Brisbane Labor Councillor for Moorooka Ward Steve Griffiths has submitted an extensive list of funding requests to Brisbane City Council as part of the 2026–27 budget process, calling for significant investment in flood resilience, suburban infrastructure, environmental restoration, transport safety, and community facilities.
In his letter to the Deputy Mayor and Finance Chair Cr Fiona Cunningham, Cr Griffiths says the requests “demonstrate constituent requirements and unfunded projects which remain outstanding from previous budget submissions” and reflect the commitments he took to residents during the 2024 Council election.
Flood Mitigation and Environmental Restoration
A major focus of the submission is flood resilience, particularly in suburbs heavily affected by past events. Cr Griffiths calls for the continuation of the Stable Swamp Creek restoration program, including a five‑year maintenance plan, noting the need to “continue Stable Swamp Creek mitigation and restoration from Fauna Parade Park to Marshall Road, Rocklea.”
He also seeks the reinstatement of Council’s Flood Resilient Homes Program and Flood Buyback Program for Rocklea, Archerfield and other vulnerable areas. Additional environmental priorities include weed management at Granard Road Wetlands, greening of the Mortimer Road Quarry, and habitat enhancement projects in partnership with Griffith University.
As part of his “Rewilding Moorooka Ward” initiative, Cr. Griffiths also calls for wildlife refuges in Toohey Forest and along Orange Grove Road.
Parks, Playgrounds and Community Facilities
Cr Griffiths outlines a long list of park upgrades across the ward, ranging from new playgrounds to lighting, toilets, and pathway improvements. These include upgrades at Bill Moore Park, Freney Street Park, Mary Chayter Park, and a new toilet at Pegg’s Park. He also highlights the need for lighting in multiple parks to improve safety and accessibility.
A major recreation project is the proposed upgrade of the regional playground at Mortimer Road, Acacia Ridge, aligned with the Brisbane Racing Club’s long‑term lease of nearby facilities.
Community facility improvements are also requested for the Acacia Ridge Community Centre, Scorpions Football Club, and Clubhouse Moorooka, along with car park upgrades at Acacia Ridge Pool and local childcare and community association sites.
Transport, Traffic Safety and Footpaths
Transport safety and congestion relief form another substantial part of the submission. Cr Griffiths continues to advocate for funding alongside state and federal governments for a rail overpass at Boundary Road/Orange Grove Road in Coopers Plains, describing it as essential to addressing “safety and congestion issues.”
Other requests include:
- Signalising the Kerry and Beatty Roads intersection
- Upgrading the Venner Road–Ipswich Road intersection
- Traffic calming in Lambton Street, Annerley
- Safety improvements at key Salisbury intersections
- A BUZ service for Moorooka and Acacia Ridge
- An Active Travel Program for Annerley
Footpath construction and renewal is a major priority, with Cr Griffiths seeking increased funding for new and replacement footpaths, kerb and channelling, and disability‑accessible connections between bus stops and footpaths. He specifically notes the need to complete the replacement of bitumen footpath on Ipswich Road, Annerley.
Improved basic services is a theme present throughout the submission, including more frequent grass cutting, garden maintenance, cleaning of local shopping precincts, and tree maintenance. He also calls for increased funding for cemetery maintenance at Mt Gravatt Cemetery, including disability‑accessible pathways.
Griffiths’ submission requests greater support for local community events such as Moorooka Family Fun Day, Party in the Park, and the Toohey Forest Community Koala event. Cr Griffiths also seeks an increase in the Lord Mayor’s Community Funding program.
Cr Griffiths concludes by reiterating his long‑held position that Council must “deliver more for the suburbs,” urging increased funding for footpaths, traffic management schemes, park improvements, active transport, Council Cabs, and community and environmental grants.
The Lord Mayor’s budget will be handed down in June this year.
