By Luther Blissett
Pedestrians and cyclists could be forced to pay $1.50 to walk or cycle across the Kurilpa Bridge as part of a controversial plan being considered by the state government.
The Kurilpa Bridge connecting South Brisbane to the CBD.
A maintenance report obtained by brisbanetimes.com.au suggests "tolling" as a way of recouping larger-than-expected upkeep costs.
The government report reveals officials had used early versions of the plans to estimate the maintenance bill, even though the architect had doubled the number of artistic spires pointing into the sky in the final version.
The report shows each spire costs $1 million a year to clean due to the need for a specially modified window washing-type rig.
An additional $4 million is required to remove marks left by youths dragging their skateboards.
"The unforeseen escalation in maintenance outlays makes it necessary to consider the implementation of a user-pays approach," the report says.
"The department acknowledges this matter is politically sensitive, however alternative strategies must be considered to deal with this recurrent budget pressure."
The report reveals departmental officials have had one meeting with TransLink to discuss the feasibility of charging the tolls via the Go Card system.
One sticking point is that the proposed touch-on and touch-off points are both within the one ticketing zone, meaning the fare could be wiped if people touch off within the 20-minute "cancel journey" window.
Pedestrian and Rider Action Network Queensland (PRANQ) chief executive officer Verity Abson said the plan was "a complete joke".
"I can't believe they would consider such an extraordinarily foolish idea," she said.
The unforeseen escalation in maintenance outlays make it necessary to consider the introduction of a user-pays approach.
"Are there going to be police on hand to stop rollerbladers rushing through without paying the toll?"
The report says a "public education campaign" should start on October 1.
The proposed toll, if approved, would come into effect on April 1 next year.