- Construction has begun to deliver flood-resilient upgrades to the primary access to the Brisbane Markets on Curzon Street Bridge in Rocklea.
- The bridge will be raised and strengthened to help protect freight access during heavy rain and flood events.
- Another key initiative jointly funded by the Albanese and Crisafulli Governments to improve community disaster resilience.
The Brisbane Markets are set to become more flood-resilient with major upgrades to the Curzon Street Bridge in Rocklea now underway.
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments are partnering with Brisbane Markets to deliver the Betterment project, funded as part of a record resilience investment under the $450 million Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Program.
Brisbane Markets has been proudly based in Rocklea for more than 60 years and is a significant employment hub in South East Queensland, directly through its Wholesalers and indirectly via regional farms and distribution networks.
Curzon Street Bridge will be raised by approximately 1.2 metres to improve its reliability in times of flooding. A full road reconstruction along the street will be carried out as part of the project.
Other Betterment works include a retaining wall to elevate the road, a reinforced bridge deck, pedestrian access, a new gatehouse with entry controls, and upgraded electrical and communications infrastructure.
These upgrades will improve access in and out of the Markets during severe weather events, protecting supply chains and the thousands of jobs supported by the iconic fresh produce hub.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the upgrades would make the bridge and markets more resilient to severe weather events.
"This investment will ensure the region is better prepared for when disasters strike," Minister McBain said.
"By upgrading the Curzon Street Bridge we are ensuring that traders and visitors alike will have improved access to the Brisbane Markets even when severe weather events hit."
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said raising the Curzon Street Bridge was a vital Betterment investment, strengthening infrastructure resilience to deliver real value for Queenslanders.
"The Crisafulli Government is delivering on a key election commitment to make Curzon Street Bridge more flood resilient," Minister Leahy said.
"This Betterment project is delivering better access to the Brisbane Markets and better support for Queensland farmers.
"We're doubling our investment in Betterment with $80 million each year to help Queensland build back better."
Federal Member for Moreton Julie-Ann Campbell said the Albanese Government was committed to making communities more resilient.
"The Brisbane Markets have been a staple in our community for more than 60 years, and this upgrade ensures they can continue to serve when severe weather hits," Ms Campbell said.
"Southsiders know better than most what flooding can do to a community. This investment is about making practical, lasting improvements to infrastructure that our local traders and residents can rely on."
Brisbane Markets Limited (BML) Managing Director and CEO Andrew Young said the investment in the replacement of Curzon Street Bridge and entry to the Brisbane Markets formed part of BML's broader flood mitigation strategy.
"It will improve site access and operational efficiencies for all Market users," Mr Young said.
"As Queensland's only central fruit and vegetable market, the Brisbane Markets is critical to fresh produce supply and distribution in Queensland.
"This project will help ensure continuity of operations and supply for longer periods of time, both prior to and immediately after a flood event."
The QRRRP is made possible through efficiencies realised under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
