Mexican fast food retailer Guzman Y Gomez is planning to roll out 11 new drive-throughs in southeast Queensland this year and one of these will be in Jindalee.
The other stores will be in Rothwell, Victoria Point, Maroochydore, Arana Hills, Cannon Hill, Helensvale, Southport, Springwood, Pimpama, and Richlands.
In addition to 11 new stores about to open this year, they are targeting to launch 24 more stores in the next two years.
Guzman Y Gomez has found massive success in their drive-throughs. From their first one in Nerang that opened in 2015, they now have 40 drive-throughs and 11 of them is in Queensland. They now have a total of 112 outlets across the country.
The restaurant chain’s development director Humberto Maradiegue said they found tradies love their burritos because of its convenience, since it’s easy to eat in the car or during travel.
Mr Maradiegue added that there is definitely a demand for Californian Mexican fast food in the city.
The restaurant chain gained popularity for their classic burrito, an amalgam of flour tortilla, white or brown rice, meat or veggies of choice, Australian Jack cheese, vegetarian black beans, Pico de Gallo and house-blend salsa.
For more information about Guzman Y Gomez, check out their website or follow them on Facebook.
Want to do something fun yet worthwhile for the community? Call your family and friends and gather for the 4074 the Farmers Colour Explosion in Seventeen Mile Rocks this month.
Hosted by 4074 Community and Beyond in conjunction with Australian Fundraising, the colourful event will take place on the Rocks Riverside Park at 5 Counihan Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks on 28 April 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The Colour Explosion is a traditional run with a fun and colourful twist. Participants will be drenched in non-toxic colour powder across seven colour powder stations.
There will be markets, food trucks and the sausage sizzle by the Rotary Jindalee, so come along, have fun, and raise funds for the community.
Ticket costs $15 for adults or participants who are 16 years old and above and only $10 for children, or participants ages 1-15.
Australian Fundraising has been helping groups raise funds since 1995 and has hosted big fun run events like the School Run 4 Fun and the Run 4 Fun Colour Explosion.
All of the proceeds will go to Rotary Charleville to help the Charleville farming community.
New South Wales and Queensland farmers are dealing with drought conditions and cannot produce enough food to feed the animals. Fundraising campaigns like this can help pay for the cost of keeping animals alive.
Since 2014, Rotary has helped rural western Queensland communities hit hard by the drought through the Rotary Drought Relief Program. Over $1M has been raised to date, in partnership with a variety of private, non-profit, and corporate sponsors.
Rotary’s program uses a ‘whole of community’ approach and is completely run by volunteers and does not incur any overhead or administrative expenses.
Traffic congestion is a major concern in western Brisbane and one of the suggested solutions is a bridge that will connect Wacol to Bellbowrie.
The bridge is not far from being a reality after new Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced it will be one of the five new green bridges planned for Brisbane.
The Bellbowrie green bridge is a potential pedestrian, cycle, or public transport bridge with emergency access to help alleviate the risk of flooding in the area.
“These bridges will accommodate in some cases public transport but they will also accommodate walking and cycling to get people out of their cars, reduce traffic congestion and create a cleaner and greener Brisbane,” Cr Schrinner said.
The new green bridges are estimated to cost at least $550 million, with the council contributing at least two-thirds of the cost. They are scheduled for completion after five to 10 years.
Need for a Wacol to Bellbowrie Bridge
Councillor for the Jamboree Ward Matthew Bourke said the new green bridge will provide the people in Moggill Rd and Bellbowrie access to public transport via the bridge to Wacol train station.
This, in turn, will help remove traffic from Moggill Rd and the western freeway. Moggill Rd, which passes through nine suburbs in the city, is identified as one of the traffic choke points in Brisbane.
At present, locals who travel by bike have their separate path, The Moggill Road Cycle Bridge, which is constructed over Moggill Road where it meets the Western Freeway at Indooroopilly.
It was not the first time that a bridge in Bellbowrie was proposed. In 1999, a study by the Brisbane CIty Council referred to a bridge in the suburb as part of their original suburban development.
In 2015, residents suggested a Bellbowrie to Riverhills connection to encourage more people to leave their car at home and eventually help eliminate traffic congestion in the suburb.
“We are rejoicing that we have finally succeeded in getting all of our levels of government, now federal (as well as state and local) calling for investigation into a river crossing at Bellbowrie,” the Bellbowrie Bridge Advocacy Group shared on Facebook.
Tenders for the detailed design for the second Centenary Bridge at Jindalee are now being sought, the Queensland Government announced.
The design should aim to improve traffic flow and ease congestion on the Centenary Motorway. The project, once underway, will also provide jobs through building the needed infrastructure, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said. More than 85,000 cars use the Centenary Bridge daily and numbers are projected to move up to 152,000 by 2036.
Expected to be awarded in the coming weeks, the design tender will include details for a new three-lane northbound bridge, as well as the geotechnical and environmental investigations, and service relocations.
The detailed design is part of the $20 million government allocation meant to fast track a business case and technical investigations for a new river crossing on the Centenary Motorway.
Key upgrades for the area are also making progress, such as the design of the Sumners Road interchange which is expected to have the tender for its construction awarded soon, according to Member for Mt Ommaney – Jess Pugh.
“Residents who travel on the Centenary Motorway know how congested it can get near the bridge and further south at the Sumners Road interchange,” Ms Pugh said.
“These projects will make a real difference for people who travel through western Brisbane because it will ultimately mean less time spent in the car, and more time spent doing what they enjoy.”
Later this year, the community will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on the design for a new Centenary Bridge.
Locals will soon enjoy a more vibrant neighbourhood shopping precinct on Curragundi Road, Jindalee now that the construction for the Jindalee Village Precinct Project is ongoing and nearing its completion.
With the Jindalee Village Precinct Project, there will be a realignment of existing pedestrian crossings, adding cautionary tactile paving to existing kerb ramps where possible and reconstructing existing ramps to improve accessibility.
There will also be upgrades to the footpath for improved accessibility, maintenance and visual amenity. Residents would also see more trees, that will provide shade in the area whilst improving the precinct’s visual and physical amenity.
Other improvements include ground cover plantings to new and existing garden beds, standard street furniture and unique seating.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the delivery of new street furniture such as seating, bins, bike racks and drinking fountains as well as upgrading footpaths can dramatically change the accessibility and feel of a local shopping street.
“Combine that with new trees and gardens, public art and community events and a suburban shopping street can be transformed into a popular and welcoming high street for residents and visitors to enjoy,” Cr Quirk said.
The Brisbane City Council worked with local residents and business owners through a project launch to find out what they want and the amenities they need for their local area.
The BCC committed $450,000 to the improvement project which aims to enhance the amenity, connectivity and safety for locals and residents, contribute to and encourage local economic development and the community’s sense of place at the neighbourhood centre.
“We have already seen significant improvements to the public realms at Chermside and New Farm and now Council is getting on with creating liveable places and welcoming neighbourhood centres for the local community and visitors to enjoy elsewhere across the city,” Cr Quirk added.
Depending on weather and site conditions, the construction for the Jindalee Village Precinct Project should be complete by April 2019.
The Council said local residents and businesses will be invited to an activation event to celebrate the completion of the project and also promote the upgraded neighbourhood centre. More information will be provided in the coming months.
Land values in the Brisbane City Council area increased by 6.8 percent overall since the last valuation in 2017. This overall land value increase is also reflected on Centenary suburbs, notably Jindalee and Sinnamon Park, according to the latest land valuation report published by the State of Queensland.
The latest land valuations report shows median land value in Jindalee increased 20.7 percent to $350,000 and Sinnamon Park’s climbed 20 percent to $420,000. Other Centenary suburbs also recorded moderate median land value increase: Mount Ommaney – $590,000 (9.3%), Middle Park – $365,000 (10.6%), Jamboree Heights – $350,000 (9.4%), Westlake – $410,000 (5.1%), Riverhills – 305,000 (10.9%), Sumner – $255,000 (10.9%), and Seventeen Mile Rocks – $340,000 (9.7%).
Queensland property is showing continued signs of strength in some areas, according to the recently released Valuer-General’s 2019 Property Market Movement Report. Based on the economic indicators, Queensland Treasury advise “dwelling investment in Queensland is entering a ‘recovery phase.’” This follows a 4.8 percent decline in 2017-2018, Queensland’s Valuer-General Neil Bray said.
“While approvals and construction have declined, the substantial amount of work remaining in the pipeline indicates dwelling investment is headed for a ‘soft landing’ compared with previous housing cycles,” he said
A total of 18 local government areas, representing 1.03 million properties, received new valuations this year: Brisbane, Burdekin, Cairns, Etheridge, Gympie, Ipswich, Lockyer Valley, Logan, Longreach, Moreton Bay, Noosa, North Burnett, Redland, Somerset, South Burnett, Sunshine Coast, Weipa, and Western Downs.
Of the 18 local government areas that have been valued, 16 recorded an overall increase ranging between 4.9 (South Burnett) and 42.5 percent (Etheridge). There were nine LGAs with increases of 0-10 percent, five areas with increases of 10-20 percent, and two areas with more than 20 percent increases. Burdekin and Longreach, on the other hand, recorded overall decreases of 2.9 percent and 14.8 percent, respectively.
Majority of suburbs across Brisbane have recorded increase in residential land values, with most showing increases between five and 15 percent. Residential sector is the largest market sector in Brisbane, about 304,000 valuation. The median residential value has risen 7.1 percent as the overall median value increased to $455,000 from $425,000.
Thirty-seven residential suburbs remained unchanged, whilst 126 increased by up to 15 percent and 16 suburbs increased by more than 15 percent. Inner-city suburbs Woolloongabba (26.1%), Auchenflower (19.6%), Paddington (19.4%), and Milton (19.2%) have the largest median valuation increases.
The new valuations will become effective 30 June, however, landowners who have additional or new evidence to justify the need to alter the new valuations should provide such information through the online objections process via www.qld.gov.au/landvaluation or at the address shown at the top of their valuation notice, by 7 May 2019.
The development proposal for a new purpose-built community hub and entertainment and leisure precinct featuring a state-of-the-art cinema complex, at the Mt Ommaney Centre, will be “coming to life”, as the Council grants the green light.
The approval of the development application to extend the Mt Ommaney shopping centre was granted last February 2019, as announced by Brisbane City Councillor Matthew Bourke.
It has been about 10 years since the idea for the expansion of the area was brought up as part of the neighbourhood planning. The extension of Mt Ommaney shopping centre, at 17 Dandenong Road in Mt Ommaney, Cr Bourke said, is a welcome addition to the community as this brings residents closer to the services and lifestyle and leisure opportunities that they want.
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
The Vicinity Centres’ project, which will extend the existing shopping centre to the north-west side, is expected to get completed in 18-24 months. The expansion will deliver a new five-storey building, connected to the existing centre via retail bridge, as well as an entertainment and leisure precinct with a modern cinema complex and dining outlets.
The development, designed by Blight Rayner Architects, will also integrate the existing council library into the centre, whilst the purpose-built community hub will replace the old building on Dandenong Rd. The project will also improve the bus interchange and increase the free parking options in the centre.
Details of the development include: upgrade of the bus interchange; bus overlay to Dandenong Road; shopping centre entry and pedestrian link to Dandenong Rd; new 632-sqm ground floor retail tenancy, retail level with 57-sqm to 1,633-sqm tenancies; 9-room cinema above the retail level; 151 new car parking spaces (including 4 disability bays) within 2 basements; removal of existing 40 car parking spaces; demolition of existing community centre and Ray White offices.
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
As a condition to the DA approval, the council library and the community meeting room must remain open throughout the construction. The approved proposal replaces the previous application approved in May 2017.
When it comes to “bargain” houses, many of these can be found in Brisbane suburbs including Mount Ommaney and Sinnamon Park, but keep in mind that these houses are not necessarily “cheap”, a property researcher said.
The top 10 suburbs in Australia to hunt for bargain houses with long-term capital growth potential have been revealed by property researcher Riskwise. Queensland took all but the top two spots; Victoria’s Norlane and Lovely Bank placed first and second, respectively.
For the past 12 months, fourth-ranked Mount Ommaney gained 13 percent and 28 percent in the last five years for a median price of $852,729. On the other hand, Sinnamon Park also posted 13 percent increase in the past 12 months and a 25 percent five-year growth. The median price in Sinnamon Park is $747,272.
The top 10 bargain suburbs in Australia according to RiskWise/CoreLogic are:
Capital Growth
State
Suburb
Median Price ($)
12 months
3 Years
5 Years
VIC
Norlane
370,931
26%
63%
74%
VIC
Lovely Banks
455,868
26%
48%
51%
QLD
Hollywell
786,614
13%
25%
35%
QLD
Mount Ommaney
852,729
13%
14%
28%
QLD
Sinnamon Park
747,272
13%
14%
25%
QLD
Gaven
748,366
12%
24%
28%
QLD
Doonan
871,189
12%
23%
32%
QLD
Gordon Park
835,513
10%
12%
39%
QLD
Stafford Heights
603,149
9%
11%
30%
QLD
Twin Waters
852,843
8%
29%
38%
RiskWise CEO Doron Peleg noted that buying at a bargain does not mean you are buying a “cheap” house. Whilst there are many “well-priced” houses on the market, Mr Peleg said, these are not considered the best buy unless they offer future capital growth.
The suburbs listed were identified as best places to find bargain houses because they are expected to grow in value regardless of possible future reforms that could negatively impact housing market. These suburbs are all within 100 kilometres of their capital city. They have good public transport and infrastructure, and have enjoyed strong buyer demand amidst lending restrictions.
Direct Factory Outlets (DFO) Jindalee could be in for major changes, with a six-theatre cinema, a BCF outlet and new dining outlets proposed for the factory outlet retail centre.
Chin Yin Pty Ltd has submitted a Development Application for an expansion of the shopping centre and addition of new shops as well as food and drinks outlets.
The DA is broken down into two stages.
Under the first stage of the plan, tenants will be rearranged in the southeast portion of the retail centre so that a BCF retail store could be put in place.
Stage 2A of the DA also calls for construction of a Reading Cinema with six cinemas, including a high-end Titan Luxe movie theatre. The square footage of the commercial centre will also be increased by 207 square metres. A huge portion of the expansion will be at the level below the proposed cinema.
The eastern side of the centre will have an improved outdoor pedestrian footpath and outdoor dining that will be fully landscaped. There will be new entryways on the eastern side, replacing the current wall.
Photo credit: pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
DFO Jindalee was developed in 2007 and was sold to the new owners in March 2016. The new plans are part of the vision of the new owners to reinvigorate the shopping centre.
In its initial review of the DA, the council raised issues including traffic and noise impact. The council also noted that Stage 1 and the food and drink outlet component of Stage 2A are accepted development. Thus they are not assessable and should not be part of the application.
As to the assessable aspects of the proposal, the applicant is being asked to provide updated traffic impact assessment to thoroughly present the impact of the development on the external road network. The council is also requiring the applicant to seek advice from the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) since the site is fronting Centenary Motorway.
The council also raised concerns about possible noise and light impact of the development. Parking and the proposed use of the development are expected to emit noise and bright outdoor lighting that could be disruptive to the neighbouring residential development immediately north of the DFO site.
The applicant is yet to respond to the initial review.
The South East Queensland (SEQ) Council of Mayors has identified the Centenary Motorways Bypass as one of 47 roads and railways that will benefit from its $63 billion infrastructure plan. Released in January, the massive project is expected to ease traffic gridlocks to improve livability in SEQ in the next 25 years.
The Strategic Transport Road Map for SEQ names the Centenary Motorway Bypass as part of its key projects, along with Brisbane Metro, Cross River Rail, North-West Transport Corridor, Fast Rail (Northern, Southern and Western Corridor), North-South Link ((Inner Western Bypass), East-West Link (Toowong on Legacy Way to South East Freeway Tunnel), and other upgrades like various green bridges and pedestrians or cycle cross-river links.
The road map is based on a study the Council commissioned to address traffic challenges in SEQ. The report projected these critical roads, if not upgraded, would reach over capacity by 2031.
To deliver all these projects will require an average of $2.7 billion spending a year, from 2019 to 2041. To upgrade the Centenary Motorway would cost $1.1 billion.
The plan will entail building a four-lane tunnel that will link Sumners Rd interchange to Toowong. This tunnel will run parallel to the Centenary Motorway and bypass the traffic at the Centenary bridge.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/kgbo
Another proposed tunnel will link Toowong from the Centenary Motorway going to the Everton Park.
The infrastructure improvements must be undertaken in phases as soon as possible as the projected the population growth for the region will necessitate more transport demands. Current committed infrastructure projects, even if delivered and completed, will not suffice if major corridors like the Centenary Motorway are not improved.
Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said SEQ could not afford project delays as it will trigger higher infrastructure spending and cripple the region. However, there’s still the matter of funding the projects.
“This report is a very important one, but the elephant in the room is we need a Federal Government who is committed to infrastructure in South East Queensland,” Transport Minister Mark Bailey said while commending the mayors’ initiative.
