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Developer Hopes to Activate Warrender Street with Mixed-Use Development

A new five-storey mixed-use development has been proposed for Warrender Street in Darra, featuring residential units, restaurants, offices, and retail spaces.

Read: Designs Unveiled for Retirement Village at McLeod Country Golf Club

Designed by architecture firm Refresh Design, the development aims to activate the area with new housing, dining, and commercial options.

Located at 45 Warrender Street, the proposed development will have two main buildings across 2,744 sqm of total floor area. Building 1 will be 820 sqm, whilst the larger Building 2 is planned at 2,422 sqm.

Site plan (Photo credit: Refresh Design)

Between the two structures, there will be space for eight retail shops (644 sqm in total), four commercial office tenancies (282 sqm), and 12 rooming accommodation units (523 sqm) on the ground floor.

The upper levels include a mix of four single-story units, four loft-style units, and four two-story townhouse units for residential spaces totaling over 1,400 sqm.

Outdoor areas are a focus as well, with 498 sqm of private open space and 113 sqm of communal courtyard. Significant deep planting, landscaping, and parking spots round out the site plan.

The proposal incorporates 31 on-site parking spaces to accommodate residents and visitors. Refuse storage and collection has also been addressed with a dedicated area for RCV pickup service within the site.

For vehicle access, there will be two entry points to the development from Warrender Street via new crossovers to be constructed. The planned parking and servicing arrangements aim to fully support the mixed-use complex onsite once operational.

45 Warrender St, Darra (Photo credit: Google Street View)

According to planners, the proposed development utilises several design elements to minimise the perceived size and scale across the site. Careful articulation, varied roof pitches, and a mix of exterior materials and finishes help break up building mass. An active ground floor and upper level balconies facing the street frontage further reduce bulk whilst enhancing street activation and casual surveillance opportunities.

Read: Proposed Childcare Centre in Sinnamon Park to Repurpose Heritage Church

The proposed mixed-use complex aims to bring new housing diversity and commercial activity through its blend of shops, offices, restaurants and residential spaces conveniently located near public transport in Darra. With city approval, construction could begin soon on the development.

Published 7-January-2024

Community Consultation Continues for Centenary Motorway Upgrade

After an initial round of consultations in early 2023, the second round of community engagement for the Centenary Motorway Upgrade – Darra to Toowong will start this year.

Read: Olympic-Size Congestion: Call For Urgent Upgrade on Centenary Highway0

Local residents will have the opportunity to review updated draft plans and provide input on the proposed masterplan.

Over the four-week consultation period earlier in 2023, there were over 2,000 interactions with stakeholders and community members. Some of the key issues raised included reducing congestion on the motorway; improving biking and walking facilities; and considering additional public transportation services.

Centenary Motorway (Photo credit: tmr.qld.gov.au)

The current project encompasses improvements along the entire stretch of road from the Ipswich Motorway interchange to the Toowong Roundabout.

Project map (Photo credit: tmr.qld.gov.au)

Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) stresses the importance of public feedback in finalising designs for the next phase of construction after the current bridge upgrades are completed.

The $298.5 million Centenary Bridge Upgrade represents the first stage of the broader motorway enhancements.

Works on the new three-lane northbound bridge, rehabilitation of the existing southbound bridges, and improved pedestrian/cycling infrastructure were slated to commence in late March 2023.

Centenary Motorway Upgrade, Stage 1 (Photo credit: tmr.qld.gov.au)

The Centenary Bridge, which forms part of the Motorway, currently carries over 85,000 vehicles daily, and projections estimate over 150,000 vehicles will need to cross it by 2036; the upgrade will improve safety to reduce crashes, increase capacity to meet current and future traffic demand with better travel time reliability, provide better facilities for active transport, and lengthen entry and exit ramps for safer merge lanes.

TMR and contractors aim to minimise impacts to motorists and residents throughout construction. The team is currently finalising work plans and permits ahead of the start date. Initial on-site activities will involve surveys, site preparation, and utility relocations.

The federal government has pledged $10 million through the Major Project Business Case fund, in additional funding to support planning and development of the corridor upgrades.

Read: Contractors Chosen for the Centenary Bridge Upgrade

TMR plans to hold a series of community information sessions beginning February 14. Further information including the survey form can be viewed on TMR’s website.

Published 10-December-2023

Designs Unveiled for Retirement Village at McLeod Country Golf Club

Citing traffic and flooding concerns, among other things, some local residents have expressed concerns over the proposal to build a large retirement living facility at the McLeod Country Golf Club in Mount Ommaney.

Read: Former Jindalee Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday With Trip Down Memory Lane

Designed by Marchese Partners in collaboration with Life 3A, the development would consist of five multi-storey buildings with 126 units in total.

The mix of two-bedroom, three-bedroom apartments, and penthouse units would surround a central communal open space featuring amenities like barbecue areas, a community garden, and landscaped seating zones. There will be 207 total parking spaces – 167 resident spaces and 40 visitor and staff spaces.

The project is slated to be constructed in two stages by developer Aura Holdings, pending approval.

Although many locals have welcomed the potential revenue source for club improvements, concerns have also been raised. Others have also criticised the length and height of the proposed structures.

Some worry the large buildings at the site could exacerbate existing traffic and flooding issues. The golf course was even forced to temporarily close after severe flooding in February 2022.

In response to concerns about flooding, planners emphasised the buildings would be constructed on an elevated section of the course at least 3 metres above flood levels.

Club president Diane Lally defended the plans, saying the leasing arrangement with Aura Holdings would provide vital capital for clubhouse and course upgrades, as well as a reliable income stream to ensure the club’s future viability.

The high-end retirement community would be operated by Aura Holdings, which is also behind the Somerset development in Indooroopilly and The Atrium in Lutwyche.

“The proposed Retirement Facility will provide significant benefits to the club, club members and local residents through its continued operation by providing a variety of indoor and outdoor recreation spaces in conjunction with the existing 18-hole golf course. The redevelopment of the site will provide additional funding for the club to undertake essential infrastructure upgrades on site, securing the long term feasibility of the MCGC,” planners wrote.

Read: Proposal Submitted for Oxley Retirement Facility & Community Centre

Planners highlighted that the proposal will cater to Brisbane’s ageing population, particularly those seeking independent living but not requiring full-time care and who want to remain independent.

They said the development will also help address the current housing shortage by allowing older residents to move out of their existing homes but stay in their neighbourhood. This would open up those homes to be occupied by other community members.

Published 28-December-2023

Hungry Jack’s, New Food Outlet Coming to Jindalee If Plans Approved

Plans have been submitted for a new Hungry Jack’s restaurant featuring a drive-through and an additional food outlet to be constructed at the Jindalee Direct Factory Outlet shopping centre.

Read: Proposed Childcare Centre in Sinnamon Park to Repurpose Heritage Church

The plans from CCN Architects call for reconfiguring the internal layout of the Direct Factory Outlet shopping complex to make way for new dining and retail spaces. This would be Phase 3 of developments at the complex, located at 11 Pavilions Close, Jindalee.

The realignment would rearrange the Bonds, Florentine, and other specialty shops on the ground level to improve sight lines. The two proposed food tenancies, a 460 sqm Hungry Jack’s and a 180 sqm food and drink outlet, would be situated in the existing Level B car park area near Pavilions Close.

Existing site plan (Photo credit: CCN Architects)

Proposed site plan (Photo credit: CCN Architects)

To accommodate the buildouts, changes to the car parking layout would also be completed, adding 32 new spaces. New vehicle access roads and pedestrian crossings are included as part of the proposal.

Artist’s impression of food outlet (Photo credit: CCN Architects)

The outlets would be open 24/7, with the planning report stating the location towards the centre of the site would maximise safety and minimise impacts on nearby residential areas. Setbacks, building separation, and landscaping are also called out as methods to maintain amenity.

“The proposal will involve extensions to the existing centre on the site, consisting of two new tenancies within the existing car park, with a consequential increase in carparking. Additionally, the uppermost carparking deck will be extended,” planners stated.

11 Pavilions Cl, Jindalee (Photo credit: Google Street View)

“The proposal will not result in an increase in overall height of the development, nor cause any adverse impacts on the amenity of the locality as demonstrated through compliance with noise and traffic criteria of Brisbane City Plan 2014. Furthermore, the improved design of the new spaces around the buildings will offer greater levels of amenity to pedestrian users of the centre.”

Read: Construction Contract Awarded: Centenary Bridge Upgrade Now a Step Closer

The plans are currently in for review, with construction timelines depending on the application approval.

Published 18-December-2023

Young Musicians, Including a Seventeen Mile Rocks Local, Conclude Inspiring Music Intensive in Melbourne

Eline van Bruggen, a flutist from Seventeen Mile Rocks, was one of a group of young, emerging musicians from Queensland, ACT, and South Australia who gathered at the Camberwell Grammar School in Melbourne and the Conservatorium High School in Sydney for the much-anticipated Young Mannheim Symphonists 2023 Intensives.

The five-day music festival was organised by the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, offering a unique opportunity for these emerging artists to immerse themselves in the world of historical performance style. The event culminated in two spectacular public concerts, showcasing the talent and dedication of the participants.

A Gathering of Emerging Talent

The Young Mannheim Symphonists 2023 Intensives brought together 32 music students between the ages of 12 and 23, hailing from various corners of the country, including Brisbane, Adelaide, Canberra, and many more. The participants were joined by 11 professional specialist tutors, all eager to share their expertise and passion for classical and romantic music.

These young musicians are not only dedicated to their craft but are also pursuing their education at institutions such as the ANU, TAFE Queensland, University of Queensland, Elder Conservatorium, and Prince Alfred College Adelaide.

The youth orchestra, conducted by Rachael Beesley, explored masterpieces by renowned composers such as Beethoven, Mozart, Elgar, CPE Bach, and lesser-known masters like Stamitz and Reicha. Co-directed by Beesley and Nicole van Bruggen, the program aimed to provide a hands-on experience of discovering music through the lens of historical performance style. It’s an opportunity to nurture musicians for the future, equipping them with the knowledge and insight to make informed musical decisions.

An Orchestra with a Mission

The Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra is renowned for its specialisation in period instrument performances of late 18th- to early 20th-century orchestral and chamber music. Under the artistic direction of Ms Beesley and Ms van Bruggen, the orchestra has been celebrated for its “intelligent and warm performances” that demonstrate the importance of historically informed musicianship.

Established in 2012, the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra is celebrating its 10th year, significantly impacting the Australian music scene. It successfully combines the twin goals of performance and education through live concerts, collaborations, broadcasts, recordings, and innovative music education programmes. By gathering leading Australian and international musicians, the orchestra brings historical insights to masterpieces from the Classical and Romantic periods.

The Young Mannheim Symphonists is an initiative designed to nurture musicians for the future. Each year, they delve into the world of Classical and Romantic music, providing the next generation of HIP musicians with the knowledge and insight needed to make informed musical decisions. The program tutors are the principal musicians of the Australian Romantic & Classical Orchestra, and their passion for understanding historical musical heritage is matched only by their dedication to inspiring and enlightening young musicians.

As these young musicians head back to their homes, they leave with a wealth of knowledge and a renewed passion for historically informed performance, ready to embark on their own musical journeys. For those interested in the 2024 Young Mannheim Symphonists programs, further information can be found at arco.org.au/yms.

Published 26-Oct-2023

New Youth Remand Facility to Boost Detention Capacity in Wacol

Photo Credit: Devin Avery/Unsplash

An ambitious plan to fast-track the construction of a new youth remand facility has been laid out Wacol, bolstering the state’s detention capacity and improving access to support services for young people in detention.

Backed by a substantial investment of $250 million, the facility will be a critical addition to the existing youth detention infrastructure.

Early works on this state-of-the-art facility are set to commence October 2023, with a rapid build construction approach in place to ensure the first stage of the project is completed by 2024. The location of the new facility will be on land owned by the Queensland Police Service (QPS), situated near the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre.

Construction and Design Innovation

The Queensland Police Service is taking the lead in the construction of this facility, working closely with the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business, and Training to ensure it meets the highest standards and is specifically designed for individuals held in custody.

With the capacity to accommodate approximately 50 young people, the facility will feature common exercise areas and offer access to educational, medical, and therapeutic resources within the adjacent detention complex.

What makes this project unique is the utilisation of rapid build technology and a modular design to expedite the construction process. The Queensland Police Service has already engaged experienced consultants specialising in the design and construction of large-scale modular correctional facilities, ensuring that the project progresses efficiently.

Operation and Purpose

Upon completion, the Wacol facility will be operated by the Department of Youth Justice, Employment, Small Business, and Training and will exclusively house young people in detention until the new youth detention centres in Woodford and Cairns become operational. This significant development will help address the critical need for enhanced detention capacity and the delivery of much-needed services for young people in the criminal justice system.

“Our government is listening, and we are acting. There is nothing more important than keeping the community safe, and we know we need more detention capacity,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. “This youth remand centre will provide best-practice services to young people who have found themselves on the wrong path so early in life.”

Police Minister Mark Ryan emphasised the importance of community safety.

“The fast-track plans for a new youth remand facility means we can quickly increase detention capacity while ensuring we are providing appropriate services for young people in detention. It will reduce the need for young people to be held in watchhouses while they are awaiting placement in a detention centre while also enabling improved access to support resources and services.”

Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll also highlighted the advantages of the facility’s location.

“The QPS Wacol precinct is an ideal location to build this facility as it is located right next to the current youth detention centre, allowing for easy access to a range of government services. The facility will significantly boost watchhouse capacity for the QPS into the future, which is a good outcome for operational staff and prisoners held in police custody.”

With this new youth remand facility, the Queensland government aims to make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the justice system while enhancing community safety and the capacity to address youth crime effectively. Early works on the project signal the state’s commitment to rapid progress in this crucial area.

Published 18-Oct-2023

Proposed Childcare Centre in Sinnamon Park to Repurpose Heritage Church

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

A 72-place childcare centre has been proposed at 675 Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, Sinnamon Park. To facilitate the development, the application also seeks permission for partial demolition, relocation and alterations of both a State and Local heritage place.

An analysis of the local area indicated that only two (2) existing childcare centres exist within the Sinnamon Park catchment and that these centres have no further capacity or vacancy to support additional places, indicating a requirement for additional supply to meet the growing demand.

The developer is thus proposing a childcare centre that can accommodate up to 72 places which it considers appropriately sized to service its local catchment area.

Proposed Childcare Centre in Sinnamon Park to Repurpose Heritage Church — Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au

To accommodate the development, the proposal will involve the retention and repurposing of the existing heritage church. In its application documents, the developer stated that the proposed childcare centre with the support of a heritage architect has been designed to enable it to integrate the heritage church into the development.

“The proposed design achieves the intent of the Emerging community zone as it provides a compatible bulk and scale that integrates with the built form of the surrounding locality. This is reflected through a 2-3 storey built form maintained below a compliant level of 9.5m. Furthermore, the development incorporates generous boundary setbacks and landscaping that is compatible with the residential character and amenity of the area,” the Town Planning Alliance assessment report states.

The proposed development will incorporate opportunities for deep planting, landscaping and acoustic fencing in order to mitigate any potential adverse impacts on neighbouring uses. The design also employs elements and features that result in a well-articulated facade and a high level of streetscape appeal.

A total of 14 car parking spaces, including one (1) disabled bay for drop-off is included in the proposal as well as access via a crossover to and from Seventeen Mile Rocks Road.

The proposed operating hours for the centre are between 6.30 am and 7 pm Monday to Friday.

Published 28-September-2023

Over Capacity Hits Wildlife Hospital in Wacol, Injured Koala Denied Treatment

Photo Credit: Bob Walker/Unsplash

Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) Queensland is facing criticism raising concerns about the organisation’s capacity to care for wildlife in need, after its Wildlife Hospital in Wacol turned away a severely injured koala because they were allegedly “too busy.”

The ordeal began when a koala was viciously attacked by a dog in the Scenic Rim region Thursday, 21 Sept 2023. The injured marsupial was in desperate need of veterinary attention.

However, the RSPCA Wildlife Hospital in Wacol, reportedly declined to treat the wounded koala, instead diverting it to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary on the Gold Coast, a journey that would take approximately 2.5

Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, an organisation that has been advocating for an inquiry into the RSPCA following a series of controversies, strongly condemned this decision. They pointed out that the Brisbane Wildlife Hospital could have, at the very least, offered to stabilise the injured animal, provide pain relief, sedation, and possibly administer a drip to ensure a more comfortable journey to Currumbin.

An RSPCA Queensland spokeswoman responded to the criticism, explaining that the Brisbane Wildlife Hospital had been overwhelmed with 22 koala cases during the week, which exceeded the capacity of their veterinary team and facilities.

Apparently, the hospital had been caring for 130 other animals simultaneously.

RSPCA koala — Photo Credit: Laura Barry/Unsplash

RSPCA Queensland emphasised that they treated the highest number of wildlife cases in the southeast, admitting 24,000 native animals in the past year, a significant increase compared to 8,359 a decade ago.

The spokesperson highlighted the urgent need for a new purpose-built facility to address capacity issues and better support wildlife care in South East Queensland.

The incident comes amidst a turbulent period for RSPCA Queensland, with ongoing controversies including an independent whistleblower investigation and public outcry over executive bonuses. The organisation is also currently facing unfair dismissal claims by two former executives who allege they were terminated for exposing “maladministration, misconduct, and corruption.”

Published 28-Sept-2023

Riverlife Street Teams: Strengthening Community Through Service

When catastrophic floods struck last year, a dedicated group of volunteers sprang into action – the Riverlife Street Teams from Seventeen Mile Rocks.

Read: Free or Budget-friendly Activities at the Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks

Going door to door, they assisted locals with cleaning up debris, mowing lawns, and trimming overgrown trees and shrubs. Their helping hands and compassionate hearts brought hope amid the devastation.

Although their efforts during the floods may be well known, the Street Teams operate year-round, offering free practical support to those in need across the Seventeen Mile Rocks area.

The Riverlife Street Teams are an initiative of the Riverlife Baptist Church, seeking to embody God’s love through service. Their mission is to provide assistance to individuals experiencing acute crisis or ongoing hardship that makes basic property maintenance a struggle.

With a fleet of mowers, trimmers, blowers and willing volunteers, the Street Teams visit homes to take care of tasks like mowing, trimming, sweeping pathways and windows, and clearing gutters. Their work lightens the load for elderly, disabled and disadvantaged community members.

A visit from the cheerful and capable Street Teams not only helps restore a sense of dignity and order, but also forges human connection. Volunteers take the time to listen and offer kind words of encouragement. For isolated seniors and those going through loss or illness, a friendly chat can be as restorative as the yard work.

Read: Former Jindalee Resident Celebrates 100th Birthday With Trip Down Memory Lane

The Street Teams run on the fuel of volunteerism. All are welcome to join the crews, no prior experience required. Simply bring a willing spirit! Through practical acts like mowing lawns and friendly conversations, the Street Teams lighten burdens, brighten days, and weave connection – one home visit at a time.

To request a visit or get involved, visit https://riverlifechurch.org.au/street-teams/. The team responds to requests within five business days.

Published 5-September-2023

Brisbane Amusement Centre Jindalee Jungle Closes Door For Good

Popular indoor playground Jindalee Jungle has closed its doors for good after more than 10 years of operations, the company announced on its website and social media pages.

Read: New Operators May Take Over Jindalee Jungle to Prevent Closure

Prior to closing permanently on Sunday, 27 August 2023, Jindalee Jungle held a massive clearance sale to sell off all of its assets, from the sprawling climbing frames to bouncing pillows. They also sold their website and social media channels as part of the digital assets.

According to the management, the closure comes as the lease renewal is due in September and it is no longer financially viable for them to continue operations.

Jindalee Jungle had originally planned to shut down in February when they announced they would stop accepting bookings, but reopened under new management shortly after. However, the return proved short-lived.

Many loyal customers expressed disappointment over the permanent closure. “Thanks for creating a space to make such special memories with my kids. So sad to see your doors closing,” one mother commented on social media.

“Thank you for all the fun you guys have provided for my three over the last few years. We have had so much fun at your place and we will miss you,” one mum said.

Another customer who had held a birthday party there said, “Such a shame. My kids are older now. This was a space that I could let my kids play, watch them and have a simple cuppa.”

Those interested in purchasing assets from Jindalee Jungle’s clearance can still contact the company at info@jindaleejungle.com.au for a full list and pricing, according to their website.

Read: Rocks Riverside Park: Among Brisbane’s Most Popular Parks

Jindalee Jungle became a popular venue for children’s parties and family outings, with its huge play frames, bouncing castles, and slides. The closure now leaves a void in the market for indoor active spaces catered to young children.

Published 28-August-2023