Time Running Out To Make Brisbane History
30 July, 2009
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman has encouraged people to help Brisbane City Council name the Hale Street Link bridge, with time set to run out in four days.
The Name That Bridge campaign, which sought public input into the name for Brisbane’s latest inner city vehicle bridge, had already received over 1000 comments and suggestions.
“Since we launched the campaign on July 13, it has generated a lot of discussion and debate, which has been very pleasing to see,” Cr Newman said.
“People still have until next Monday (August 3) to submit their suggestions, so if you want to make history and name our latest bridge, time is running out.”
Cr Newman said the suggestions would be considered by Civic Cabinet, which would decide on the name at a future date.
“This bridge is the first inner city vehicle bridge to be built in over 35 years and will be a real landmark for generations to come,” he said.
Suggestions so far have included historical, geographical and cultural names, including The Milton Reach bridge, Jagera-Turrbal bridge, the 1859 bridge and River City bridge.
There have also been suggestions to name the bridge after identities like rugby league identity Cyril Connell, explorer John Oxley, the Queensland Theatre Company’s Alan Edwards, scout leader Robert Baden-Powell, musician Grant McLennan and Trooper Billy Sing.
Cr Newman said both the Hale Street Link, and the CLEM7 tunnel, under the Brisbane River from Woolloongabba to Bowen Hills, would be open to traffic next year.
Combined, they would add an extra eight general traffic lanes across the Brisbane River. The lanes were badly needed as experts confirmed that traffic in Brisbane was worse than Sydney.
“At the moment the existing 32 lanes are at 95 per cent capacity during peak hours – the CLEM7 and Hale Street Link will increase that to 40 lanes.”
To help re-name the Hale Street Link, visit www.namethatbridge.com email namethatbridge@brisbane.qld.gov.au or write to: Name That Bridge, MMA Reply Paid 1434, Brisbane, QLD, 4001.
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July 30, 2009
