Rugby League legend joins campaign to renew another Queensland icon

A new campaign featuring Queensland sporting legend Darren Lockyer, has been launched to build awareness of the 20-year Story Bridge renewal plan.

The campaign features historic imagery of the Story Bridge during construction, natural disasters and important events, such as Riverfire and football grand finals.

Under the theme “A Good Story Needs a Sequel”, the campaign highlights the critical role Story Bridge has played for almost nine decades as one of Australia’s most iconic and critical transport connections.

It also demonstrates the important ongoing role the Story Bridge plays as a transport connection for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists, as a tourism attraction for people who want to climb it and as a backdrop to many of Brisbane’s favourite events.

Lockyer, the former Brisbane Broncos and State of Origin captain and NRL Hall of Fame inductee, features in the campaign standing on top of Story Bridge.

Now a professional commentator and football club owner, Lockyer was selected to feature in the campaign because, like the Story Bridge, he is also a Queensland icon.

The Story Bridge was built by the Queensland Government between 1935 and 1940 to last 100 years.

The bridge continues to carry far more vehicles than ever envisaged when first designed with more than 100,000 passenger, freight and public transport vehicles using it every day.

Story Bridge is not just for local residents, with more than 40 per cent of users beginning their journey from outside of Brisbane.

The Schrinner Council has now developed a detailed plan to renew the Story Bridge so it can serve Queenslanders for another 100 years and more.

The Story Bridge Renewal Progress Update, released as part of the 2026-27 Budget, recommended $3.6 billion be invested to in progressively renew the Story Bridge over the next 20 years.

This compared to a $9.3 billion cost to fully demolish and replace the bridge.

The Story Bridge Renewal Progress Update recommended $1.35 billion be invested towards the 20-year renewal project over the next six years.

The “A Good Story Needs a Sequel” campaign coincides with the completion of the draft business case, which was supported with a $2 million investment by the Federal Government.

Feedback on the business case will be sought from Infrastructure Australia before it is formally released in coming months.

In line with other nationally significant infrastructure projects, funding will be sought from the federal and state governments.

While the Story Bridge remains on track to celebrate its centenary thanks to decades of maintenance and renewal, many other Australian bridges have not been so fortunate. Examples include:

  • Brisbane’s Centenary Bridge, built in 1964, which is being replaced before its 65th birthday
  • The old Hornibrook Bridge, which connected Brisbane to Redcliffe and was replaced and demolished before reaching 75 years
  • Tasmania’s Bridgewater Bridge, which was demolished and replaced before its 80th birthday with Federal Government support

The Story Bridge remains part of the National Highway Network and is one of Australia’s most significant heritage transport landmarks.

The advertising campaign will launch on catch-up TV from Thursday, 20 August.

 

“A good story needs a sequel and that’s exactly what we’re going to ensure happens with the Story Bridge, ” said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

“The Story Bridge was built almost 90 years ago to last 100 years and we’ve developed a plan to ensure it lasts another 100 years and more.

“Our campaign is all about letting Queenslanders know the critical role the Story Bridge plays for our city and our state and how important it is that we work together to renew it.

“It shows the role Story Bridge has played throughout history and continues play as not just a transport connection but a tourism drawcard.

“I couldn’t think of a better person to spearhead such an important campaign than Darren Lockyer.

“Darren is an absolute legend, a former Brisbane Broncos and Maroons captain and this campaign is one icon backing another.

“Just like Darren ensured Brisbane and Queensland’s success on the football field throughout his decorated career, we’re going to ensure Story Bridge gets the investment it needs over the next 20 years.

“I’m confident all levels of government, and all Queenslanders, will get behind this campaign and support our plan to ensure Story Bridge gets the sequel it deserves.”

 

“Like other Queenslanders, I understand the important role the Story Bridge plays for Brisbane and the whole southeast Queensland region,” said Darren Lockyer.

“I drive over the bridge regularly and now I’ve climbed to the top like hundreds of other residents and tourists.

“The Story Bridge has been an important part of our state for generations and we need to make sure it remains for generations to come.

“I’m proud to get behind the campaign and help ensure the Story Bridge gets the sequel it needs.”