Brisbane City Council Archives

Brisbane’s Clearway Review Expands to The Gap

The existing clearway times along Musgrave Road and Waterworks Road, spanning from Red Hill to The Gap, are under review. The initiative is part of the Brisbane Clearway Action Plan – Keeping Brisbane Moving, which seeks to optimise road use and ease congestion in high-traffic corridors.

The current clearway operating times on this route were established over 15 years ago and are now under review to accommodate Brisbane’s growing population and evolving commuting habits. Currently, clearways are in effect between 7–9 a.m. inbound and 4–7 p.m. outbound on weekdays. The review aims to assess whether extending these hours or adjusting the schedule could improve travel times and safety for motorists.

Community Consultation to Guide Changes

City official Adrian Schrinner announced that public consultation on the Brisbane Clearway Action Plan will commence later this February and will be open for six weeks. Residents and local businesses in The Gap and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to provide feedback on how potential changes could impact their daily travel and parking access.

Mr Schrinner emphasised that making better use of Brisbane’s existing road network is a priority, stating that clearway reviews are a cost-effective measure to reduce congestion. Infrastructure Chair Andrew Wines added that the city authorities are committed to balancing road efficiency with the needs of the community.

Why Musgrave Road-Waterworks Road?

With more than 130,000 vehicles using this corridor on weekdays and over 39,000 on weekends, congestion remains a significant issue. Parked cars along the route force motorists to weave between lanes, contributing to delays and safety concerns.

By reviewing the clearway times, the city authorities aims to free up road space during peak hours, allowing more vehicles to move through without disruptions caused by on-street parking. When active, clearways create an additional traffic lane, reducing congestion and travel times.

Potential Expansion to Other Roads

The Musgrave Road-Waterworks Road review marks the first step in a broader plan to evaluate clearways on several major Brisbane corridors. Future locations identified for possible clearway extensions include:

Bowen Bridge Road–Lutwyche Road
Abbotsford Road, Bowen Hills
Wynnum Road
Vulture Street
Wellington Road, East Brisbane
Moggill Road
Webster Road, Stafford
Wickham Terrace–Leichhardt Street, Spring Hill
St Pauls Terrace, Fortitude Valley
Klumpp Road, Upper Mt Gravatt

The last major clearway adjustment in Brisbane occurred in August 2022 on Kelvin Grove Road-Enoggera Road, where an additional hour was added to both morning and afternoon peak periods, saving an estimated 6,500 hours of travel time per year.

Musgrave Road — *Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View*

Public Response and Considerations

While clearways are designed to improve traffic conditions, they can also present challenges for local businesses and residents. Some business owners have previously expressed concerns that extending clearway hours could limit customer parking, potentially affecting foot traffic.

In 2024 alone, there were 9,650 instances of motorists blocking clearways, with over 1,660 vehicles towed for non-compliance. The fine for illegally parking in a clearway is three penalty units, equating to approximately $480.

City officials stress that reviewing and extending clearways is a low-cost, practical solution to Brisbane’s increasing traffic congestion, avoiding the need for expensive infrastructure projects such as road widening.

Next Steps for The Gap’s Clearway Review

Community consultation will be open for six weeks starting this month. Residents and businesses can share their feedback through BCC’s official channels, including email, phone, and written submissions. Any proposed changes resulting from the review are expected to be implemented by June.

The city officials encourage Brisbane residents to participate in the upcoming consultation process to help strike a balance between traffic efficiency and community needs.

Published 11-Feb-2025

Labrador Retrievers Reign Supreme as The Gap’s Top Dog

Labrador Retrievers are firmly in the spotlight in The Gap, where recent data reveals an abundance of these beloved canines, solidifying their position as the top dog in the leafy enclave.

According to recent data compiled by Ray White analyst Jemima White from Brisbane City Council animal registrations, Labradors is the city’s top dog, with a remarkable presence in several suburbs, particularly in The Gap.

The report highlights The Gap as a Labrador haven, boasting 2085 registered Labs, showcasing the breed’s popularity in sprawling house blocks. However, Labradors aren’t solely confined to The Gap; they’re a beloved presence stretching across various suburbs from Alderley to Annerley and beyond.

The analysis also sheds light on other popular breeds in Brisbane, revealing that while Labradors dominate, breeds like Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Border Collies also enjoy substantial representation. These insights not only provide a glimpse into Brisbane’s dog culture but also reflect the preferences of residents and the housing dynamics of different areas.

Jemima White noted that suburbs with higher populations of young families and relatively affordable median property prices tend to be the hotspots for dog ownership. These areas offer amenities like parks, schools, and easy access to the city, making them ideal for families with furry companions.

Real estate agents are also witnessing a shift in priorities among house hunters, with many considering their pets’ needs when searching for a new home. For instance, Ray White Sherwood agent Lisette Schults-Rand highlighted the importance of accommodating pets like her office companion, Steve, who contributes to a positive work environment with his friendly demeanour.

However, amid this canine craze, there’s a sobering reality. The housing crisis in Brisbane has impacted pet owners, leading to an increase in surrender rates at animal shelters like the Animal Welfare League Queensland. Rising living costs and limited rental options have forced some to part with their beloved pets, underscoring the challenges faced by both humans and their furry friends in these uncertain times.

As Brisbane continues to evolve, so does its relationship with its four-legged residents. While Labradors may reign supreme for now, the ever-changing landscape of pet ownership reflects broader societal trends and challenges, reminding us of the importance of compassion and understanding in our communities.

Published Date 9-Sept-2024

The Gap Neighborhood Plan Update: Final Draft Now Up for Review

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council

Following a series of amendments, the Brisbane City Council has already submitted the revised The Gap Neighbourhood Plan to the Queensland Government for final review.

BCC developed the plan to coordinate land use and infrastructure and protect the things the community values.

The neighbourhood plan, which was created to help make Brisbane’s Future Blueprint a reality, may result in additional changes after the review.

The Gap Neighbourhood Plan Timeline

The Gap neighbourhood plan boundary (Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council)

The Gap Neighborhood Plan will form a general guideline for future developments in the area.

Mid-2016 to 2017

From mid-2016 onwards, Council formed a Community Planning Team to develop the draft neighbourhood plan strategy. BCC learned about the issues and concerns of the locals thru an online survey.

Based on the community feedback, leading concerns include the need for improvement to bicycle ways and footpaths, appropriate development densities, better public transport services, and improved traffic flow and main road decongestion.

The Gap is not expected to change significantly over the next 10 years. However, there is a need to provide different sizes and types of homes in the suburb so that younger people, older people, and people with different household sizes can all find housing that suits their needs.

October 2017

BCC released the draft strategy document that will guide the creation of a neighbourhood plan for The Gap. The Council finalised and published the strategy after gathering all comments from the community.

Proposed changes

The amendment package consists of the following key components:

The Gap neighbourhood plan code – The village precinct is intended to encourage the revitalisation of The Gap Village shopping centre as a place for the community to shop, recreate and work, and encourage a high-quality pedestrian environment and pleasant urban streetscape. It also covers potential development areas precinct or sites are currently zoned emerging community and are proposed to be rezoned to low-density residential.
Land use zoning – There are several proposed zone changes in the amendment package to ensure that the zoning suitably reflects the desired land use outcomes for the area.
Supporting changes to overlays – The amendment package proposes changes to the significant landscape tree overlay to include an additional 11 established trees and dwelling house character overlay to reflect properties which have been rezoned for residential uses.

Early 2018

The Council prepared to amend City Plan based on community input and further technical reviews of the area. The Queensland Government completed a state interest review and approved the draft plan for public notification and final community submissions.

30 July-10 September 2018

The Council released the draft statutory neighbourhood plan for final community submissions. Anyone who lives, works, or owns a property in the area was encouraged to have their say on the plan.

Late 2018

BCC considered changes to the draft neighbourhood plan following a review of the submissions. The Queensland Government will then complete a second state interest review.

Late 2018 to early 2019

Once approved by the Queensland Government, Council will adopt the neighbourhood plan and add it to Brisbane City Plan 2014.

Council said it will also release further information on other activities and opportunities that the community can get involved with to further progress the vision for The Gap’s future.

For further updates on The Gap Neighbourhood Plan, subscribe to email updates from Brisbane City Council.

The Gap Neighbourhood Plan – What’s Happened So Far and How to Get Involved

As Brisbane City Council continues to create a neighbourhood plan for the suburb of The Gap, the community is urged to get involved in the process.

The Gap Neighbourhood Plan will form a general guideline for future developments in the area. The plan aims to strike a balance by spurring economic activity while maintaining the suburban lifestyle of locals.

So far, the council has reached out to members of the community via an online survey to get a better idea of what the community wants to see happen in the area. A Community Planning Team has also been formed in 2016 to develop a draft neighbourhood plan strategy, which is expected to be released in mid-2017.

Coverage of the Neighbourhood Plan

(Source: Brisbane City Council)

Main Issues and Concerns

Through the online survey conducted from May 2016 to August 2016, the city council found the issues and concerns that are most important to residents in The Gap.

Top concerns include:

Improved traffic flow and main road decongestion
Better public transport services
Need for improvements to bicycle ways and footpaths
Maintenance of parks and open spaces
Appropriate development densities

In general, locals will like to have more natural green spaces, easy access to parks and play areas for children, quiet and peaceful areas, and bushland character.

Next Steps

The planning team will release the neighbourhood plan strategy to test the ideas raised by the team and the council’s technical studies. Locals will have a chance to comment on the strategy presented.

After receiving community feedback, the council will start preparing the draft neighbourhood plan during the latter part of 2017. This plan will then be reviewed by the Queensland Government.

In mid-2018, the draft neighbourhood plan will become part of Brisbane City Plan 2014.

To stay updated on The Gap Neighbourhood Plan, subscribe to email updates from Brisbane City Council.

You can also:
email the project team
or
write to them at
Neighbourhood Planning Brisbane (The Gap Neighbourhood Plan)
Brisbane City Council
GPO Box 1434
Brisbane Qld 4001

Find out more about The Gap Neighbourhood Plan.