Politics · Australia · 7 hrs ago
Brisbane plan would allow buildings up to 40 storeys in Fortitude Valley
Brisbane City Council is advancing a plan for taller buildings in Fortitude Valley, an inner-city area with more than 11,500 residents and almost 28,000 workers.
The proposal would allow buildings of up to 40 storeys on eligible sites, with limits of up to 30 storeys at the precinct’s edges.
The plan aims to make room for thousands more homes near public transport, shops and existing services.
It also sets noise protections for music venues and building requirements intended to reduce noise impacts on residents.
The council wants new housing to fit alongside Fortitude Valley’s live-music scene, which it says is a defining feature of the area.
The height limit takes account of advice from Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority on flight paths.
The proposal will go through a state review and public consultation before the council expects to finalise the plan in 2027.
Brisbane City Council plans to allow buildings of up to 40 storeys on eligible sites in Fortitude Valley.
The draft plan aims to enable more homes while protecting the area’s live-music scene and entertainment precinct.
The 40-storey limit applies to sites between St Pauls Terrace, Brookes Street, Ann Street and Cathedral Place, with precinct edges transitioning to 30 storeys.
The council is due to consider the plan on Tuesday, before it goes to the chief executive and a state interest review.
A second round of public consultation is scheduled from November 13 to December 18, and the plan is expected to be finalised in 2027.
- Who
- Brisbane City Council, led by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, is advancing the plan.
- What
- The plan would allow buildings up to 40 storeys on eligible Fortitude Valley sites, with noise protections for residents and live-music venues.
- When
- The council is due to consider the plan on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. Further consultation is scheduled from November 13 to December 18.
- Where
- Fortitude Valley, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Why
- The council says the area’s infrastructure, facilities and public transport make it suitable for more housing, while the plan aims to protect its live-music scene.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Initial community consultation on the Fortitude Valley plan was held.
Brisbane City Council was due to consider the plan.
A second round of public consultation is scheduled.
The plan is expected to be finalised.
- Maximum proposed height
- 40 storeys on eligible sites
- Precinct-edge height
- 30 storeys
- Residents
- More than 11,500
- Workers
- Almost 28,000
- Second consultation
- November 13 to December 18, 2026
- Expected finalisation
- 2027
What people are saying
There’s an opportunity for thousands more homes in Fortitude Valley
The key thing we want to do there is protect what makes the Valley great, which is its amazing nightlife [and] live music scene.
We think two things can co-exist really well in the Valley