South Bank lagoon rethink, Metro bus expansion and Wynnum foreshore plan

Several of Brisbane's best-known places could look and work differently in the years ahead, with plans for South Bank, the city's Metro bus network and the Wynnum bayside all moving forward.

South Bank

Private sector partners are being invited to help reshape the South Bank lagoon, parkland and commercial areas. The government says a new lagoon and upgraded open public space are non-negotiable. One reason for replacing the lagoon is its continuing leakage and regular maintenance closures. At its reported peak in mid-2024, it was losing about 112,000 litres of water a day.

The invitation covers 4.8 hectares, including the Piazza, swimming areas, riverside green space and some existing hospitality buildings. South Bank Corporation says it is an early process to test what ideas, expertise and investment are available. Not every site will necessarily be redeveloped, and no proposal has been approved.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has publicly stated swimming will remain free. South Bank Corporation says the precinct will stay public, with commercial uses continuing alongside parkland and community spaces. The process builds on the South Bank Master Plan released in 2024. The indicative timetable aims to identify a preferred development partner by late 2027, with the government seeking completion of the renewal ahead of the 2032 Games. Detailed proposals would still need further engagement and approvals.

Wynnum, Manly and Lota foreshores

Brisbane City Council has released a draft 20-year plan for the Wynnum, Manly and Lota foreshores, covering 8 kilometres of waterfront and 15 parks from Wynnum Creek to Lota. Ideas include turning the Wynnum wading pool into a sand beach pool with deck areas, expanding Pandanus Beach, and adding a jetty, mangrove boardwalk and kayak launch facilities at Manly. Water play and parkour space, better paths, more shade, picnic shelters, seating and barbecues are also proposed.

Council says the draft draws on more than 1,460 pieces of community feedback, with residents wanting better water access and more places to swim, walk, ride and exercise while protecting the bayside's character. Funding in the current budget could allow priority design work to begin this financial year, but delivery of the wider plan depends on future funding and approvals. Feedback closes on 22 November, with a final plan expected in early 2027.

Metro bus expansion

Council has opened consultation on extending the Metro network, including the infrastructure needed to give services a clearer run through traffic. Four corridors are being examined: north to Castledine along Gympie Road, east to Capalaba along Old Cleveland Road, south to Springwood, and between the CBD and Brisbane Airport. Options include new tunnels, dedicated busways and transitways. Council says this could revive parts of a busway network proposed almost 30 years ago, of which only about a third was built.

A business case supported by all three levels of government is expected in the second half of 2027, examining routes, vehicles, infrastructure costs and delivery stages. Construction funding is yet to be secured.

RACQ's latest travel speeds report found more than 70 per cent of monitored major road sections in Brisbane and the Gold Coast were slower during weekday peaks in 2025 than in 2019. On the Gateway Motorway northbound from Nudgee to the Pine Rivers Bridge, the average afternoon peak trip took about 26 minutes, more than 15 minutes longer than RACQ's uncongested benchmark.

Councillor Jared Cassidy says residents need more suburban bus services now rather than waiting years for busways. Better Transport Queensland welcomed the planning, particularly the prospect of completing more of the eastern busway towards Capalaba, and wants the missing northern busway link completed.

The airport link has a complication. The Courier-Mail reports Brisbane Airport chief executive Gert Jan de Graaff wants the state to negotiate an early end to Airtrain's exclusive arrangement, which otherwise runs until 2036, so Metro and other public buses can reach the terminals by the 2032 Games. Airtrain lists an adult fare of $23.30 between the airport and Brisbane city stations.