Brisbane City Council to Tap into Residents' Early-Morning Habits with New Economic Plan

Brisbane residents who enjoy rising with the sun will have their say in shaping the city's new economic plan. The Brisbane City Council is developing a Dawn Plan to capitalize on the city's early-morning habits and is calling on locals to share their experiences.

The council's survey, open until November 22, asks residents about their activities in Brisbane between 4am and 7am. The responses will help inform improvements to park facilities, pathways, and public transport options during these early hours.

A Thriving Dawn Economy

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the survey's findings would be invaluable in supporting the city's thriving dawn economy.

"The reality is there's a thriving dawn economy at the moment," Cr Schrinner said.

"People are voting with their feet. They want to get up early, they want to get out and about, and they want to get active."

"The more we can find out about the reasons that people are up and about early, then the better we can respond as a city."

Research by University of Melbourne research fellow Dr Anna Edwards found that Brisbane has one of the most active early-morning trading hours in Australia. About 13 per cent of Brisbane cafes are open between 5am and 6am.

"I think that's a really fantastic first step that they are actually asking the community what they want to see from their early mornings," Dr Edwards said.

"We do a lot of planning of places by space, but we don't necessarily always think about timing."

Blaine Swanborough co-owns a cafe in Mitchelton that opens at 6am. He said the community is often out and about by then.

"We really see a drop off in trade later in the mornings as it heats up, especially in summer," Mr Swanborough said.

"We really try and make the most of it in the early morning. Our balance is with staff as well … but we try and find that line of providing what the community wants."

Building a 24-Hour City

Committee for Brisbane chief executive Jen Williams said the dawn economy plan was about playing to Brisbane's strengths.

"For a long time, Brisbane has shied away from acknowledging that it is an early-rising city," Ms Williams said.

"Whereas now, we can see with the global wellness movement and a focus on health, that people really do want to embrace the mornings."

"The dawn economy doesn't come at the expense of the night-time economy. It is really about building a 24-hour city."

Council opposition leader Jared Cassidy said the dawn survey was unnecessary.

"It's shocking that our Lord Mayor, who has served in Council for over 20 years, has just realised Brisbane residents start their day early," Cr Cassidy said.

"It's simple — we need investment in the infrastructure and services necessary to improve our uniquely Brisbane way of life. Early morning public transport services and lighting in parks and bikeways to support active travel in the winter months would be a great start."