The contract to build Brisbane’s new inner-city Neville Bonner Bridge pedestrian bridge from Queen’s Wharf to South Brisbane will soon be released, Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones has announced.

Ms Jones said around 100 labourers, engineers, designers and other workers will work on the bridge – named in honour of Australia’s first Indigenous parliamentarian.

The bridge itself will cost the consortia around $100 million and is part of the original scope of works of Queen’s Wharf.

“Once the tender is awarded, the contractor will recruit the next wave of labourers to work on this historic project.

“Queen’s Wharf will change the face of Brisbane – creating more than 8000 jobs in Brisbane’s CBD over the next 10 years.

“Today’s announcement is the next major milestone for this project and a great coup for Brisbane.”

The new bridge is part of the $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf Brisbane development and will link both sides of the Brisbane River.

“The Neville Bonner Bridge will be the pivotal link between South Bank and Queen’s Wharf – with 50 new restaurants and bars and a world class-retail hub.”

Senator Bonner was the first Indigenous Australian to become a member of the Commonwealth Parliament. He was initially appointed to fill a casual Senate vacancy in 1971 and serviced until 1983. In 1979 he was named Australian of the Year.

“We thank Destination Brisbane Consortium for its continued engagement with Traditional Owners and especially with the Bonner family to honour their late grandfather and granduncle,” Ms Jones said.