a car,” said Mr Peach.

CAST’s position is consistent with Brisbane City Council’s City Centre Masterplan which states:

• Long–term commercial parking for the general public within the city centre is strongly discouraged. (p.51)
• Restricting the amount of additional car parking can act to lessen the potential for conflict between cars and pedestrians and can improve pedestrian amenity. (p.31)
• Expand Park and Ride facilities at existing rail stations and bus interchanges to encourage unnecessary traffic to stay out of the city centre (p. 176)

Media contact: Tristan Peach 0416478615