While April may have included long weekends, school holidays and ANZAC Day, Brisbane sure managed to squeeze an awful lot of activity into the month!

Most notably for the Committee, on 1 April, a Special Resolution was passed by our members to proceed with the transition of the Committee for Brisbane from an Incorporated Association to a Company Limited by Guarantee. Thank you to all involved in this process- particularly to our Management Committee for leading the conversation, and to Rob Sosnowski and the team at McCullough Robertson Lawyers for all your legal support.

A reminder that the change from an Association to a Company will not change the mission, vision or the day-to-day look and feel of the Committee. We will remain a non-for-profit, independent, member-led organisation- just with a modernised governance structure. You can read the FAQs previously distributed to members here.

With the support of members now formalised, the Committee has lodged the relevant paperwork to begin the process of registration as a Company.

As part of this process, in the coming weeks, member representatives will receive an email from us requesting your consent to ‘opt in’ to continue as a member of the Committee for Brisbane.

We would appreciate your further support through actioning this email, as it is a legal requirement that we seek your agreement to join the new Company.

As the end of financial year approaches, we are also preparing our communications around membership renewal.

This year will look a little different as we transition to the new Company structure and membership model, so we would encourage any members with questions to reach out to me or the team directly.

There’s been a lot of change at the Committee this past 12 months as we have welcomed new team members, implemented our new branding, logo and website, and sought to update our governance and membership models.

A huge thank you to all our valuable members for your continued support and patience throughout this process. We hope to have all changes in place by 1 July, which will ensure the Committee has a solid foundation to build on the momentum in the city-region and deliver great outcomes for Brisbane!

On Wednesday, 1 April 2026, the Committee for Brisbane held a Special General Meeting of its members to vote on the proposed transition from an Incorporated Association to a Company Limited by Guarantee.

The Special Resolution- which included the draft Constitution for the proposed Company- was passed unanimously.

The Committee for Brisbane will now proceed with the formal process of seeking registration with ASIC. We will be sure to keep members abreast of progress on this front.

We thank our members for their continued support of the Committee for Brisbane.

Members recently heard from Eugenie Buckley, Deputy Director‑General of the Queensland Government’s Olympic and Paralympic Games Office, who provided an overview of how preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are being coordinated.

Eugenie outlined the role of the Games Office in bringing together government, delivery partners and host cities across Queensland, ensuring everyone is working from the same plan. With so many organisations involved, her presentation helped clarify who is responsible for what, the key phases and how decisions are made as planning continues to accelerate. Eugenie highlighted early work already underway, including venue planning, procurement opportunities for local businesses, and preparations for pre‑Games training camps that will bring international teams into communities across the state.

The session reinforced that the 2032 Games will be more than just hosting a global sporting event. A strong focus is being placed on long‑term benefits for Queensland, including economic growth, infrastructure, skills development and community legacy well beyond the Games themselves.

Thank you to Jane Waldburger OLY, Maria Rampa and the team at Aurecon for hosting the briefing.

South East Queensland’s first regional Digital Plan has been officially launched, delivering a bold 10-year roadmap to supercharge productivity, cut red tape and enhance liveability across our fast-growing communities.

Developed under the SEQ City Deal by the Council of Mayors (SEQ), in partnership with the Australian and Queensland Governments, the plan positions our city-region as a globally competitive digital leader.

With SEQ currently 23% less productive than peer regions and facing pressures from rapid population growth, congestion, housing demand and cost-of-living challenges, the plan harnesses digital technology to deliver real solutions.

Key priorities include integrated customer services across councils, real-time data insights for better planning, AI-powered traffic management to ease commutes, streamlined housing approvals, and enhanced cyber security and digital inclusion.

The vision for 2035 is a connected SEQ where residents enjoy seamless services, businesses thrive through innovation and data centres, and governments make smarter, faster decisions. It emphasises collaboration, skills development, quantum readiness and leveraging the 2032 Games as a catalyst for investment.

We’d like to extend a big congratulations to the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and all partners involved.

And please be sure to watch the digital space for the Committee for Brisbane’s own advocacy!

Earlier this year, Ipsos completed its Inner City Perceptions Survey for the Committee for Brisbane. The survey tracks perceptions around the inner city suburbs of Woolloongabba, South Brisbane, the CBD, Fortitude Valley, Spring Hill and Herston/Kelvin Grove.

Linked to the Committee for Brisbane’s annual Inner City Vitality Report, the survey results show not only the strength, diversity and momentum building in Brisbane’s inner city, but also the city’s offering in terms of hospitality, events, shows and exhibitions. Sectors featured in the snapshot report include Office; Retail; Residential; Tourism & Hospitality; Arts & Culture; Education; and Health.

While similar surveys have been conducted over the past five years, the most recent survey marks a deliberate shift to focus specifically on perceptions. This establishes the baseline for an annual tracking survey to inform the Committee’s annual vitality report, strategic agenda and other related activities.

Notable highlights- from a mix of state and national respondents*- largely show a positive sentiment around Brisbane’s inner city, which can continue to be leveraged for the city-region.

Key highlights reveal:

Perception of Brisbane’s Inner City

• Largely positive perception of Brisbane’s inner city
• Outside of Queensland: 54% rating it 7 or more on a scale of 0 to 10
• Non-Queensland: Average score of 7.34
• Brisbane residents: 7.01
• Other Queensland residents: 6.83
• Consistently highlight Brisbane as a ‘vibrant’ city.

Expectation of Future Improvements

• Brisbane residents: 42% expecting things will get better over the next 12 months, compared to only 28% of residents from the rest of Queensland
• Satisfaction with quality of life in Brisbane is high, with 24% of Brisbane residents being very satisfied and 54% satisfied.

Identified Areas for Improvements

• Brisbane residents: Affordable accommodation a critical area needing attention. Rated lowest among all liveability factors, with an average score of 5.3, and an even lower average among other Queensland residents at 4.7.
• Safety also presents as a concern, noted by Brisbane and residents in rest of Queensland.

Opportunity for Increased Tourism and Cultural Engagement

• Awareness of Brisbane’s cultural events among non-Queensland residents has potential for improvement. Outside of Queensland it is 36%.
• Focusing on Brisbane’s vibrant cultural scene could increase attraction to Brisbane’s inner city.

To enquire about the survey results please reach out to admin@committeeforbrisbane.org.au or visit www.committeeforbrisbane.org.au.

* Survey respondents: 300x Greater Brisbane (including City of Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands); 200x Queensland (Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast); 100x National.

Nominations are now open for the Minister’s Award for Urban Design 2026, Queensland’s premier recognition of excellence in urban design and the creation of high-quality places.

The award celebrates projects, practices and partnerships that demonstrate outstanding contribution to the built environment, with a strong focus on design quality, sustainability, community benefit and long-term resilience.

For Brisbane, the award presents an important opportunity to showcase leadership in urban design and highlight projects that respond to growth, density, climate challenges and community wellbeing.

The Minister’s Award also acknowledges the collective effort behind great places, encouraging nominations from local government, industry, design professionals, developers, and community-led partnerships.

We encourage members to consider nominating exemplary Brisbane-based projects or teams that reflect best practice in urban design and contribute to a more liveable, connected and sustainable city.

Further details, eligibility criteria and nomination guidelines are available on the award’s webpage.

As part of Brisbane City Council’s recent Making our Mark campaign, the Green Grid- a plan to develop a network of shaded tree-lined pathways- has emerged as our city’s top legacy project.

Nearly 20,000 people voted- over six weeks- to cast their vote.

Out of a total of 56 ideas the top five were:

• The Green Grid, connecting venues and destinations with safe, shaded links.
• The Low Line, transforming underused space into an activated precinct.
• 24-hour precincts, to boost the night-time economy.
• Brisbane Metro expansion.
• Loving the Leftovers, creating urban sports parks from underused land.

A next phase of a green grid would reinforce Brisbane’s long-term commitment to creating a more connected, healthy and climate‑resilient Brisbane, enabling a network that links not only 2032 venues but high‑quality walking and cycling corridors linking parks, waterways, centres and neighbourhoods.

The plan is a key ‘capital city’ initiative in the Committee for Brisbane’s Advocacy Agenda, playing a critical role in shaping liveable precincts, supporting economic activity, enhancing community wellbeing and ensuring Brisbane is well positioned to manage growth while responding to climate impacts such as heat and flooding.

Further information is available on Brisbane City Council’s website here.

The CSIRO- in partnership with the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (CoMSEQ) and regional stakeholders- has delivered a comprehensive roadmap to boost the region’s food security ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The document focuses on 11 local government areas across SEQ – Brisbane, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Moreton Bay, Noosa, Redland, Scenic Rim, Somerset, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba – while offering a model that could be replicated in regions across the country where food is produced or manufactured.

The strategy marks a shift away from fragmented planning towards coordinated, region-wide action, and shaped to climate volatility, rapid population growth and increasingly fragile supply chains.

It identifies three priority areas for immediate action:

• Strengthen SEQ as a resilient food bowl by protecting key agricultural land and infrastructure and ensuring affordable, nutritious food for all.
• Feed population growth and major events, including the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, while strengthening supply chains and showcasing SEQ’s food identity.
• Build a globally competitive food innovation system by connecting data, research and industry, embracing circular solutions and elevating Indigenous food knowledge.

For further information please visit here.

The SEQ Innovation Economy Fund (IE Fund) is now open for Round 2, presenting a great opportunity for projects that support innovation-led growth across the Brisbane city-region.

Designed to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem, the fund supports initiatives that:

• accelerate commercialisation
• foster industry–research collaboration, and
• build capability in high-growth sectors.

Eligible projects may focus on areas such as advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, clean energy, life sciences, and future-ready workforce skills.

Organisations are encouraged to consider collaborative proposals that demonstrate clear regional benefit, strong governance, and the ability to translate innovation into measurable economic impact across the Brisbane city-region.

For program guidelines, eligibility criteria, and application details, visit the SEQ Innovation Economy Fund webpage.

The Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority has announced the selection of two construction joint ventures to take part in Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) for Brisbane Stadium following an international search.

The two joint ventures are:

• BUILT in partnership with SACYR, and
• John Holland in partnership with BESIX Watpac.

The ECI process enables both teams to work collaboratively with GIICA and the Stadium design team to refine solutions and test construction approaches ahead of final contractor selection later this year.

This two stage ECI process is aimed at providing value for money, innovation and on time delivery.

In a big move for Queensland and Brisbane’s literary scene, the Brisbane Writers Festival (BWF) has assumed responsibility for the Queensland Literary Awards (QLAs).

Previously managed by the State Library of Queensland, the awards now find a natural home at the heart of the state’s premier literary event.

This transition aligns the QLAs closely with BWF’s vibrant program of author talks, workshops, and celebrations of Australian writing.

Entries for the 2026 awards opened in late March, covering eight published book categories including the Queensland Premier’s Award for Work of State Significance, the University of Queensland Fiction and Non-Fiction Book Awards, and awards for poetry, children’s literature, and emerging writers.

BWF will oversee an expanded prize pool, with winners to be announced at a dedicated ceremony during its annual Festival on 8 October 2026 at Brisbane Powerhouse.

Local writers and readers are encouraged to engage with the awards and the Festival’s full program running 8–11 October.

For more information please visit BWF here.

Brisbane has officially established a Sister City relationship with Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in our city’s global engagement.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner and LA Mayor Karen Bass signed the Letter of Intent and Memorandum of Understanding on 16 April 2026, formalising ties between the hosts of the 2028 and 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This partnership is Brisbane’s first Sister City agreement in 16 years and represents Los Angeles’ inaugural formal relationship with an Australian city. It builds on shared ambitions for the Olympics, fostering collaboration in economic development, sustainability, cultural exchange, innovation, policy sharing, and major events.

The agreement promises tangible benefits for Brisbane residents, including new opportunities for local businesses, attraction of international talent and investment, and knowledge exchange to deliver a successful and lasting legacy for the 2032 Games.

“This Sister City agreement is a smart and timely step for Brisbane, with the insights of a city like Los Angeles playing an important role as we plan for growth, delivery and long-term legacy,” noted Committee for Brisbane CEO Jen Williams.

By learning from LA’s preparations for 2028, Brisbane aims to enhance its own Games delivery while showcasing the city’s unique subtropical lifestyle and strengths on the world stage.

This exciting “Bris-Angeles” connection strengthens Brisbane’s international profile and opens doors for cultural, educational, and commercial partnerships well beyond the Games.

On Saturday 25 April, Brisbane paused to honour the Anzac spirit with a series of moving commemorations throughout the CBD.

The official dawn service at Anzac Square Memorial Galleries observed a traditional candlelit vigil, bugle calls, and the Ode of Remembrance. The main civic service on the Square further featured addresses from Brisbane’s civic leaders, the laying of wreaths by veterans’ groups, RSL sub-branches, schools and community organisations, with the Last Post performed by the Brisbane Trumpeters.

Additional services were held at the Shrine of Remembrance in Roma Street Parklands and at the Eternal Flame Memorial. The Queensland Museum and State Library also hosted special Anzac exhibitions open to the public throughout the day.

This year marks 111 years since the Gallipoli landing. In Brisbane’s autumn, the day remains a solemn reminder of the courage, sacrifice and mateship shown by generations of Australian and New Zealand service personnel.

Lest We Forget.

Earlier this month, Brisbane City Council opened up expressions of interest for eight recreational hubs along the Brisbane River, from Murrarie to Riverhills.

The EOI is based on Council’s recent market sounding, which added three additional pontoons to the EOI mix – Mowbray Park, Newstead Park and Kangaroo Point’s Naval stores.

16 submissions were received as part of the market sounding from operators in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. These included concepts from river tours and wellness experiences to dining and water sports.

The next round of detailed proposals will help to identity further opportunities for investment, activation and a boost for Brisbane’s tourism and economic development sectors.

The Committee for Brisbane is currently undertaking early-stage work on identifying ways to unlock the Brisbane River, remove major barriers to activations, streamline tourism opportunities and ensure residents and visitors alike are able to enjoy one of our city’s finest natural assets.

For more information on Council’s EOI process please visit here. The closing date is 12 noon 15 May 2026.

This month, Logan City Council officially endorsed Logan 2075 – a bold, long‑term vision for how the city of Logan will grow, change and thrive over the next 50 years.

Underpinned by 7 interconnected, city‑wide goals, Logan 2075 will guide decision‑making and enable Council and the community to track its progress over time.

Council’s chief aim is to improve the quality of life for current and future generations who call the City of Logan home, paired with a bold, future‑focused and grounded vision of Logan into the future.

The 7 goals are shaped around 5 key themes and supported by a pipeline of projects and investment over the short, medium and long-term.

The 5 key themes are:

• city shape and mobility
• economic transformation
• thriving community
• natural areas
• water, waste and energy.

For further information, please visit Logan City Council here.

Ipswich City Council has just released The City of Ipswich: Space to Grow.

This vision highlights why Ipswich is emerging as one of the Brisbane city-region’s most important growth centres. With its unique combination of available land, established communities and strategic location west of Brisbane, Ipswich offers the space needed for housing, industry, infrastructure and lifestyle to evolve together.

The city is fast becoming HQ to a list of major companies, including Coles, Suntory Oceania, JBS, Rheinmetall, L’Oréal Groupe, Australia Post, FedEx, TAE Aerospace, Visy, CHEP, Sunny Queen, Bombadier, DB Schenker and Bapcor. Officeworks and Asahi are also building large-scale facilities in Ipswich.

For the broader Brisbane city-region, Ipswich’s growth supports economic diversification, easing development pressure closer to the CBD while creating new jobs, education opportunities and community facilities. The city’s focus on well-planned neighbourhoods, transport connectivity and environmental stewardship ensures growth is sustainable and benefits both existing and future residents.

As Brisbane continues to expand, Ipswich’s role as a complementary growth city is increasingly important. Space to Grow is not just about physical space—it is about creating long-term opportunities, liveable communities and a resilient regional future for South East Queensland.

View Ipswich City Council’s investment prospectus, The City of Ipswich: Space to Grow, here. And to be part of Ipswich’s growth journey, contact invest@ipswich.qld.gov.au