Toowong Bowls Club Site to be Demolished, Community Input Sought for Redevelopment

Plans have been announced to demolish the flood-ravaged Toowong Bowls Club site, with community input being sought on potential redevelopment options. The site has remained unused since the devastating floods of 2022. Local authorities are keen to revitalise the area while ensuring resilience against future flooding events.



Locals have responded enthusiastically to the call for input, suggesting various innovative and practical ideas. Some residents have proposed planting iconic Moreton Bay figs to enhance the greenery and provide shade for future generations. Others have suggested a skate facility for local youth, community playgrounds, tennis courts, or a BMX track.

A recurring theme in the community feedback is the desire for a versatile space to accommodate various events and activities. One resident envisions a large, covered structure on the existing bowling fields, similar to the popular Bardon Bowls Club, which could host markets, charity events, music performances, and informal gatherings.

Photo Credit: CrPennyWolff/ Facebook
Photo Credit: CrPennyWolff/ Facebook

The dilapidated building and concrete slabs are scheduled to be demolished in August. The council is committed to transforming the site into a parkland that enhances the Brisbane lifestyle. Residents are urged to submit their suggestions to the committee for consideration.

Photo Credit: CrPennyWolff/ Facebook

Ms Penny Wolff acknowledged the community’s interest in the site’s future and encouraged residents to share their ideas for post-demolition use. She highlighted the importance of considering flood resilience in any proposed plans, suggesting options such as fitness facilities, pickleball courts, lifestyle amenities, or green spaces.



This initiative reflects the council’s dedication to community engagement and sustainable urban development. The Toowong Bowls Club site redevelopment presents a unique opportunity to create a vibrant and resilient community space that caters to residents’ diverse needs and interests.

Published Date 05-August-2024

Budget Cuts Force Pause on Toowong to West End Green Bridge and Victoria Bridge Project

BCC will undergo a series of cost-cutting measures to address a forecast budget blowout of approximately $400 million, impacting the already delayed Toowong to West End Green Bridge, which will be paused indefinitely.



Also affected by the cut is the shading of Victoria Bridge, part of the Brisbane Metro project, a stage that’s estimated at $5 million. This significant spending reduction, equating to a 10 per cent reduction in Council expenditure, comes just three months after the 2023-2024 budget was unveiled in June this year.  

Rising Costs Prompt Immediate Spending Cuts

The decision to reduce the budget by $400 million aims to tackle soaring construction costs, labour, materials, goods, and services, which have put pressure on Council’s financial resources. This move seeks to keep future rate increases in check and maintain affordability for residents as the city heads into an election year.

Brisbane City Council will implement a range of austerity measures to achieve these savings. For instance, the public art component of the Brisbane Metro project will be delayed. Advertising, travel, consultants, and councillor ward budgets will also be reduced. 

However, Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner assured that there would be no forced layoffs among permanent Council employees, although contractors may face uncertainty.

Green Bridge

Citywide Impact and Concerns

The budget cut will have far-reaching consequences, potentially jeopardising various projects or increasing their costs. The specifics of how these cuts will affect services and projects, including roads and footpaths, have not been disclosed, leading to concerns among opposition parties and residents. 

Opposition leader Jared Cassidy criticised the lack of transparency in revealing which projects would be impacted, emphasizing that residents should not have to wait for months to discover how their local services might be affected.

Mr Schrinner defended the budget cut as a necessary corrective action to avoid future rate rises, highlighting the increasing costs faced by the council. He cited rising expenses in areas such as fuel, electricity, bitumen, and construction as key reasons behind the decision. Mr Schrinner maintained that essential services like waste collection, buses, and ferries would remain unaffected.

“Households right across the city are tightening their belts and it’s only fair governments do too,” Mr Schrinner said

“Today I’m announcing a Council-wide 10% savings drive amid the global inflation and cost-of-living crisis.

“What we’re doing will put downward pressure on future rates compared to the uncontrolled spending we see at other levels of government that will only lead to pain for households.

“This is the kind of responsible decision-making Brisbane residents expect so we can maintain the lowest rates in South East Queensland.”

Future Implications and Challenges

The revised budget is expected to be released by the end of November, just a few months before Brisbane ratepayers go to the polls in March 2024.

Global inflation has played a substantial role in driving up construction costs, causing budget revisions and project delays. Fiona Cunningham, chair for finance in Brisbane civic cabinet, explained that continuing to spend without addressing these rising costs would result in future rate hikes for residents, an outcome the Council is determined to avoid.



“While some proposed projects may be paused, the majority will be delivered on time however council officers will be working hard over coming months to descope and remove unnecessary costs,” Ms Cunningham said.  

Published 18-Oct-2023

Learn How to Build a No-Dig Garden at Toowong’s Vera Street Community Garden

Join the Vera Street Community Garden as they celebrate International Compost Awareness Week with a free no-dig garden workshop.

Vera Street Community Garden has been actively conducting workshops that help Brisbane City Council in their efforts to cultivate greener communities. Consisting of locals and non-local residents, the association is dedicated to helping people establish and maintain organic vegetable garden beds for shared consumption and rehabilitating the Toowong Creek.


Read: Free Compost and Worm Farm Workshop in Toowong


Tim Davies from All You Can Eat Gardens will be facilitating a hands-on workshop on making a no-dig garden out of recycled timber and compost from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, 13 May 2018.

Photo credit: www.allyoucaneatgardens.com.au

No-dig gardens are an excellent way to transform wasted spaces into productive food gardens. This type of garden can be built on lawns, weeds, hardpan clay, and even on concrete. This workshop will show you how you can do it on your own.

Attendees will also learn the necessary skills to make their own raised bed at home.

Photo credit: www.allyoucaneatgardens.com.au

Tim Davies has been engaged with Permaculture and organic farming through woofing, teaching, and designing since 2008. His studies as an Environmental Engineer helped him develop his understanding of natural systems and design.

For those who want to attend the free event, call the Council on 3403 8888 to reserve your slot. Don’t forget to wear a hat, a long sleeve shirt, and closed in shoes during the event.