Brisbane continues to attract global attention, with an increasing number of national and international organisations reaching out to better understand how our city-region will grow and change over the coming decade.

This level of interest has been reflected in the requests received by the Committee for Brisbane to participate in masterclasses, workshops and events as part of- and alongside- the biennial World Cities Summit being held in Singapore in mid-June.

More than 3,000 delegates representing 100 cities are expected to attend WCS, creating a valuable opportunity to represent Brisbane on the global stage, share our story, and learn from other cities’ experiences.

The Committee will be attending as a guest of the Centre for Liveable Cities, to further the work Brisbane is undertaking with New York and Antwerp through the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize Network.

If you are planning to attend WCS, please let us know so we can support a coordinated and visible presence for Brisbane.

As we approach the final month of the financial year, I would like to thank members for your continued support during a period of significant change. Over the past 12 months we have welcomed new team members (congrats to Smaro, Sean and Anna, who all celebrated one year with CFB in May), refreshed our brand and website, and secured member endorsement for a new membership model and transition to a company structure.

This week we received approval from the Office of Fair Trading to proceed with our application to ASIC to become a Company Limited by Guarantee. This is an important milestone in strengthening our governance and positioning the organisation for the future. More information on this transition and what it means for your membership is provided in the article, below.

To round off a big year, we hope to see you at our End of Financial Year long lunch, this year on the Festivals of Brisbane. Building on last year’s Brand Brisbane event, it is shaping up as one not to miss!

This month marks an important milestone for the Committee for Brisbane as we continue evolving to better serve our members and the broader city we champion.

As previously advised, the Committee is transitioning to a new company structure. This change reflects our commitment to strengthening governance, enhancing member engagement, and ensuring the organisation is well positioned for future growth and impact. While our purpose and collaborative spirit remain unchanged, the new structure provides a more contemporary and flexible foundation for how we deliver value to members.

A simpler, stronger membership model

A key feature of this transition is the move to a single membership level. This new approach simplifies our structure and ensures all members have access to the same core benefits, fostering greater inclusivity, collaboration and alignment across our network.

By removing tiered structures, we are reinforcing the Committee’s role as a unified voice for Brisbane, bringing together business, government and community leaders on equal footing to help shape the future of our city-region.

We are committed to ensuring the Committee for Brisbane continues to represent a broad cross-section of industries and organisations, reflecting the long-standing commitment and passion of Brisbane’s business and community leaders.

If you are part of a not-for-profit organisation, a small business, operating as a sole trader, or an individual (for example, a professional non-executive director), we encourage you to get in touch. We would be pleased to discuss membership options that may be suitable for your circumstances.

Enhanced member benefits

Alongside this simplified structure, members will benefit from a refreshed and strengthened value offering, including:

• 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, connecting members across industries and disciplines
• Improved access to insights, research and thought leadership to support informed decision-making

View our Membership brochure here. 

These benefits are designed to ensure every member derives meaningful value while contributing to the collective vision of the Committee.

What this means for members

As part of the transition to the new company structure, all members are required to formally ‘opt in’ to the new entity. This is a necessary legal step to ensure your organisation is recognised within the updated structure and can continue to enjoy the full range of membership benefits.

The opt-in process is straightforward but essential.

An email has been sent to all the primary member contacts for action. Membership renewals cannot be issued until this step has been completed.

If you have any questions or require assistance with the opt-in process, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

We greatly appreciate the continued support and engagement of our members during this transition. These changes position the Committee for Brisbane to build an even stronger, more connected membership base, one that is well equipped to play a leading role in shaping Brisbane’s future.

Our recent Boardroom Lunch brought together senior representatives from our Corporate Leaders, Management Committee and Advisory Council for a discussion with Kylie Rampa, CEO of QIC.

Attendees gained valuable insights into QIC’s strategic direction, investment priorities and long-term vision.

We thank Kylie and QIC for facilitating this discussion, and all members for contributing to a thoughtful, forward-looking conversation.

Earlier this month our #BIG (Brisbane Idea Generators) sub-committee came together, linking “vision” with practical short, medium and long-term outcomes at one of our city’s most iconic destinations – Breakfast Creek.

Our #BIG team put together all its ideas, from transport connectivity and public art to floating activations and amenity upgrades by:

• shortlisting interventions
• reflecting what they’d heard from stakeholders
• workshopping the practical versus the possible
• walking and exploring the space/s
• examining pilot projects and
• in true #BIG spirit- bringing together collective expertise to push the boundaries (with a bit of help from AI!).

We look forward, over the next few months, to refining these ideas with stakeholders, putting forward a pilot site and sharing more of our #BIG ideas!

The recent release of the Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games White Paper marks an exciting milestone in preparations for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Launched on 30 April 2026 by Australia’s Food and Beverage Accelerator (FaBA) at The University of Queensland, the document outlines a comprehensive vision for supplying nutritious, sustainable, and distinctively Queensland food to athletes, officials, visitors, and locals.

Led by Professor Janet McColl-Kennedy from UQ’s Business School, the White Paper draws on insights from a roundtable of more than 80 leaders across industry, government, and academia. It examines the entire food ecosystem – from primary production and manufacturing to logistics, workforce capabilities, food safety, waste management, and sustainability.

With 57 recommendations across eight chapters, it emphasises opportunities for innovation, personalised nutrition, reduced waste, and long-term economic benefits for regional businesses.

As Brisbane gears up to host the world in 2032, this initiative highlights how the Games can nourish communities well beyond the final medal ceremony.

To read the White Paper, please follow this link: Feeding the Brisbane 2032 Games, White Paper.

Brisbane City Council has announced it would not proceed with proposed changes to its short-stay accommodation permit scheme.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced the pause on 12 May 2026, just weeks before the planned 1 July 2026 commencement date.

The proposed law would have introduced a permit system for short-stay operators (such as Airbnb and Stayz hosts), with restrictions particularly affecting low-density residential areas. Council cited recent federal tax uncertainties and ongoing interest rate pressures on the housing market as key factors in its decision.

The move has been welcomed by the Short Term Accommodation Association Australia and industry operators, who argued the additional regulations could have reduced housing supply and impacted tourism.

The Committee for Brisbane’s submission to Brisbane City Council shared these concerns, noting Brisbane’s forecast increased visitation numbers, hotel accommodation supply issues, and the effects of the changes in low to medium density areas, which includes some of our city’s most connected places.

Existing short-stay operations can continue under current rules.

For a copy of our submission, please see here.

Brisbane’s transformation into an Olympic and Paralympic host city has taken a major step forward with the release of exciting new images and the nearing completion of the draft master plan for the Victoria Park precinct.

The precinct will feature the 63,000-seat Brisbane Stadium (set to host athletics, opening, and closing ceremonies), the National Aquatic Centre, and the Athletes’ Village.

Post-Games, it promises to deliver lasting benefits as a vibrant public space, with recent renders revealing shaded pergolas, lush greenery, walking and cycling paths, and seamless connectivity throughout the site.

Our members Arup were appointed to lead the integrated master planning. The focus includes technical investigations, transport integration, and community-focused design to ensure the precinct functions effectively during the 2032 Games and beyond.

Public consultation on the draft master plan is expected soon, with further information here.

Brisbane has cemented its status as the proud home of the NRL Magic Round, with the Queensland Government announcing a major deal to host the event at Suncorp Stadium until 2032.

This blockbuster extension, secured on the eve of this year’s Magic Round, ensures Brisbane remains the beating heart of one of the NRL’s most exciting festivals.

Sport is becoming a powerhouse of Brisbane’s inner city vitality, with this year’s round resulting in:

• Between 147,000–150,000+ game spectators over three days.
• The Women’s State of Origin Game II on Thursday, May 14 drawing 23,846 fans as a curtain-raiser.
• Strong interstate and tourism visitation, with high hotel occupancy (73–77% city-wide) ahead of the weekend.
• Reports of record economic impact, based on increased numbers.

The Committee for Brisbane’s next annual Inner City Vitality Report will reflect this sector’s emerging dynamism and importance for our inner city.

From 2027, Magic Round will evolve into an expanded week-long celebration featuring more matches and enhanced entertainment, promising even greater economic benefits and spotlight for our city. The event continues to showcase Brisbane’s world-class venues, vibrant atmosphere, and passionate rugby league community.

For further information on Brisbane’s packed calendar of events, please visit Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) here.

Congratulations to everyone involved in keeping this iconic event in Brisbane!

Next month, on 6 June, Brisbane’s communities will come together to honour the spirit, resilience, and remarkable progress of our great state.

On 6 June 1859, Queensland became its own state by separating from New South Wales.

Queensland Day proudly celebrates 167 years of innovation, natural beauty, and the unique “Queensland way” that defines us.

Brisbane as our capital continues to thrive as a hub of culture, technology, and sporting excellence, from being home to world-class events to celebrating its diverse communities.

The Queensland Government has shared ways for Brisbies to celebrate.

• Shout out our best by voting for your favourite places across 15 categories from camping spots to bakeries
• Celebrate our greats by nominating selfless Queenslanders in the QLD Day Awards.
• Head to a QLD Day Mega Round sporting event.
• Join the QLD Day Party on Caxton Street or host your own QLD Day Party.

For further information on this year’s Queensland Day please visit here.

On 12 May 2026, the Commonwealth Government released its 2026-27 federal budget.

Framed around resilience in the face of global oil shocks, cost-of-living relief, housing supply, and long-term productivity gains, key Budget Announcements with implications for the Brisbane city-region include:

• Bruce Highway Upgrades: $812.5 million for Stage 2 between the Gateway Motorway and Dohles Rocks Road in the City of Moreton Bay.
• Additional funding for local roads via the Roads to Recovery program.
• Housing Supply: $2 billion national Local Infrastructure Fund for enabling works (water, roads, power) to unlock up to 65,000 new homes, with benefits anticipated for the Brisbane city-region’s growth corridors.
• Transport and Active Mobility: Contributions to freight rail productivity and $500 million nationally for the Active Transport Fund to improve walking and cycling paths across growing suburbs. Disappointingly, the Federal Government has redirected Inland Rail funding, which leaves a major gap in terms of dedicated freight and broad supply chain links to the Port of Brisbane.
• Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Legacy: Continued support including $307.4 million for elite athletes and organisations in the lead-up to the Games.

In terms of other 2032 Games related commitments, the budget:

• allocates over $400 million over two years for participation, integrity, and high-performance sport
• builds on the pre-existing ~$3.435 billion federal commitment (part of ~$7.1 billion total venues envelope with Queensland) for new/upgraded venues and transport projects essential for 2032, and
• supports broader transport/infrastructure pipeline aiding Games readiness.

The budget overall projects a $31.5 billion deficit for 2026–27, with efforts toward returning to balance in the mid-2030s through savings and reforms.

For further budget information- and its implications- please visit here.

Set within the context of global turmoil and an inflation challenge, and after expectations for ambitious reform had been raised over the past year, this was one of the most anticipated Federal Budgets for some time.

The Budget reveals an underlying cash deficit of $28.3 billion is estimated for 2025-26, an improvement of $8.5 billion compared to the expectation in the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) in December 2025. Over the five years to 2029-30, the forecast of the underlying cash balance has improved by a cumulative $44.8 billion, thanks primarily to a windfall revenue gain of $41.1 billion over the same period.

The Budget also announced some modest but meaningful changes to the tax system, including on capital gains, negative gearing of residential property and discretionary trusts.

Deloitte’s Federal Budget Tax Insights report, developed by our team of leading economic and tax specialists, examines the Budget’s key announcements and provides practical guidance on navigating emerging challenges and opportunities.

With specialist analysis, our report empowers organisations to adapt strategically and unlock potential benefits – both now and into the future.

Explore our insights to stay informed: https://deloi.tt/4mAbFEs

National Reconciliation Week 2026 is currently underway, taking place this year from 27 May to 3 June. This year’s theme, “All In”, is a call for all Australians to step away from the sidelines and commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation every day. Two monumental milestones are celebrated this year: the successful 1967 referendum and the High Court’s historic Mabo decision.

Community members are encouraged to participate across Brisbane and Queensland through a range of initiatives:

• Connect and Learn: Attend community yarning circles and local cultural events hosted throughout the week.
• Show Your Support: Use the Reconciliation Australia Resources to display official campaign posters and digital materials in your workplace or community group.
• Join Statewide Gatherings: Connect with advocates at events like the Reconciliation Queensland programs.

Reconciliation will not happen by itself. Whether you are attending a local event, hosting a morning tea, or starting conversations with friends, it is time to be All In. Reconciliation Week 2026 calls for all community members to join the movement and help build a united, equitable Brisbane for everyone.

Public notification of the proposed Development Scheme for the Waraba Priority Development Area (PDA)- in the City of Moreton Bay- is now underway, with submissions open until 2 July 2026.

Declared on 2 August 2024, the Waraba PDA covers approximately 3,000 hectares and is set to become a vibrant new regional city. It will accommodate a population of around 65,000 people in about 25,000 homes and provide for approximately 17,000 jobs in various employment and activity centre locations.

The proposed Development Scheme outlines the planning framework to guide future development across the PDA. It focuses on delivering a well-planned liveable area that supports housing choice, local jobs and essential infrastructure.

Included in the scheme is a funded infrastructure plan to support additional housing roll-out, which includes $2 billion of supporting infrastructure covering stormwater, parks, sewer, water, transport and community facilities.

All interested residents, businesses, and stakeholders are encouraged to review the scheme and make a written submission during the notification period (18 May – 2 July 2026). Feedback will help refine plans for this major growth area in the Brisbane city-region.

For further information please visit Economic Development Queensland here.

Ipswich and its rapidly growing western corridor have reached a major new healthcare milestone. This month Premier David Crisafulli and Governor Dr Jeannette Young officially opened Mater Hospital Springfield – Queensland’s first major new public hospital in nearly a decade.

The 186-bed facility, developed through a $1 billion public-private partnership between Mater and the Queensland Government, will provide care for approximately 185,000 patients annually. Services include a 24/7 Emergency Department, maternity and paediatric care, intensive care unit, operating theatres, surgery, and specialist outpatient clinics.

Located at 30 Health Care Drive, Springfield Central, the nine-storey hospital addresses long-standing demand in one of Australia’s fastest-growing communities. It is expected to ease pressure on nearby facilities like Ipswich Hospital, while also delivering high-quality care closer to home for thousands of families.

The Queensland Government has committed $638 million over four years to support operations.

This significant milestone represents a major boost for healthcare access in Greater Springfield and the Brisbane city-region.

For Brisbane businesses, the road to 2032 presents both challenge and opportunity. At UQ Brisbane City, Andrew Liveris AO challenged leaders to embrace disruption, lead with purpose and harness Brisbane 2032 – sharing key insights on driving growth, innovation and global impact.