Riverbank remediation

UQ is undertaking essential riverbank remediation works at St Lucia to manage erosion and support long-term stability, following ongoing impacts from the 2022 floods.

Stage 1, located underneath the Eleanor Schonell Bridge south to Sporting Field 3, will be carried out between October 2026 to mid-2027.

Works involve installing a combination of protective rock and gabion cage walls at the riverbank, and planting of Indigenous trees, shrubs and mangroves to improve stability.

Planning is underway for future stages and an update will be provided in 2027.

Managing construction and minimising impacts

UQ and its contractor will aim to minimise impacts as much as possible during these works.

Works will be carried out from Monday to Friday between 6am and 6pm, with weekends and public holidays by exception.

Construction activities will require regular truck movements in and out of the site each day to deliver materials. There will be frequent and brief traffic holds for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians on Sir William Macgregor Drive and the adjacent footpath. Traffic control and signage will be in place to guide the safe movement of vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists as part of a traffic management plan.

Approximately 10 parking spaces near the site entrance will be temporarily closed so trucks can enter and exit the site safely.

There will be increased noise from truck movements, use of machinery and power tools, and placement of rocks during the works. Intermittent periods of higher noise are expected during rock deliveries.

A construction management plan is in place to ensure safety and minimise noise, dust, vibration and other disruptions as much as possible.

Current works

The timing of works may change pending weather and ground conditions.

Site establishment and preparatory works - Q4 2026

From October 2026, temporary fencing will be installed between the footpath and riverbank on Sir William Macgregor Drive between Eleanor Schonell Bridge and Sporting Field 3.

Construction equipment, including an excavator, will be used to prepare the site for remediation works.

While every effort has been made to retain the majority of vegetation, 23 trees need to be removed to enable the works, including where new structures need to be located for riverbank stabilisation. Tree protection measures will be in place for remaining vegetation.

Brisbane City Council has issued a permit for the removal of the trees, in line with the Natural Assets Local Law 2003. Before any removal works, all trees will be inspected by a qualified fauna expert, in accordance with the permit.

The University will replant trees to replace the trees that will be removed.

Contact

For construction questions, contact projectcomms@uq.edu.au.

Example of works