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 mobilisation - October 2026 (completed)

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. 

Site preparation - October to December 2026

As part of site preparation works, construction equipment will be used to prepare the site for remediation works to the eroded riverbank.

While every effort has been made to retain the majority of vegetation, a number of trees and mangroves need to be removed along the bank to enable the works, including where new structures need to be located for riverbank stabilisation. Tree protection measures will be in place for the 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 clearing or construction works, trees and riverbanks will be inspected by a qualified fauna expert, in line with the BCC approved project Vegetation and Fauna Management Plan and to ensure compliance with the BCC permit. 

The University will replant trees to replace those trees that need to be removed and in addition, the project will deliver a protected area (or shelf) in the tidal zone to enable natural establishment and propagation of mangroves along the bank.

Contact

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

Example of works