Everyone’s heard the Chinese whispers about a surplus of Brisbane infrastructure projects reshaping how locals live, work, commute and invest—but what about the hard facts? Do you know what improvements are coming to your neighbourhood this year? What about the ones that are already in operation, right under your nose?
In 2024, the Queensland Government released a Delivery Plan for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which added considerable momentum and expansion to their long-term growth strategy for SEQ. Projects that may have taken 20+ years to deliver are now being seriously fast-tracked to support the 1.5 million people projected to move to our region by 2046.
Now, in 2026, the strategy is well and truly in motion, having entered a sort of ‘delivery ramp-up phase’. Planning and approvals are largely complete, major funding commitments are locked in, some enabling work has begun, and several broader infrastructure projects tied to the Olympics are already benefitting our community.
Let’s break down the Brisbane infrastructure projects that will matter most to you in 2026.
2026 Upgrades to Brisbane transport
Cross river rail
What it is: One of Brisbane’s largest infrastructure undertakings, the $17 billion Cross River Rail project includes a 10.2-kilometre rail line featuring a 5.9-kilometre twin tunnel beneath the Brisbane River and CBD. Four brand-new underground stations will be complemented by station upgrades and expanded rail services across southeast Queensland.
Why it matters: Set to remove the long-standing bottleneck through Brisbane’s CBD to streamline commute times and connectivity.
Progress in 2026: Moving beyond civil works to systems integration, risk assessment, heavy testing and commissioning. Expected completion by 2029.
brisbane metro
What it is: A high-frequency bus rapid transit system featuring two main routes that operate every five minutes during peak times, capable of transporting up to 3,000 passengers per hour in each direction. The system links 18 systems from Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital to the University of Queensland.
Why it matters: Aimed to supercharge connectivity and convenience between the CBD and Brisbane’s suburbs, as well as to alleviate inner-city bottlenecks and transport emissions.
Progress in 2026: As of early 2026, the Brisbane Metro is largely operational, with most core infrastructure completed and services running across the city’s busway network.
Bruce Highway upgrade program
What it is: A wide range of improvements designed to modernise the Bruce Highway, Queensland’s primary north-south transport corridor. Upgrades include lane widening, capacity upgrades, interchange improvements, flood resilience works, safety barriers and overtaking lanes, bridge upgrades and duplication projects.
Why it matters: Improving this connection will reduce travel times between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, improve freight efficiency across Queensland, strengthen economic integration between regional and metropolitan areas, and increase safely along historically high-risk sections.
Progress in 2026: Multiple projects are either completed or actively under construction across the corridor. In Southeast Queensland specifically, key upgrades have already been implemented to the highway between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast.
story bridge footpath restoration
What it is: A major refurbishment of the pedestrian and cycle pathways on the Story Bridge, involving the replacement of ageing timber decking, structural strengthening works and safety upgrades across both the city-side and eastern footpaths. The project forms part of a broader maintenance program that has seen nearly $80 million invested into the Story Bridge since 2019 to preserve the structural integrity of the 85-year-old heritage landmark.
Why it matters: The Story Bridge is not only one of Brisbane’s most recognisable landmarks, but also a critical transport link connecting Kangaroo Point, Fortitude Valley and the CBD. Thousands of pedestrians and cyclists use the bridge each week, making safe and reliable footpaths essential. Refurbishing the ageing walkways helps extend the bridge’s lifespan, ensuring the structure can continue serving Brisbane’s growing population.
Progress in 2026: As of early 2026, the replacement of the bridge’s timber footpath decking is underway as part of a $7 million restoration project. The city-side footpath is scheduled to reopen first following refurbishment works, with the eastern pathway expected to follow later in 2026.
2026 upgrades to Brisbane Venues
Victoria park games precinct
What it is: A transformative project central to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, featuring the future Brisbane Stadium, National Aquatic Centre, and Brisbane Athlete Village.
Why it matters: Improving this connection will reduce travel times between Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast, improve freight efficiency across Queensland, strengthen economic integration between regional and metropolitan areas, and increase safety along historically high-risk sections.
Progress in 2026: Borehole drilling commenced in late 2025 for the Victoria Park precinct, with a transition from strategic planning to delivery preparation currently underway. The iconic Queenslander home is confirmed to be a central motif in the Brisbane Stadium’s design. Major venue construction is expected to occur primarily between 2027 and 2030.
Warner Lane’s Late Night Vision
What it is: Fortitude Valley’s Warner Lane has reinvented itself as the cultural heart of the city’s most notorious suburb for ‘never sleeping’. The vision was led by the Hutchinsons, who are behind a few of Brisbane’s brick and mortar icons, like The Triffid and Fortitude Music Hall. The construction group has acquired a stretch of properties spanning from Brunswick Street Mall to the back of McWhirter’s, where a new cultural hub for everything from late night dine ‘n wines and pop-up art installations, to live music and entertainment.
Why it matters: Explained best by Terrence Hutchinson himself, “We believe [Warner Lane] will help cement the Valley as the hidden laneway heart of Brisbane, joining the ranks of Winn Lane, California Lane, and Bakery Lane—each iconic in their own right.” The lane will improve convenience and commutability for patrons on nights out, with links provided to other notorious Brisbane venues, such as Black Bear Lodge.
Progress in 2026: Open and operational since 2025!
qpac new theatre (expansion)
What it is: A major expansion of the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) at South Bank, delivering a fifth theatre known as the New Performing Arts Venue (NPAV). The project includes a new 1,500-seat theatre, additional rehearsal and performance spaces, expanded foyers and improved public access, designed to position QPAC as the largest performing arts centre in Australia.
Why it matters: QPAC is already one of the busiest performing arts centres in the country, and demand for theatre space has exceeded capacity for years. The new venue will enable hundreds of additional performances annually, support Queensland’s growing arts and cultural sector, and attract major national and international productions—further strengthening Brisbane’s cultural identity ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games.
Progress in 2026: As of early 2026, construction of the new theatre is well underway at the South Bank Cultural Precinct. The project is on track for completion later this year.
mt coot-tha precinct vision
What it is: A long-term renewal and conservation program led by Brisbane City Council to enhance the Mount Coot-tha precinct, including a 170km wilderness walking trail, improved picnic areas, a nature retreat with glamping spots between Mount Coot-tha and Mount Archer, a reimagining of the tropical dome, and an after dark light show.
Why it matters: Mount Coot-tha is one of Brisbane’s most significant natural and tourism assets, attracting well over a million visitors each year. Enhancing visitor infrastructure while protecting the surrounding bushland will help preserve the mountain’s ecological value, support tourism and recreation, and ensure the precinct remains accessible as Brisbane’s population continues to grow.
Progress in 2026: As of early 2026, the Mount Coot-tha precinct upgrades remain in the planning and community consultation phase. Smaller upgrades to parkland infrastructure and walking tracks have already been delivered in recent years, alongside the revitalised The Summit restaurant, while larger redevelopment works are expected to be implemented as part of a 20-year master plan.
waterfront brisbane
What it is: A major redevelopment of the former Eagle Street Pier site into a new mixed-use waterfront precinct known as Waterfront Brisbane. Led by property group Dexus, the project includes the construction of two premium commercial towers, extensive riverside dining and retail spaces, upgraded public riverwalk areas and a new CityCat terminal integrated into the riverfront.
Why it matters: Eagle Street has long been one of Brisbane’s most iconic riverside dining locations, but the original pier precinct had reached the end of its economic life. The Waterfront Brisbane redevelopment will significantly upgrade the city’s riverfront experience, creating new public spaces, improved pedestrian access and expanded hospitality venues overlooking the river. The development is also expected to strengthen Brisbane’s commercial office market by delivering new premium-grade office space while activating the CBD’s eastern riverfront with restaurants, bars and retail outlets.
Progress in 2026: As of early 2026, construction is well underway on the Waterfront Brisbane development, with the first tower scheduled to open in 2028. Meanwhile, the broader waterfront precinct are expected to be delivered in stages over the coming years. A key section of Brisbane’s Riverwalk has already reopened after a 3-year $42 million transformation.
pine mountain quarry rehabilitation
What it is: A rehabilitation program for the former Pine Mountain Quarry near Ipswich. Works focus on stabilising quarry benches, reshaping disturbed landforms, installing drainage systems and revegetating sections of the site surrounding the depot to boost koala habitats.
Why it matters: Large quarry sites often leave steep rock faces, unstable slopes and exposed ground once extraction ends. Rehabilitation works help stabilise these areas, manage stormwater runoff and re-establish vegetation, ensuring the depot can operate safely while reducing long-term environmental impacts on surrounding bushland and waterways.
Progress in 2026: As of early 2026, rehabilitation works around the Pine Mountain Quarry operational depot are underway. The depot itself is already operational, with rehabilitation continuing in stages to integrate the former quarry site with surrounding environmental and infrastructure corridors.
emmanuel city mission homeless shelter
What it is: A community initiative led by Emmanuel City Mission to establish a 24/7 homeless shelter in West End, supported by a $500,000 funding contribution to assist with facility setup, operational infrastructure and essential support services for people experiencing homelessness.
Why it matters: Demand for crisis accommodation and homelessness support services in Brisbane has risen in recent years, with frontline organisations reporting increasing numbers of people seeking food, shelter and social support. Establishing a permanent 24-hour facility in West End will allow Emmanuel City Mission to expand its existing outreach programs, providing safe overnight accommodation, meals, showers and access to support pathways for vulnerable residents.
Progress in 2026: As of early 2026, funding has been secured, and planning and facility preparation are underway.
suburban pool upgrades
What it is: A program to upgrade several suburban aquatic facilities across Brisbane, including pools in Newmarket, Runcorn and Parkinson, as well as improvements to the historic Valley Pool in Fortitude Valley and a multi-million dollar investment into Chermside’s Aquatic Centre. General works include upgrades to pool infrastructure, accessibility improvements, amenity enhancements and refurbishment of surrounding recreation areas. Chermside-specific works include new indoor and outdoor heated pools, waterplay features, revitalised amenities, and a new focus on sustainable design.
Why it matters: Upgrading our community’s pools helps maintain safe, modern facilities while supporting Brisbane’s expanding population and increasing demand for community sport and recreation. Chermside itself is already a recognised community hub, so the upgraded Chermside Aquatic Centre will further solidify this local positioning.
Progress in 2026: Planning still underway. Works will be delivered progressively.
suburban community space upgrades
What it is: Investment in new and upgraded community spaces in Wavell Heights, Moggill and Keperra, as well as a full revamp of the Royal Queensland Golf Club. These projects are collectively designed to provide growing local clubs with secure storage areas, improved amenities and upgraded recreational infrastructure.
Why it matters: Many suburban sporting clubs operate with limited storage and aging facilities despite rapidly growing participation numbers. Providing dedicated equipment storage and improved community infrastructure supports local clubs, volunteers and junior sport programs that play a central role in Brisbane’s suburban communities.
Progress in 2026: Planning still underway. Works will be delivered progressively.
new district sports parks
What it is: A $5.2 million investment to develop new district-level sports parks in Pallara and Ellen Grove, including new playing fields, supporting amenities and open recreational space for local residents to enjoy.
Why it matters: Brisbane’s south-west growth corridor is experiencing rapid population expansion. Developing new district sports parks helps ensure these emerging communities have adequate space for organised sport, outdoor activity and community events.
Progress in 2026: Construction for Pallara’s sports park is expected to commence in the 2026-2027 financial year, with Ellen Grove’s precinct beginning a year later.
brighton foreshore upgrades
What it is: A coastal upgrade project focused on improving public spaces along the Brighton Foreshore, including pathway improvements, landscaping, seating areas and recreational infrastructure along the waterfront.
Why it matters: Upgrading the Brighton Foreshore carries hopes to enhance public access to the coastline, while protecting the area’s natural character.
Progress in 2026: Early works have been completed this January, with further works to continue in mid-2026.
koala bushland facilities upgrade
What it is: Upgrades to visitor facilities at Brisbane Koala Bushland in Burbank, including improvements to walking trails, signage, amenities and visitor infrastructure within the protected bushland reserve.
Why it matters: Brisbane Koala Bushland is one of the city’s largest conservation areas. Enhancing visitor facilities allows residents and tourists to experience the reserve while supporting environmental education and conservation awareness.
Progress in 2026: The upgrades are expected to be completed by mid-May 2026.
queen street mall expansion
What it is: An expansion of the Queen Street Mall along Albert Street, designed to extend the pedestrian retail precinct in conjunction with the new Cross River Rail Albert Street station.
Why it matters: Extending the pedestrian retail corridor will improve connectivity between Cross River Rail’s Albert Street station and the existing Queen Street Mall, strengthening the CBD’s retail and entertainment precinct while accommodating increased pedestrian activity once the rail project opens.
Progress in 2026: Stage one opened in late 2025, with remaining expansion stages following throughout 2026 and 2027.
wynnum-manly-lota foreshore masterplan
What it is: A comprehensive 20-year masterplan guiding future upgrades to the coastal foreshores of Wynnum, Manly and Lota, focusing on recreational infrastructure, environmental protection and improved waterfront accessibility.
Why it matters: The bayside foreshores are key lifestyle destinations for Brisbane residents, offering walking paths, parks, boating facilities and coastal recreation areas. A coordinated masterplan helps ensure future upgrades protect the coastline while enhancing public spaces for growing communities.
Progress in 2026: Brisbane City Council is currently finalising the foreshore masterplan following community consultation and planning work. A draft of the master plan will be released to the community in 2026.
suburban shopping strip upgrades
What it is: Streetscape upgrades to suburban shopping strips in Nundah, Salisbury and Indooroopilly aimed at improving pedestrian spaces, landscaping, lighting and public seating within local retail precincts.
Why it matters: Well-designed suburban shopping strips support small businesses, encourage local economic activity and create more attractive community gathering spaces. Upgrading streetscapes can also improve walkability and help revitalise older retail precincts.
Progress in 2026: As of early 2026, planning and design work is progressing for streetscape improvements across the three shopping precincts. Community consultation expected in 2026 so residents can have their says.
suburban parks investment
Suburban Parks Investment
What it is: An $89.4 million investment to improve parks and green spaces across Brisbane suburbs, including the development of a new local park on Headfort Street in Greenslopes, including shade, picnic spots, pedestrian pathways, open green spaces and the inclusion of heritage features.
Why it matters: Expanding and improving suburban parks helps support Brisbane’s growing population while maintaining the city’s reputation for lifestyle-focused neighbourhoods.
Progress in 2026: Park works in Greenslopes are expected to begin following construction of the Brisbane Legacy House on the site. As well, landscaping improvements, new play equipment and upgraded community amenities are planned for existing Brisbane parks.
carindale destination playground
What it is: Planning for a new destination playground in Carindale designed to provide a large-scale recreational space featuring outer space-inspired play equipment, new family-friendly picnic facilities, an active fitness zone and bike riding tracks.
Why it matters: Destination playgrounds attract families from across multiple suburbs and provide high-quality recreational infrastructure for growing communities. These larger play spaces also help activate local parks and encourage outdoor activity for children and families.
Progress in 2026: Brisbane City Council has commenced planning and site investigations for the Carindale destination playground. Completion of park upgrade is scheduled for late 2026. It's set to be out of this world!
What This Means for Brisbane Property Values
Historically, major infrastructure investment has been one of the strongest catalysts for property value growth. When new transport links, entertainment precincts and lifestyle upgrades are delivered, they improve accessibility, attract population growth and increase buyer demand in surrounding suburbs.
Brisbane has seen this pattern before with projects like the Clem7 Tunnel, Airport Link and the South Bank redevelopment, all of which helped reshape nearby property markets.
As our city moves deeper into its infrastructure ramp-up ahead of the 2032 Olympic Games, similar forces are beginning to take hold.
Understanding where these projects are unfolding, and how they influence surrounding suburbs, can and will give buyers and investors a significant strategic advantage.
If you’d like insights on which Brisbane areas will benefit most, reach out to Lauren and her team at LJBA.