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Grinding Mill Relic at Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks

The grinding mill at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks serves as a notable industrial relic, symbolising the area’s past as a prominent cement manufacturing centre.

Once integral to the operations of the Queensland Cement and Lime Company (QCL), established in 1914, the mill highlights the industrial heritage of the region.

Industrial relics at Rocks Riverside Park — *Photo Credit: thegrayscales/Reddit*

QCL played a vital role in Queensland’s construction industry, manufacturing cement and lime at its factory in Darra, Brisbane. Initially, limestone from the Darling Downs was used, but by the 1930s, the company transitioned to using coral dredged from Moreton Bay. This coral was transported via barges to Oxley Wharf at Seventeen Mile Rocks before being conveyed to the factory.

The grinding mill was used to process the coral into cement by crushing it using either rotational methods or steel balls. Maintenance of this equipment was intensive, with workers frequently replacing steel cables and maintaining cranes that handled the coral. The industrial operations ceased in 1998 after QCL was unable to renew its dredging licences, leading to the closure of the Darra plant.

Rocks Riverside Park: A Historical Site

Rocks Riverside Park, established in 2003, preserves the industrial heritage of the area. The park was built on the former site of QCL’s operations, with remnants of the grinding mill and other industrial artefacts scattered throughout. These relics serve as a reminder of the area’s history while contributing to its unique character.

The park is divided into zones, including the river flat, bushland ridge, and a green link. Its features include picnic areas, playgrounds, a water play area, and shared pathways, making it a popular destination for families and history enthusiasts alike.

Grinding mill Rocks Riverside Park — *Photo Credit: Kikoprincess Li/Google Maps*

Community Sentiment and Legacy

The community appreciates the incorporation of industrial artefacts into the park, which offer a tangible link to Seventeen Mile Rocks’ industrial past. Visitors often reflect on the area’s transformation from an industrial site to a recreational park. The grinding mill remains a focal point, symbolising the transition of the space while maintaining its historical identity.

The grinding mill at Seventeen Mile Rocks is a key historical feature, bridging the area’s industrial heritage with its current role as a vibrant recreational park. Rocks Riverside Park not only honours the past but also provides a unique setting for the community to enjoy.

Published 18-Jan-2025

Platypus Habitat Restoration Project Launched in Wacol

Photo Credit: Australian Museum

A conservation project at Bullockhead Creek in Wacol, a crucial refuge to Brisbane’s dwindling platypus population, has received $1.9 million in funding to focus on habitat repair, weed removal, and revegetation.

Bullockhead Creek in Wacol has long been recognised as a crucial refuge for Brisbane’s dwindling platypus population. With only 35 sightings recorded in Brisbane waterways last year, immediate action is necessary to safeguard this iconic species.

Platypus habitat in Wacol — *Photo Credit: Australian Museum*

Previous research by the University of Queensland and BCC identified habitat degradation as a significant factor impacting platypus numbers in the area.

The Conservation Project Explained

Under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, $1.9 million has been allocated to improve 4.5 hectares of the creek’s ecosystem. The initiative includes habitat repair, weed removal, and revegetation using native riparian species to strengthen the ecological health of the area.

The strategy also includes ongoing research into platypus movement and waterway health, with DNA sampling at 100 sites in Brisbane providing data to guide future efforts.

The project is part of the broader “Boost Platypus by 2032” plan, which aims to reverse population declines through habitat restoration, research, and community awareness programs.

Community Sentiment and Stakeholder Support

Local environmental groups and researchers have expressed optimism about the project’s potential impact. According to BCC’s Chair for Environment, Parks, and Sustainability, Tracy Davis, the program underscores a commitment to protecting biodiversity in urban areas, similar to previous efforts for koalas.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the funding boost, long-term success depends on addressing broader environmental issues such as urban runoff and pollution.

Saving Wacol’s platypus through habitat restoration — *Photo Credit: Australian Museum*

Future plans include the introduction of educational tools like Platyplatforms and Platycams, allowing the public to view live footage of known platypus hotspots and learn about their habitats while ensuring minimal disturbance to the environment.

Planning for habitat restoration will begin in early 2025. This initiative is a vital step towards securing a sustainable future for platypus populations in Wacol and beyond.

Published 18-Jan-2025

Wacol Youth Remand Centre Set for Completion in Mid-2025

Construction of the Wacol Youth Remand Centre, a facility designed to tackle overcrowding in Queensland’s youth detention system, is now set for completion in mid-2025.

Addressing an Urgent Need

Originally projected for completion by December 2024, the timeline for the Wacol Youth Remand Centre has been adjusted to accommodate detailed planning and ensure it meets the demands of the state’s youth justice system. The centre will provide much-needed detention space for young offenders, easing the strain on police watchhouses and other detention centres across Queensland.

The Wacol facility is a response to increasing youth crime and the resulting pressure on the state’s detention infrastructure. Reports indicate that current facilities are operating near capacity, with police watchhouses often holding young offenders for extended periods. This new centre aims to relieve those pressures by providing secure, purpose-built detention beds for young people awaiting court outcomes.

Part of a Larger Strategy

The centre is one of several planned developments to address the state’s youth detention challenges. Additional centres, including a 50-bed remand facility at Woodford expected to be ready in 2027 and another in Cairns with an unspecified timeline, are also in the pipeline.

Until these centres become operational, Wacol will serve as a vital stopgap measure to manage the growing population of youth offenders in detention.

The facility’s location near existing detention centres ensures that resources can be shared efficiently, and detainees will benefit from nearby rehabilitation services. This strategic positioning is expected to enhance the overall effectiveness of Queensland’s youth justice system.

Focus on Rehabilitation

The Wacol Youth Remand Centre programs will include education, mental health support, and cultural activities, addressing the root causes of youth crime. Authorities stress the importance of these services in helping young people turn their lives around while ensuring the safety of the community.

Young offenders detained at the Wacol facility will have access to Queensland Education programs, vocational training, and counselling services. These efforts aim to prepare detainees for reintegration into society and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.

Managing Challenges and Expectations

The news comes amidst ongoing concerns about detention overcrowding, particularly during peak periods like the holiday season. Some have questioned whether the bed capacity will be sufficient to meet the demands of new laws targeting youth offending. However, officials maintain that the facility will provide much-needed relief and is a significant step toward improving the youth justice framework.

While delays are inevitable in such projects, those overseeing the development remain confident that the Wacol centre will have a meaningful impact on both detention capacity and rehabilitation outcomes.

Published 13-January-2025

Was Jindalee’s Amazons Aquatic Adventureland a Danger Zone? Locals Share Stories

Photo Credit: Brisbane Wiki

Jindalee residents are sharing their memories of Amazons Aquatic Adventureland, a once-popular water park notorious for its dangerous rides and frequent injuries.

The park operated in Jindalee from 1982 to 2001 and has become a topic of conversation on Reddit, where users recount their experiences and mishaps on the infamous “Shotgun” waterslide.

One user recalled dislocating their ribs on the Shotgun because they didn’t lean forward as instructed, while another fractured their arm when they hit the side of the slide. Others shared stories of wedgies, near-drowning experiences, and even a cancelled school excursion after a student broke their nose on one of the rides.

A History of Hazards

Amazons Aquatic Adventureland was known for its thrilling waterslides, pools, and obstacle courses. However, it also gained a reputation for lacking safety and supervision. One Reddit user described the park as a “scene out of Platoon,” with “nothing but chaos and maimed/injured kids.” Another claimed that the park often left rides unsupervised if staff weren’t available, simply putting up a sign warning patrons not to use them.

This lack of supervision may have contributed to a tragic incident in 1999 when a 5-year-old boy drowned in the deep water near the Shotgun slide. An inquest into the boy’s death found that he had been left unattended by his uncle and that there was insufficient lifeguard surveillance. While the coroner concluded that the death could have been prevented, there was not enough evidence to charge anyone.

Closure and Legacy

Amazons closed its doors in 2001, two years after the drowning incident. The official reason was low patronage, with the owners stating that Brisbane lacked an inbound tourist market and that locals preferred to go to the coast for day trips. The site is now home to DFO Jindalee.

Despite its closure, Amazons continues to live on in the memories of Jindalee residents, who have taken to social media to share their good and bad experiences. While some remember the park fondly, others recall it as a place where safety was an afterthought and injuries were commonplace. The stories shared online serve as a reminder of a time when water parks were a little less regulated and a lot more wild.

Published Date 08-Jan-2025

Mount Ommaney Special School Grieves Loss of Sandra and Peter Schuptar

Photo Credit: Mount Ommaney Special School/Facebook

A Mount Ommaney Special School teacher and her husband were killed when their motorbike collided with a four-wheel drive at Carbrook, near Brisbane.

The tragic accident occurred on Sunday, 5 January 2025, at around 7:30 p.m., at the intersection of Mount Cotton and Coorang Roads. Sandra Schuptar, 65, and her husband Peter, 63, both residents of Cornubia, were riding their Honda Goldwing motorcycle when the crash happened.

Emergency services treated the couple for severe injuries, but both were pronounced dead at the scene.

Community in Mourning

Sandra was a prominent figure at Mount Ommaney Special School, where she was the head of the Early Childhood Development Program and Special Education Services. The school described her as a dedicated educator who made everyone feel welcome and valued. Colleagues and parents expressed their heartbreak at the loss, with one parent recalling how Sandra had been a source of unwavering support for families of children with special needs.

The school community issued a statement describing the news of her death as a shock, leaving them “heartbroken beyond belief.” Tributes also came from neighbouring special schools and the Queensland Association of Special Education Leaders, which highlighted her significant contribution to the field of special education.

Remembering the Couple’s Contributions

Beyond her professional achievements, Sandra, along with her husband Peter, was an active member of the local Jewish community. The couple organised prayer groups and led trips to Israel, leaving an indelible impact on those around them. Friends remembered them as caring and generous individuals who brought people together.

Peter, who was well-known for his involvement in local transport services, shared his wife’s passion for community service. Together, they were remembered as compassionate leaders who touched many lives through their work and personal connections.

Investigation Underway

The driver of the Nissan Patrol, a 21-year-old Carbrook man, was unharmed in the crash. Queensland Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident, urging anyone with information, including dashcam footage, to come forward.

A Lasting Legacy

Sandra and Peter Schuptar’s sudden passing has left a profound void in the communities they served. Their dedication to education, family support, and faith continues to resonate with those who knew them.

The Mount Ommaney Special School community plans to honour their memory in the coming weeks as they navigate this time of grief.

Published 9-January-2025

Free Dog Training Session Set for Sinnamon Park Leave It Program

Photo Credit: Furry Friends/Instagram

Dog owners in Sinnamon Park are invited to the Leave It Program—a free hands-on training session focusing on two essential commands: recall and leave it.

The event will be held at Thomas MacLeod Park from 8:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, 8 February 2025.

Sinnamon Park Leave It Program — *Photo Credit: Furry Friends/Instagram*

What’s the Leave It Program About?

The Leave It Program focuses on helping dog owners teach their pets to respond reliably in public spaces, particularly when wildlife or distractions are present. Commands like leave it and a strong recall can prevent dogs from running into danger or disturbing native animals.

What to Expect on the Day

Local trainers will guide participants through practical exercises, including:

Teaching dogs to come when called, even with distractions.
Using the leave it cue to prevent dogs from approaching harmful items or wildlife.
Managing dogs effectively in both on-leash and off-leash situations.

A Leave It popup stand will also be available, offering free dog-related resources and goodies.

Responsible Dog Ownership in Brisbane

Sinnamon Park dog training event with local trainers. — *Photo Credit: Furry Friends/Instagram*

While the Leave It Program focuses on practical training, it also reinforces the broader responsibilities of dog ownership in Brisbane. Dog owners are required to:

Register and microchip their dogs.
Keep dogs on a lead in public spaces unless in designated off-leash areas.
Remove their dogs’ waste from public areas.
Provide secure fencing at home to prevent escapes.
Avoid leaving pet food outside, as it can attract pests.
Desex their dogs to prevent unwanted litters and promote better health and behaviour.
Follow safety regulations for guard dogs, including secure enclosures, clear warning signs, and effective control during public access.

These rules are designed to ensure the safety of dogs, people, and local wildlife.

The Importance of Programs Like Leave It

The Leave It Program goes beyond basic training commands. It fosters trust and confidence between dogs and their owners while promoting responsible habits that make shared spaces safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

How to Get Involved

Dog learning 'leave it' command in outdoor setting. — *Photo Credit: Furry Friends/Instagram*

Dog owners have a great opportunity to help foster a more responsible dog-friendly community while also improving their pets’ behaviour through the Leave It Program at Sinnamon Park. It is recommended to register early due to the limited number of spots.

By participating in the Leave It Program, dog owners contribute to creating a safer and more enjoyable environment in Brisbane’s parks and public spaces.

Published 8-Jan-2025

Safer and Smoother Journeys at Upgraded Jamboree Heights Intersection

Photo Credit: Brisbane West BUG/Facebook

The intersection at Dandenong Road, Sirocco Street, and Central Avenue in Jamboree Heights has been upgraded, with traffic lights now fully operational and new safety features in place for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Jamboree Heights intersection upgrade — *Photo Credit: Brisbane West BUG/Facebook*

The intersection’s construction began last March 2024 and was completed in December 2024. Under joint funding from a national infrastructure programme and local contributions, the project sought to solve long-standing safety and traffic issues at this busy crossing.

Before the upgrade, the intersection had two slip lanes in and out of Central Avenue. While the outbound slip lane was rebuilt, the inbound slip lane was removed totally. These modifications were instituted to increase pedestrian and cyclist access and safety across the junction.

Jamboree Heights traffic lights now operational. — *Photo Credit: Brisbane West BUG/Facebook*

Key Features of the Upgrade

New traffic lights have been installed to manage vehicle movements more safely, while pedestrian crossings with signals have been added to all sides of the intersection. The northbound slip lane on Dandenong Road was removed entirely, and a raised zebra—or “wombat”—crossing was added on Central Avenue’s eastbound slip lane.

The bike lanes on Dandenong Road have been extended, creating a clearer route for cyclists. While they’re still painted lanes and not physically separated, they now extend past the vehicle stop lines and are equipped with sensor loops to trigger the traffic lights.

For cyclists wanting to turn right, off-ramps have been added so they can safely use the pedestrian crossings. The kerbs and footpaths around the intersection have also been upgraded, making it easier for people with mobility needs to get around.

Additionally, stormwater drainage at the intersection has been improved with upgraded and newly installed stormwater pipes and pits, reducing the risk of water buildup during heavy rain.

Replacing the left-turn slip lane on Dandenong Road with a controlled left-turn arrow has significantly improved safety for both pedestrians and cyclists crossing Central Avenue.

Signalised pedestrian crossing facilities have been installed across all approaches, ensuring safer access for pedestrians and improved connectivity to local bus stops, shopping centres, and community facilities.

Jamboree Heights upgraded intersection with traffic lights — *Photo Credit: Brisbane West BUG/Facebook*

Traffic Lights Now Operational

The new traffic lights went live in December 2024, marking the official completion of the upgrade. Locals are already noticing smoother traffic flow and safer crossing points for both pedestrians and cyclists.

This upgrade is designed to:

Improve safety for all road users
Reduce congestion and improve traffic efficiency
Make walking safer and cycling more accessible

Community Impact and Future Outlook

City official Sarah Hutton highlighted the importance of these upgrades in improving safety and accessibility for everyone in the area.

Pedestrian crossing with signal lights at Jamboree Heights — *Photo Credit: Brisbane West BUG/Facebook*

With the intersection now fully operational, local authorities will continue monitoring traffic flow and user feedback to ensure everything’s running smoothly. Any adjustments needed will be addressed over time.

For now, residents and visitors to Jamboree Heights can enjoy a safer and more efficient intersection, whether they’re driving, walking, or cycling through the area.

Published 7-Jan-2025

Street Spotlight: Westlake Dr, Westlake

Photo Credit: qimagery.information.qld.gov.au

Westlake Drive paints a remarkable picture of transformation, from its humble beginnings to the established residential enclave it is today. In 1936, the area was completely undeveloped, with no trace of the current road networks or neighbourhoods that would eventually define this sought-after pocket.

The street’s evolution is evident in its real estate history, with properties like 168 Westlake Drive changing hands for $37,600 in March 1975 – a figure that reflects how far the area has come. Today, the street boasts an impressive 90% owner-occupancy rate, with residents staying an average of nearly 16 years, and 60% calling it home for more than a decade. This stability, spread across 186 properties, underscores Westlake Drive’s enduring appeal as a tightly-knit community where neighbours become long-term friends.

Westlake Dr, Westlake Residents

NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 186
% OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 90%
AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 15 years, 11 months
% OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 60%

Westlake Dr, Westlake – As It Looked in 1936

Westlake Dr, Westlake in 1936

SOME RECENT SALES ON WESTLAKE DR, WESTLAKE

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
189 Westlake, Westlake	$3,500,000	Jul 2024
145 Westlake, Westlake	$1,100,000	Jun 2024
341 Westlake, Westlake	$1,345,000	Jun 2024
166 Westlake, Westlake	$1,337,000	May 2024
136 Westlake, Westlake	$1,350,000	May 2024
302 Westlake, Westlake	$1,282,500	Feb 2024

SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON WESTLAKE DR FROM YESTERYEAR

Property Address	Sale Price	Sale Date
168 Westlake, Westlake	$37,600	Mar 1975
156 Westlake, Westlake	$43,500	Jun 1975

SUBURB PROFILE

The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Westlake in 2024 was $1,215,000
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Westlake in 2020 was $735,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN WESTLAKE SINCE 2020 : $480,000

The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Westlake in 2024 was $1,450,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Westlake in 2020 was $813,000
TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN WESTLAKE SINCE 2020 : $637,000

If you know Westlake Dr, Westlake well and you have some anecdotes or details to add, please email us at editor@brisbanesuburbsonlinenews.com.au.

Seventeen Mile Rocks Garden Wins Award for Zero-Waste Efforts

Photo Credit: Rocks Community Garden/ Facebook

A community garden in Seventeen Mile Rocks Garden has won a major award for its commitment to sustainability and zero-waste practices.

The City Council recently awarded the Rocks Community Garden (RCG) the WasteSMART Outstanding Award for its impressive efforts in reducing waste and promoting environmentally friendly gardening. The garden, located within Rocks Riverside Park, is run by 70 volunteers and is dedicated to organic gardening and composting all their green waste.

A Model of Sustainability

Rocks Garden — *Photo Credit:* *Rocks Community Garden/ Facebook*

Before implementing their zero-waste policy, the garden’s green waste filled an entire skip bin every week. Now, the members maintain five worm farms, ten compost bins, and five large composting bays to recycle all their organic materials. Some members even collect food scraps and coffee grounds from a nearby cafe to prevent them from ending up in landfill.

More Than Just Gardening

The RCG is more than just a place to grow vegetables. It’s a community hub where people come together to share their love of gardening, build friendships, and support each other. Members rescue plastic buckets from a local industrial estate to use for plant cuttings, which they then give away to visitors along with free seeds to encourage others to grow their gardens.

The garden also collects many recyclable materials, including glass, paper, and plastic, and removes unwanted household items like furniture, toys, and gardening supplies.

Core Values

The RCG is committed to a set of core values that guide their work. These values include sustainability, collaboration, inclusivity, education, health and well-being, friendship, and creativity.

They believe in working together and sharing knowledge to create a thriving garden space that benefits people and the environment. The garden is a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds and abilities, and they strive to create a sense of community and belonging for all members.

Visit the Garden

The Rocks Community Garden welcomes visitors interested in learning more about sustainable gardening practices or simply wanting to enjoy their labour’s fruits. Members regularly meet at the garden on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Published Date 31-December-2024

QPS Welcomes Final Wave of Record-Breaking Police Recruits in 2024

Photo Credit: Queensland Police

The Queensland Police Service (QPS) has concluded a year of unprecedented recruitment with a final graduation ceremony at its Oxley Academy in Wacol, welcoming 122 new first-year constables.

This latest intake brings the number of new officers inducted in 2024 to over 940, marking a significant milestone for the organisation.

This final graduation ceremony at Wacol caps off a year of exceptional growth for the QPS academies. Earlier this year, the academies experienced their largest intake of recruits in 26 years and recently recorded the highest number of recruits in training across both Brisbane and Townsville. With over 2,200 applicants still in the pipeline – a 53 per cent increase compared to November 2023 – the QPS anticipates another strong year of recruitment in 2025.

Commissioner of Police Steve Gollschewski expressed his enthusiasm for the year’s achievements and highlighted the organisation’s dedication to attracting and training new officers. He emphasised that the recruits’ diverse backgrounds reflect the QPS’s commitment to building a police force that truly understands and serves the diverse communities of Queensland.

Adding to this diversity are graduates of the Multicultural Recruit Preparation Pathway (MRPP), a specialised program designed to assist individuals from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in preparing for police training. This six-week course provides tailored support to help participants succeed in the standard 36-week Recruit Training Program.

One such graduate, First Year Constable Emmanuel Andruga, who emigrated from Uganda in 2010, shared his experience with the MRPP. He explained how the program helped him smoothly transition into mainstream training and highlighted the value of building strong peer networks and gaining a deeper understanding of policing in Queensland within a supportive environment.

These newly minted constables will be deployed across Queensland, bolstering police presence in various stations from metropolitan areas like Brisbane and the Gold Coast to regional centres such as Cairns, Townsville, and Toowoomba.

The QPS continues to promote the diverse opportunities a policing career offers, emphasising the dynamic nature of the work and encouraging those interested in a challenging and rewarding career to consider joining the force.

Published Date 23-December-2024