A Shorten Labor Government will deliver $1 million to upgrade the Mains Road pedestrian overpass in Sunnybank to improve accessibility and safety, and to revitalise Sunnybank’s commercial precinct.

Federal Member for Moreton, Graham Perrett said the Sunnybank footbridge has been left without an upgrade for decades and is in desperate need of a facelift.

“The bridge is looking old and tired, and a cultural theme will better reflect and celebrate the character of the area,” Mr Perrett said.

“More than 5,000 pedestrians use this bridge every day. It links two of Sunnybank’s biggest shopping centres and straddles one of the busiest suburban public transport corridors in Brisbane.

“The upgrade will install lifts at either end, install security cameras, and give the Southside an iconic cultural landmark – the “Dragon Bridge” – right in the heart of Brisbane’s Asian community.”

Local architect and Life Honorary Advisor to the World Arts & Multi-Culture Inc., Lewis Lee OAM said the facelift would offer an iconic structure at the heart of Brisbane’s Chinese, Taiwanese and Korean communities.

“For something that was built a long time ago when Sunnybank was a different neighbourhood, there is an opportunity to create a meaningful cultural landmark for our suburb,” Mr Lee said.

The upgrade would be delivered in consultation with local and state governments, business groups and the local community to ensure it meets the needs of the community now and into the future.