Brisbane businesses are being asked to help shape the guidelines to better use the city’s river as backdrop for commercial and recreational activities.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, who recently unveiled plans to open Brisbane’s pontoons and jetties for more tourism and hospitality uses, has asked businesses and tourism operators to put forward their ideas to unlock even more opportunities on Brisbane’s river.
“The next step involves gathering input to help design a new licensing or permit system, pending State Government approval, that will deliver world-class experiences on the water while keeping the river open for everyone to enjoy,” Lord Mayor Schrinner said.
He said from food and beverage offerings to cultural activities, adventure sports and live entertainment, ideas were being sought from those who could help showcase Brisbane’s unique lifestyle on one of the city’s greatest assets.
“With a network of existing assets and untapped opportunities, Brisbane has enormous potential to further transform the river.
“Input from industry who use or want to use the river will help activate these facilities in ways that deliver the best outcomes for residents, visitors and businesses.”
Lord Mayor Schrinner said the process would shape a new lease and licensing framework that drove investment, gave operators certainty and ensured a diverse mix of experiences were available in the lead-up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
He said weekday express CityCat services, including where and when they ran, would also be part of the broader conversation about the future of the river.
“Brisbane’s river is a stage ready to host world-class experiences, but we can’t do it alone – we need the ideas and creativity of locals, businesses and entrepreneurs.
“Brisbane’s pontoons and jetties are an untapped platform for innovation, and we want to hear ideas that will not only set our city apart on the world stage but also create locally authentic experiences that residents can enjoy every day.
“With the Olympics and Paralympics less than a decade away, we want Brisbane’s river alive with activity that reflects our lifestyle and creates more to see and do for residents and visitors.”
