Urban transformation is on the horizon for two Brisbane suburbs, Moorooka and Salisbury, as plans emerge to reshape their industrial landscapes. Located approximately six kilometres south of the Brisbane Central Business District (CBD), these suburbs, currently known for car yards and industrial hubs, could become vibrant urban precincts over the next two decades.
Moorooka and Salisbury collectively house more than **17,000 residents**, who, on average, are younger than their counterparts in Brisbane. The area is appreciated for its multicultural environment and accessibility. Emma, a recent resident of Moorooka, highlighted the suburb’s appeal, stating, “It’s close to the city, there’s good public transport, there’s good food and there are always people around.” The local economy is supported by significant employers, including hospitals and schools, with income levels aligning closely with the city’s median.
Plans for Suburban Renewal
According to Ross Elliott, chair of the Lord Mayor’s Better Suburbs Initiative, Moorooka and Salisbury have been identified as potential Suburban Renewal Precincts. This initiative draws inspiration from ongoing revitalisation efforts in other Brisbane areas like Alderley and Mount Gravatt. Elliott likened the industrial zones along Moorooka’s “Magic Mile” on Ipswich Road and Salisbury’s Evans Road to Fortitude Valley’s James Street in the late 1980s, suggesting they could undergo similar redevelopment as existing industries decline.
“If land is locked up for a particular use and all of the users of that land have moved elsewhere because it’s no longer suitable, the logical thing is to change the land use,” Elliott stated. He envisions a future where healthcare centres, cafes, offices, retirement living, and retail establishments thrive in these suburbs, enhancing local services and creating jobs.
Elliott also pointed to the successful transformation of West Village in West End, where an old ice-cream factory was turned into a mixed-use complex with restaurants, shops, and residences as a model for future projects.
Community Concerns About Development
While many residents support the proposed changes, there are concerns regarding the management of this transformation. Issues such as gentrification, overcrowding, and the pressure on existing infrastructure have surfaced in conversations among locals. Emma voiced her apprehensions, stating, “We do need more facilities, more medical stuff… also we probably need more daycares. Street parking is already getting pretty hard, and I would be worried about gentrification.”
Longtime Moorooka resident Denise expressed her fears that extensive development could compromise the unique characteristics that attracted her to the suburb. “I know they want to go [up], but I don’t like it,” she said. “We should keep it as it is with big yards.”
Adrian, another local, acknowledged the need for new development but implored planners to consider flood risks, particularly on the lower side of Ipswich Road. He suggested that new buildings should face Moolabin Creek, which offers an opportunity to enhance the area’s environmental quality and promote active transport options like walking and cycling.
Elliott affirmed that while zoning changes could facilitate new developments, transforming these suburbs will take time due to the complexities of construction economics. He noted, “You’re not seeing a frenetic wave of activity at the moment. The commercial hubs of suburbs have stayed the same for years.”
Moorooka and Salisbury are part of several suburbs marked for future growth, with other areas such as Chermside, Caboolture, and Cleveland also targeted for similar initiatives. Elliott remarked on the tendency to focus on Brisbane’s inner city, stating, “Everyone’s captivated by the Emerald City and all the lights at night… there’s just so much more to be told about Brisbane.”
As plans for these suburbs evolve, the vision for a renewed Moorooka and Salisbury reflects a larger conversation about urban development in Brisbane, balancing growth with community identity and sustainability.
