Premier Campbell Newman and Lord Mayor Graham Quirk have declared the Story Bridge "open for business".

Currently the Story Bridge is only closed for Riverfire – the city's fireworks display staged to mark the end of the Brisbane Festival.

But organisers could apply to close the bridge for major events such as fun runs, a cycling event or a significant cultural event.

Mr Newman said successive councils had received requests to use the bridge "usually for charitable or good purposes" over the years and the government had put in place a "protocol" "that actually deals with the way someone makes such a request".

But he could not confirm whether tunnels, such as the Clem7, would be made available to motorists for free to help ease the inconvenience caused by closing the bridge.

"That is a matter for the BCC and the operators," he said.

"I'd hope that if someone came forward with a great proposal, that could be put on the table."

Mr Newman said it was not a money making venture for the state.

"It has nothing to do with the state government.  This is completely within the purview and the powers of the Brisbane City Council.  It is their bridge.  It has been their bridge for many, many decades since it was handed over by a state government along time ago," he said.

Cr Quirk said the move recognised that the Story Bridge was a focal point for the Brisbane community.

"With the popular Bridge Climb program and council's innovative LED lighting displays regularly used to raise awareness for important causes, the Story Bridge's status as an icon of our city is ever increasing," he said.

"Not only will this be a great addition to our city's event venues, it will further confirm that Brisbane is Australia's New World City."

Authorities will only approve up to four events a year, with organisers required to apply.

Applications for events planned from January to June 2015 are now open and close on Friday October 24, 2014. Successful applicants will be announced in December 2014.