I saw the Mayor put out some baity-ahh post asking for public opinion on whether all levels of government should pitch in to help fund the Story Bridge. Crying poor and trying to shift blame to another level of government at the same time. Outstanding.
It’s a council bridge so council should pay for it. Also they just spent like $80m and 2 years fixing it. Now they’ve closed the pedestrian and bike lanes and yet continue to allow cars to use it?? I’m in favour of a toll TBH
Like you said, it’s a council bridge and the same team has been in council for too long for them to place the blame on the other guys, so clearly the blame had to go up the chain somehow. Much easier than actually spending the money maintaining the bridge properly over the years 
I’m leaning towards a toll as an outcome. It would be really unfair to impose a levy on Brisbane rate payers considering other people from other councils use the bridge as well
It’s easy to say that if you are not paying rates in BCC. A toll is a fairer outcome, especially now that more people are choosing electric and not paying road excise that helps maintain roads and bridges overall.
Most iconic bridges around the world have tolls. The story bridge should be no different. They could also introduce a reward type system. (Buy five get two free).
The smart thing to do here would be to toll the bridge, but simultaneously buy out the Clem Jones Tunnel and remove the toll on it. Then long distance drivers can stop clogging up the Valley and Woolloongabba.
Got a better chance of buying out the Airtrain contract then the Clem Jones tunnel.
Plus it’s under State control. I don’t think the Council nor the State Government will contemplate that one.
I pay rates in Brisbane. The idea BCC can’t pay for this is fiction. They choose not to.
I do think the argument that the toll is fairer has a lot of merit actually (I completely blanked on the fact that non-ratepayers would also be using the bridge & contributing to wear), but as a BCC resident I’d be very surprised if they truly couldn’t afford it as opposed to just don’t want to foot the bill
Brisbane desperately needs congestion tolls across the city aimed at getting trips that can and should be on public or active transport off our roads. Almost 90% of trips are by motor vehicle. This should be around 35% leaving roads clear for those than must be on the roads like services and local freight.