It was such an honour this month to represent Brisbane on the global stage.

The World Cities Summit, held in Singapore in mid-June, reinforced the growing global interest in Brisbane. From my conversation with the taxi driver who picked me up on arrival, through to the discussions held with every city leader, industry rep and local I met across the week, Brisbane was the city people could not hear enough about.

Discussions on uniquely Brisbane attributes- such as our early rising, outdoor lifestyle, and of course Bluey- reinforced for me the brand value of hosting the 2032 Games and the need to cement our global narrative ahead of the closing ceremony at the LA28 Games when the baton is officially handed to Brisbane.

Likewise, the conversations at our Festivals of Brisbane event last week and Dawn Economy breakfast last month reinforced for me the authentic, local identity we are nurturing from the ground up. How we harness this to showcase Brisbane to the world will be vital.

Arriving home to a commitment from BCC to develop a Dawn Economy Strategy and a launch date for the City of Brisbane Legacy Plan, shows that we are starting to embrace this identity. And with Games infrastructure now underway, there is increasingly clear air to turn our minds to how we truly leverage this once-in-forever opportunity to shape the future of the city-region.

The World Cities Summit provided a wonderful opportunity to not only profile the city, but also to work on the international research partnerships the Committee is engaged in, across the fields of transport and mobility, urban renewal, and integrated city planning (think Green Grid!). I look forward to sharing more on these partnerships once the projects progress further, as Brisbane has a lot to learn (and share) with global cities of all shapes and sizes.

As the financial year draws to a close, I wanted to extend my sincere thanks to all of our members for your support during this year of massive change. We’re proud of the inroads we have made in shaping conversations around the city-region and hope you’ve found value in your membership.

We look forward to building our advocacy and continuing to work with you to create an even more liveable Brisbane in these critical years ahead.

Brisbane city-region’s voice resonated on the international stage at the 10th edition of the World Cities Summit (WCS) in Singapore from 14–16 June 2026. Under the theme Liveable and Sustainable Cities: ACT Now!, the summit brought together global leaders to share innovative solutions for resilient, inclusive urban futures.

The Committee for Brisbane CEO led the City of Brisbane delegation, joined by a strong city-region contingent, including representatives from the Council of Mayors SEQ and several SEQ mayors. This collaborative presence highlighted the unified approach of Brisbane and its surrounding communities in tackling shared urban challenges.

A key focus for the delegation was advancing the Committee for Brisbane’s advocacy priorities. Transport, logistics, and mobility emerged as central themes, directly shaping the organisation’s agenda for enhanced connectivity across our own city-region (and a big thank you to our Transport, Logistics and Mobility Sub-Committee, who helped to refine our advocacy piece).

While the Summit was officially held from 14-16 June, the Committee was involved in additional panel conversations and programs from 12-18 June, including:

• Research Fellowship (Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Network)
• Mayors Forum (World Cities Summit)
• Council of Capital City Lord Mayors’ Forum
• Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Knowledge Network
• Urban Leaders’ Fellowship 2026- Singapore Edition
• Council of Mayors SEQ Forum
• International Urban and Regional Cooperation (Funded by the European Union)

Insights gained from global peers on innovative urban solutions will strengthen the Committee’s ongoing work to position Brisbane as a leading liveable and prosperous city-region, continuing to place us firmly on the global map.

This month, Brisbane City Council handed down its 2026-27 budget. Among a range of initiatives, the budget was particularly notable for being the first to formally reflect Brisbane’s emerging ‘dawn economy’.

BCC confirmed that Brisbane is one of the earliest rising cities in the world and announced its largest-ever boost to the Move Well Brisbane program. This includes:

• A new Dawn Economy Plan, which recognises research presented at our Dawn Economy Breakfast showing that 30 percent of Brisbane’s food businesses are open by 7am.
• Move Well Brisbane activities now available from dawn to dusk and on weekends, delivering $5.6 million in savings for residents.
• A doubling of whole-body wellness activities to 20,000 over the next two years, with the number of participating small business operators expanding to 400.

It is pleasing to see the Committee for Brisbane’s advocacy strongly reflected in the budget, alongside a range of other measures designed to enhance our city’s liveability.

These include continued investment in Mt Coot-tha, with the long-term vision for the precinct due for release this year; further progress on Brisbane Metro expansion (with support from State and Federal Governments) to the north, east, south, and airport; $135 million for the Story Bridge Renewal Project ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games; and $110 million for road resurfacing.

Also of note is new AI technology to improve traffic signal performance at intersections- an initiative that aligns closely with the position in our forthcoming Digital Advocacy Plan. Other announcements include a 3.97 percent general rate increase and an average 4.8 percent rise in council fees.

For more detailed information on the BCC 2026-27 budget, please visit BCC’s website here.

Griffith University is now one of the world’s top two universities for impact, also taking out the number one spot in Australia in the 2026 Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings.

This impressive result underscores Griffith’s deep commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with the university ranking equal first globally for SDG 14: Life Below Water, and securing top Australian spots in:

• Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7)
• Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and
• Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16).

As one of our corporate leaders, Griffith continues to drive positive impact across Brisbane and beyond through innovative research, campus initiatives, and community partnerships.

Highlights include their Integrated Water Management Plan protecting local waterways, groundbreaking biomethane research supporting Queensland’s renewable energy future, and programs enhancing urban biodiversity and wildlife habitats.

Vice Chancellor Professor Carolyn Evans has praised the dedication of staff, students, and partners, while Dean of Sustainability Professor Jennifer Boddy highlighted Griffith’s values-led approach to sustainability in operations, research, teaching, and global collaboration.

This success reflects the strength of Brisbane’s knowledge economy and the vital role our corporate leaders like Griffith play in building a more sustainable future for our city and city-region. Congratulations to Griffith University on this remarkable global recognition.

For further information please visit here.

What better way to close out the financial year than with great company, dynamic conversation, and a shared passion for Brisbane.

Our Festivals of Brisbane EOFY Long Lunch last Friday brought together industry leaders and changemakers to celebrate the role festivals play in shaping Brisbane’s identity, and its future.

Across three hours and three engaging panels, the conversation explored Brisbane’s festival legacy, its current momentum, and the opportunities ahead.

Panel 1: Together, we’ll show the world took guests on a journey through the defining festivals and moments that helped put Brisbane on the global stage. From the origins of Warana, to the legacy of Expo ’88 and the boundary-pushing impact of Livid, the discussion highlighted the ambition and collaboration that continue to define the city.

Panel 2: Festival Fever explored the scale, diversity and impact of today’s major events, and how they continue to engage audiences while delivering strong cultural and economic outcomes. The conversation also touched on the challenges and opportunities shaping the next wave of festivals.

Panel 3: A new era, a new festival? delivered a forward-focused discussion on Brisbane’s next chapter, including the opportunities presented by the 2032 Cultural Olympiad and the evolving role of festivals in reflecting the culture of Brisbane.

Thank you to our outstanding line-up of speakers!

• Janine Watson (CEO, Business South Bank – Warana)
• Sallyanne Atkinson AO (Expo ’88)
• Peter Walsh (LIVID)
• Chris Jones (Editor, The Courier-Mail)
• Ebony Bott (Artistic Director, Brisbane Festival)
• Todd Hacking (CEO, HVIA – Brisbane Truck Show)
• Renai Grace (CEO, Queensland Museum – World Science Festival)
• Sofie Formica (Travel Well Media)
• Dominique Lamb (Director of Community Affairs, Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee)
• Cam Pearson (Tournament Director, Brisbane International)
• Jackie Ryan (CEO, Brisbane Writers Festival)
• Anthony Ryan (CEO, Brisbane Economic Development Agency)

We also extend our sincere thanks to our event partners: Major Sponsor Hutchinson Builders, and Supporting Sponsors Airbnb, Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) and McCullough Robertson, whose support made the event possible.

Check out the event gallery here. 

The changes mooted to the Committee for Brisbane’s new company structure and single membership model are now well and truly underway. These changes are designed to make engagement simpler, more inclusive, and more impactful for all members.

If you haven’t received your renewal notice
Membership renewals are being issued under the new structure, but only once your organisation has formally opted in to become a member of the ‘new’ company.

If your renewal hasn’t come through, it’s likely this step is still outstanding. Please check for the opt-in email sent to your primary contact or reach out to our team for support.

Thinking about your membership?
Whether you’re considering renewing, changing your level of involvement, or exploring a new membership, we’re keen to talk.

Our new model is designed to offer:

• Expanded access to strategic forums
• Greater opportunities to contribute to policy development and advocacy priorities
• Increased visibility and profile through Committee-led initiatives and communications
• Stronger cross-sector collaboration opportunities
• Improved access to insights, research and thought leadership

If you haven’t received your renewal, need help with the opt-in, or want to explore what membership looks like for you, please get in touch.

This month the Committee for Brisbane, and the City Vision Sub-Committee, has continued the momentum on advancing Brisbane’s Dawn Economy.

The City Vision sub-committee’s monthly meeting focused on practical next steps to unlock early-morning economic and liveability benefits across the city-region, discussing in particular:

+ Business support.

+ Transport & Infrastructure connectivity.

+ Aligning tourism, investment and identity messaging.

+ Suburbs & precincts: strengthening connections between key areas in the mornings.

+ Complementing the night time economy.

We look forward to sharing more in the dawn economy space, especially around the alignment of tourism, investment and identity messaging with Brisbane’s unique offering.

And ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

Economic Development Queensland (EDQ) has declared the Land Activation Program (SEQ Tranche 1) Provisional Priority Development Area (PPDA), a significant step towards unlocking government land for much-needed housing and mixed-use development.

The PPDA covers key sites at:

• Montague Road (West End/South Brisbane)
• Banyo
• Turbot Street (Spring Hill), and
• Meadowbrook in Logan.

The overall package aims to fast-track planning for more than 5,000 new homes and two landmark mixed-use precincts.

The Committee for Brisbane has put forward a submission on the Montague Road site here, which highlights the importance of whole-of-precinct outcomes and connectivity.

Overall, the initiative aligns strongly with Committee for Brisbane’s long-standing advocacy for streamlined planning, precinct-scale thinking, and accelerated delivery of housing and economic infrastructure. By activating surplus land in well-connected locations, the program supports compact, walkable urban growth and contributes to Brisbane’s housing supply targets.

The Committee for Brisbane welcomes the opening of applications for the $50 million Local Digital Priority Projects grant program, a timely investment in the Brisbane city-region’s digital foundations.

Jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments, the program will support projects that improve connectivity, expand access to essential online services and help close the digital divide for vulnerable communities.

Eligible councils, industry, public and private entities, and not-for-profits can apply for funding for initiatives ranging from public Wi-Fi and digital infrastructure upgrades to digital skills and training programs. As Brisbane and the wider region prepare for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, this investment can help strengthen productivity, inclusion and long-term economic opportunity across the Brisbane city-region.

The Committee is also soon to release our Digital Advocacy Plan, setting out priorities to help Brisbane become a more inclusive, productive and globally competitive digital city.

Applications for the LDPP program close Monday 24 August. For further information please visit here.

[Image credit: Engineers Australia]

Brisbane Festival has officially launched its 2026 program, promising 23 days of world-class theatre, music, dance, spectacle and celebration from 4–26 September.

Under the theme Switch On, Light Up, Come Alive, this year’s festival will transform our city into a vibrant cultural hub, delivering unforgettable experiences across multiple precincts. Highlights include Riverfire on Saturday 5 September, along with an exciting line-up of international and local artists.

As Brisbane prepares for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, events like the Brisbane Festival play a vital role in activating our city, boosting the nighttime and dawn economies, and showcasing our creativity on the global stage. The festival drives significant economic benefit through increased visitation, hospitality spend, and cultural tourism.

The Committee for Brisbane congratulates the Brisbane Festival team on a compelling program and encourages all members to get involved, whether attending performances, supporting local artists, or helping amplify the city’s cultural momentum.

Tickets are now on sale here.

Brisbane is set for a major city-shaping transformation, with the Queensland Government’s selection of a proponent to redevelop the 7.1-hectare former Visy site on the South Brisbane riverfront.

Located between South Bank and West End, the precinct represents one of the last significant industrial riverfront renewal opportunities close to the CBD.

The project, led by Lendlease, is expected to deliver more than 4,000 new homes alongside a vibrant mixed-use community precinct, including 1.2 hectares of publicly accessible open space.

Proposed public realm features include riverfront promenades, boardwalks, plazas, amphitheatre-style spaces, parkland, and improved pedestrian and cycling connections.

Beyond housing, the redevelopment is anticipated to support short and long-term economic and community benefits.

The Committee for Brisbane’s associated recent submission (as part of the Montague Road Precinct Land Activation Program (SEQ Tranche 1) PPDA), noted the importance of connectivity and embracing genuine precinct-wide outcomes in terms of this unique part of our city.

The site is expected to be available for redevelopment from April 2027, with planning and pre-development activities to continue ahead of handover. Community consultation on the proposed masterplan is expected in early 2027, providing an important opportunity for residents, businesses and stakeholders to help shape the future of this key riverside location.

A significant milestone has been reached at Victoria Park, with early works commencing for Brisbane’s new 63,000-seat Olympic Stadium.

The Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority (GIICA) has taken possession of the site, marking the start of a transformative new chapter for this iconic inner-city location. The stadium will host the opening and closing ceremonies and athletics events for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games before transitioning into a world-class, multi-purpose venue for sport, entertainment, and community use.

This development represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a lasting legacy precinct that enhances connectivity, activates surrounding areas, and strengthens Brisbane’s position as a global events city.

Brisbane Open House returns on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026, inviting residents and visitors to step inside some of the city’s most remarkable places. This year’s program opens 93 buildings and spaces across Greater Brisbane, including more than 30 new additions and a record 16 private homes.

From much-loved civic landmarks such as Brisbane City Hall, Government House and Roma Street Fire Station to contemporary projects reshaping the skyline, Brisbane Open House offers a rare opportunity to explore the architecture, design and stories that define our city.

Highlights for 2026 include:

• The new Glasshouse Theatre
• Spring Hill Service Reservoirs
• Brisbane Airport
• Port of Brisbane and
• special experiences such as guided walks, talks, workshops, photography activities and meet-the-maker events.

The Committee for Brisbane is proud to have been a founding member of Brisbane Open House, supporting its mission to connect people with the places, design and ideas shaping our city.

We encourage members, families and friends to take part, plan ahead, and enjoy a weekend celebrating Brisbane’s built heritage, creativity and evolving city life.

For further information please visit Brisbane Open House here.

The Queensland Government is developing a comprehensive 10-year Volunteering Plan to strengthen one of our city-region and state’s most vital community assets.

Launched in response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Volunteering, the plan aims to address declining volunteer participation rates, remove barriers, and build lasting infrastructure for volunteers across Brisbane and regional Queensland.

Key priorities include:

• exploring a regional volunteer hub model,
• establishing a Ministerial Sector Advisory Panel, and
• creating a whole-of-government Volunteering Working Group.

These initiatives will support better coordination, training, recognition, and resources for volunteers who are the backbone of essential services, events, and community connection — especially in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

Public feedback is open until 24 July 2026 and for further information please visit here.

The Wave rail project has reached a key milestone with the awarding of design and pre-construction contracts for Stage 1.

This initiative, jointly funded by the Queensland and Australian Governments, will deliver 19km of new dual-track passenger rail between Beerwah and Caloundra. Contracts have been awarded to consortia including Beerwah Coast Connect (Georgiou, Hatch, Laing O’Rourke), CoastalTraX (Acciona and Georgiou), and signalling partners Alstom and UGL.

Stage 1 includes new stations at Aura (Bells Creek) and Caloundra, plus upgrades to Beerwah station. The project will improve connectivity, support population growth on the Sunshine Coast, and enhance transport options for residents and visitors travelling to Brisbane and beyond.

Better regional connectivity is essential for Queensland’s economic prosperity and for maximising the benefits of the 2032 Games. The Committee for Brisbane continues to stay apprised of this project through Laing O’Rourke as part of our Transport, Logistics and Mobility Sub-Committee, as well as broader connectivity and 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games updates among our members.

Brisbane City Council has introduced a new Housing Tracker website, providing transparent, real-time data on approved residential development across the city.

The tool allows residents, industry, and stakeholders to monitor housing supply progress, track new dwellings in different suburbs, and better understand where growth is occurring.

It forms part of Council’s broader commitment to addressing housing affordability and delivering “more homes in the right places.”

This initiative reflects greater use of data transparency and evidence-based planning. Leveraging better use of data is a key theme of the Committee for Brisbane’s soon to be launched Digital Advocacy Plan.

Access the tracker via Council’s website here.

This month the Queensland Government launched a comprehensive review of the South East Queensland Regional Plan.

With more than 80 per cent of Queensland’s future population growth expected in SEQ, the review aims to boost housing in well-serviced locations, identify new growth areas supported by infrastructure, and reset the planning partnership with councils, industry, and communities.

The review will also examine opportunities to increase land for business and employment, and consider targeted changes to long-standing rural subdivision rules.

Residents, councils, and other stakeholders are invited to share early ideas via the online portal before 17 July 2026.

For further information please visit the Department of State Planning here.

On 23 June 2026, the Queensland Government delivered the 2026-27 State Budget.

Key notable highlights for the Brisbane city-region include the following.

Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games & Legacy Infrastructure

Continued rollout of the $7.1 billion Games program, featuring Brisbane Stadium and supporting venues, athlete villages, and transport links that will leave a lasting legacy for the city-region.

2032 Games-specific highlights include:

• $4.7 billion allocated over the forward estimates to implement the 2032 Delivery Plan, accelerating venue construction and athlete villages with a strong focus on Brisbane’s Victoria Park main stadium and RNA Showgrounds upgrade.
• Progress on the new Brisbane Athlete Village and supporting infrastructure, delivering post-Games housing and urban renewal opportunities in well-located inner-city precincts.
• Continued investment in transport connectivity, including road and public transport upgrades that will enhance daily mobility across the Brisbane city-region long after the Games conclude.
• $250 million for the Games On! program to upgrade more than 100 community sports clubs and facilities across Queensland, with significant benefits for Brisbane’s grassroots sporting infrastructure and active lifestyles.
• Funding for the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority ($308.5 million over four years) to ensure efficient delivery and maximise legacy outcomes for Brisbane.
• Strong emphasis on sustainable and legacy-focused development, including protection of green spaces where possible and creation of world-class sporting, community, and recreational assets for Brisbane residents.

Housing Supply & Affordability

A significant focus on the goal of one million new homes by 2044. Initiatives include expanded social and community housing, frontline homelessness services across Brisbane suburbs, and planning reforms to unlock various sites. This year’s budget committed to freezing SEQ bulk water prices for two years that aim to ease cost-of-living pressures for households.

Health & Community Services

Major hospital upgrades, including the Princess Alexandra Hospital expansion, which will include a new 249 beds and additional parking. New schools, including a special school in Wynnum Manly, plus broader child safety reforms and the aim of more frontline police.

Transport & Economic Connectivity

Investments in road and rail upgrades, public transport enhancements, and active transport to improve connectivity across the region. These projects aim to reduce congestion, support jobs, and integrate with the city region’s emerging growth areas.

Overall, the Budget continues the Government’s primary focus on regional investment, with little new spending directed towards the growth hub of South East Queensland.