Geography Script for PPT

SLIDE 1 - The effects of sporting events on the traffic congestion of

Brisbane City

Good Morning and welcome Ms Soteriou and class. Today I will be

discussing and analysing an increasing problem in Brisbane - Traffic
congestion at major sporting events north and south of the river. This is
an issue due to the growth of the entertainment and sporting industry in
Queensland. Currently Brisbane has two major sporting stadiums;
Suncorp Stadium and The Gabba. In addition, Brisbane City hosts sporting
events in smaller facilities. Examples include Skilled Park, Metricon
Stadium, Queensland Tennis Centre and the ANZ stadium (Stadiums
Queensland, 2013) which are located around the greater CBD. The
increase in involvement in sporting activities has caused a problem with
traffic congestion in the Brisbane City on event days. This problem has
been confounded by the expansion of motor vehicle dependence. In
Brisbane, 93% of the population travel by private vehicles (Codrington,
2007). This increase in vehicle dependence is causing considerable
environmental, social and economic issues. The environmental impacts
include an increase in greenhouse gases and environmental waste. Social
impacts include an increase in noise pollution, lack of parking availability
and an increase in hazards on the major and minor roads (Codrington,
2007). Economic issues have arisen, including the increase in private
vehicle usage that has caused a large decrease in the use of Brisbanes
Public transport system making the services more expensive to sustain
(Codrington, 2007). The increase in private vehicle usage in recent years
has caused sporting and entertainment events to be considered major
traffic congestion areas. These event facilities are most commonly located
close to the CBD due to accessibility. This close proximity to the CBD
caused the traffic congestion from these events to affect arterial and main
roads which run through the city. This presentation will evaluate Brisbane
Citys road layout, the impact on the Brisbane roads, stadium policy on
the prevention of traffic congestion and finally three research proposals
recommending possible solutions to these issues (Codrington, 2007).

SLIDE 2 Brisbane City

To begin, I will be analysing the impact of the rapidly increasing population, in
Brisbane a burgeoning world city, on traffic congestion. Brisbane has many
environmental problems however one of the greatest impacts on liveability and
the environment is the mass increase in motor vehicle dependence. This
dependence originated before World War II however rapidly accelerated during

1945 onwards (Codrington, 2007). Classifying Brisbane as an automobile

dependent city. Before this Brisbane was considered a transit city which relayed
on the rail and tram network. This transformation into an automobile dependent
city made it possible for Brisbane to expand outwards using the Pacific Highway
to the south, The Bruce Highway to the north and Ipswich Rd to the west
(Codrington, 2007).

SLIDE 3 The use of private cars

In 2006 a survey was conducted to evaluate how many private automobiles were on
the road. The results were:
37.1% of Houses had 1 motor vehicle
33.1% of houses had 2 motor vehicles
And 12% having 3 or more.
This left 17.9% of houses either not stating or not owning any motor vehicles.
To add to the problem the population of Brisbane has increased since 2006 by 0.367
million.
(Profile.Id: Community Profile, 2006)
SLIDE 4 Impacts of Motor vehicles
The high motor vehicle dependence in Brisbane has had economic, environmental
and social impacts on the city. (Codrington, 2007)
Economic:

Cost of infrastructure (Roads, Bridges, etc)

Time costs associated with traffic congestion.

Car transportation system costs, which are higher than transit system costs
by around 30 to 40 percent

Loss of productive land to parking and roads.

Environmental

Effects on atmospheric quality, including smog and greenhouse gases

Impact of sprawl on the countryside in the urban fringe

Impact of traffic noise, road accidents, visual intrusion.

Social

Inequities associated with being carless for people who are too young, too
old, too poor, or disabled

Inequities associated with lack of transit systems in suburbs built in the era of
the car

Less community and neighbourhood interaction

Less urban culture and vitality when public spaces are dominated by cars

Reduction in public safety

(Codrington, 2007)

SLIDE 5 Road layout

Road layouts, in most cities, are designed to create the most efficient
possible layout.
However, Brisbane Citys history of being a rail, tram and walking city has
resulted in the old road layout causing many current traffic problems.
(Codrington, 2007)

This can be seen with many dispersal and space issues. A large problem
are the major arterial roads run through the city resulting in highly
congested roads not having efficient dispersal. Along with these issues the
increase in automobiles causes a lack of parking availability and narrow
roads due to road side parking. Other dispersal issues include roads that
bottleneck causes a backup of traffic which has a ripple effect on the
surrounding roads.(Willet, 2006; Brisbane City Council, 2012; Codrington, 2007)
SLIDE 6 The effects of a inadequate road layout on traffic
The Brisbane River divides the city. Anyone wanting to travel from North
to South or visa versa has to cross the river using the limited bridges
available due to high costs of construction and maintenance. This creates
congestion in these areas. (Google, 2014; Brisbane City Council. 2014)
This inadequate road layout causes many traffic problems with congestion
blocking major roads along with minor roads. Main roads suffer from a
bottle neck situation when flowing traffic areas experience the
introduction of merging traffic or the restriction in the number of lanes.
(Brisbane City Council. 2012)
This leads to longer travel time for commuters.
SLIDE 7 Common impacts of traffic flow in Brisbane

Increased Congestion - Peak Hour

Traffic Accident

Road Closures

Road Work

Speed Restrictions

Building Development construction

Weather

The graph on this slide displays the result of a study conducted to find out
the busiest times on Brisbane roads. (Willet, K. 2006)

SLIDE 8 High impact periods

Weekdays

Increases in traffic is seen in the Brisbane CBD

-

7-8.30 am

5- 6.30 pm

Times coinciding with arrival and departure from work

Weekends
No predictable times, however, slight correlation between lunchtime
period and increase in traffic
High impact periods on the weekend correlation with sporting events
(Profile.Id: Community Profile, 2006; Moore, 2010; Google, 2014)

SLIDE 9 Weekday comparison

Map
As seen in this comparison there is a clear increase in traffic at 6.30pm as
seen with the red highlighted roads, compared to the same roads at
11pm. (Google, 2014)
SLIDE 10 Map Weekend Comparison
The weekend comparison compares traffic in the same location at
12.30pm and 6pm. As seen there is little red highlighted roads however
congestion is experienced on the yellow highlighted roads. (Google, 2014)
SLIDE 11- The impact of sporting events on traffic

The increase movement of a large population to a particular area

during specific time period results in traffic issues.

Mainly due to most commuters getting dropped into the area

instead of taking public transport to and from events.

This results in congestion in and around the Brisbane CBD due the
location of the stadiums.

(Brisbane City Council. 2008)

SLIDE 12 Sporting event complexes

The two sporting stadiums that will be evaluated are
Suncorp Stadium and The Gabba
These two complexes are located in the inner Brisbane City area. Both are
close to major arterial exits. Suncorp is located near the ICB entry and exit
points. The Gabba is located near the Riverside Stanley St. exit. (Google,
2014)
SLIDE 13 Suncorp Stadium
Suncorp Stadium
Description

Home to the Brisbane Broncos, QLD Reds, QLD Roar, Socceroos, and the
Kangaroos

Located on the corner of Castlemaine St and Caxton St, Milton

Seats 52,500

(Suncorp Stadium, 2010)

Traffic Mitigation measures

The shutting down of Castlemaine St and Caxton St

Detours set up to avoid traffic

Bus station located underneath stadium.

Regulated parking

Located next to Milton train station with a bridge to prevent

pedestrian traffic

(Suncorp Stadium, 2010)

Statistics that were collected at Suncorp Stadium during the years 20122013 record 1,265,889 people attending 44 events at Suncorp stadium.
(Stadiums Queensland, 2013)

SLIDE 14 Suncorp Stadium evaluation

This is a comparison between traffic on a game day compared to a normal
day. As you can see traffic on a game day is increased on major roads
around Suncorp Stadium affecting major commuter roads surrounding the
CBD including the Inner city bypass increasing commuter travel time
dramatically with large amounts of Bumper to Bumper traffic. Closing of
Caxton St impacts on access to the outbound ICB, while closing
Castlemaine impacts on traffic access to Milton Road. This results in an
increase in traffic along alternate roads adding to congestion around the
area. (Google, 2014)
SLIDE 15 The gabba
Compared to Suncorp stadium The Gabba is a smaller stadium.
Description

The Gabba is located in Woolloongabba which is 1 kilometre from

the Brisbane CBD.
Total capacity 42,000 seats

Venue for cricket and AFL games. This includes day and night
games.

The Gabba is located 1.5km from the nearest train station.

Opposite the Woolloongabba Busway.

(Gabba, 2010)

Statistics collected at The Gabba during the years 2012-2013 record

394,765 people attending 26 events. It is interesting to note that there are
less people attending The Gabba however due to the main roads that run
through the surrounding area this stadium causes a larger impact to traffic
flow (Stadiums Queensland, 2013). For this, The Gabba will be the focus of
this report.
SLIDE 16 The Gabba Evalution
Evaluation of The Gabba. Positives include

The Woolloongabba Busway is located on the corner of Stanley

street and Ipswich Rd opposite The Gabba

The Gabba also provides a bus service through Translink which links
up with the Train stations. Train closet station Park Rd is a 1.3km
walk form the venue. Alternate can catch train to South Bank or
Roma St and then connecting Gabba bus to the Woolloongabba
busway.

Taxi drop off zone located on Stanley St and Vulture St

(Gabba, 2010)
Negatives

There is a parking limit of 15 minute in the Gabba traffic area. Entry

and exit to these areas impact on the flow of the traffic along main
roads.

The closest form of public transport to the stadium is the bus route.
This adds to traffic congestion.

(Gabba, 2010)
SLIDE 17 Gabba Traffic example
On non-game days the roads surrounding the stadium have heavy traffic
flow during peak hour times as these roads access major CBD routes.
(Google, 2014)
SLIDE 18 - Gabba Traffic example
This map displays the traffic on the roads surrounding the Gabba when a
game is on. This traffic is in non-peak hour time meaning this traffic has a
higher chance of being just caused by the game. As seen on this map
there is a large amount of high traffic levels on roads surrounding The
Gabba. (Google, 2014)

SLIDE 19 Road affected

These roads and streets were affected on the highest level-Red.
Mostly surrounding the stadium:

Grey St leads to Southbank and CBD

Vulture St.- is a 3 lane, one way outbound road, which is the major
exit from the South East Freeway. It also passes the Mater Hospital
and entry to Pacific Motorway

Ipswich Rd major road linking to southern suburbs

Wellington Rd connects to Wynnum Rd. This leads to Storey Bridge

in one direction and major road to Eastern suburbs

Stanley St passes the Mater Hospital and entry to Pacific motorways

(Google, 2014)

Average traffic day

The days without a game, during non- peak period, consist of only a
yellow traffic warning during the same time period. (Google, 2014)

This is caused by the increase in traffic due to the game. (Google,

2014)

A factor that could also impact this was the time of the game during
the day with less people on the road. (Google, 2014)

SLIDE 20 Traffic Area

The Gabba Traffic area includes the land bordered by the Pacific
Motorway down to Salisbury St. around to the Bulimba creek following
this up to the Brisbane River and finishing along Cairns St. This area is
subject to event parking rules.

The parking rules that are implemented are:

During events at the Gabba a 15-minute parking limit

applies to the Traffic area during the time of 7am to 10pm.

These causes more cars in the area due to people getting dropped
off by other individuals and then leaving again. This doubles the
amount of traffic on the road.
(Brisbane City Council. 2012)

The immediate roads surrounding The Gabba are impacted by this

increase in traffic. This includes

Impacts on traffic on Vulture St and Stanley which effects traffic

to the hospital. This will be even more of an issue when the
Childrens Hospital opens.

Impacts on major roads surrounding The Gabba i.e. Stanley St,

Main Rd, Vulture St and Wellington Rd. This directly impacts on
the major arterial routes included Wynnum Rd eastbound traffic,
Storey Bridge northbound traffic, Ipswich Rd southbound traffic,
and the Riverside Expressway north and south bound traffic.

(Google, 2014; Brisbane City Council. 2012)

These venues are both within the Brisbane CBD. Now we are going to
evaluate the steps that have been taken to reduce traffic issues in the
Brisbane CBD.

SLIDE 21 Steps that are being taken to prevent traffic

congestion

Solutions that are being taken to reduce traffic congestion are:

Reducing the dependence on automobiles by promoting public

transport

The use of detours around roads to prevent traffic affecting

arterial roads

Mathematical traffic light systems to make sure that the flow

is constant

(Brisbane City Council. 2008; Queensland Government. 2014)

SLIDE 22 - Sporting Complex Rules of Traffic Congestion

The Brisbane City Council has developed compliance guidelines for

event organisers that address traffic issues. (Brisbane City Council.
2012; Brisbane City Council. 2008)

These guidelines specifically focus on vehicular parking. These

guidelines include:

15 minute parking during game times depending on the

venue.

Road closure and detours to improve traffic flow.

No car parks on private property owners land.

If you live in the area you will be given a resident parking

permit to allow to park

(Brisbane City Council. 2012; Brisbane City Council. 2008)

SLIDE 23
Proposals
Proposal introduction
The development of three proposals to fix the traffic issues caused by
Sporting events close to the city include:
Pedestrian flow tactics
Regulated car parks
Dispersal of traffic impacts
Slide 24 Proposal 1: Pedestrian flow tactics

Issues arising due to:

Increased pedestrian flow before and after events which

impact on the traffic flow.

The main bus station is located on the west side of the

stadium. Pedestrians have to cross Ipswich Rd to access the
bus stop.

Even though there is a high police presence Jaywalking across

Ipswich Rd still occurs, this would suggest a increase in police
would help solve this issue.

Buses transporting people to Eastern areas leave from the

main bus station. This means these buses travel through the
Gabba traffic zone increasing congestion.

SLIDE 25
The proposal

Introduce the use of an additional bus stop on the eastern side

of the Gabba for eastbound public transport.

Construct walkover bridges from the stadium to the bus stops.

SLIDE 26 MAP
In this map we can see the location of the current bus and the suggested
site for the second bus stop. The blue line indicates the traffic direction
associated with the bus stops. As can been seen in the diagram the traffic
is moving away from the stadium. Also highlighted are the proposed
walkover bridges connecting to the bus stops. (Google, 2014)
SLIDE 27
Pros of this proposal

Reduces pedestrian traffic on roads

Reduces wait time at the bus stops

Less bus traffic going through the main roads

Reducing the number of buses parked in one area

Cons of this proposal

Initial cost

Private transport vehicles not addressed

Impact on the community

SLIDE 28 PROPOSAL Two Regulated car parks

To address issues arising from

People using private transport

People with disabilities

People travelling long distance (>1hr)

Proposal: Regulated car parks

This proposal consist of the development of 4 main car parks.

Eligibility

People with disabilities

People travelling long distance (>1hr)

Regulated by a high tech system that scans drivers licence

(to calculate distance from home to the stadium) and
disability permits

SLIDE 29 Map

These car parks will be located in each direction of the stadium to

reduce traffic and avoid traffic going through the major roads.

SLIDE 30
Pros of this proposal

Provides an alternate for long distance travellers

Reduces traffic around the area with the use of directional car parks
+ as seen highlighted on the map the car parks are positioned on

each side of the stadium. People are able to access the car park
closest to their point of arrival.

Car parks facilities available for the public on non-game days for
individuals travelling to work. This will also promote public transport
with the ability to park and travel in.

Cons of this proposal

Does not eliminate the use of private cars

New technology required for scanning

Cost

Construction of car parks close to the stadium

SLIDE 31- Proposal Three Dispersal of traffic impacts

The Issues it will address

Exit crowd surge

Pedestrian bottleneck

Exiting motor vehicle traffic

Jaywalking

Pedestrian crowds crossing main roads

Proposal three- Dispersal of traffic impacts

The proposal

Stagger the pedestrian entrance and exit flow from the stadium and
surrounding area, the suggest plays for this are activities before and
after the game for example

Meet and Greet the players

Public game

Sport coaches for kids

Competitions

SLIDE 32- Dispersal of traffic impacts

Pros of this proposal

Reduces bottleneck and crowd dispersion issues

Sponsorship support

Promotes fitness awareness

Builds community identity

Increasing the amount of joy brought from going to a game

Cons of this proposal

The need for Event Organisers

Potential damage to the field

Team participation

The need for Volunteers and security

SLIDE 33 - Recommendations

It is recommended, to reduce traffic congestion associated with

sporting events held at inner city stadiums, the following proposals
be implemented

Proposal 1 Pedestrian Flow Tactics

Proposal 3 Dispersal of Traffic Impacts

SLIDE 34

Implementing Proposal 1 and 3 will

Reduce the bottle neck traffic congestion associated with the

beginning and end of the game

Reduce pedestrian traffic

Reduce bus traffic within the stadium traffic zones.

Proposal 2 wasnt implemented due to it being too costly

along with the impacts of the construction is residential areas.

SLIDE 35
Environmental

Reduces the need for automobile dependence.

Reduces greenhouse gases

Ecological

Reduces effects on atmospheric quality, including smog and

greenhouse gases

Reduces the impact of traffic noise, road accidents, visual

intrusion.

Economical

Reduces time costs associated with traffic congestion.

Increases the use of public transport reducing transportation system

costs.

Social

Increase in pedestrian safety

Increase community and neighbourhood interaction

Less community and social impacts from traffic congestion

(Codrington, 2007)

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