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What to Expect from the Jindalee Village Precinct Project

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.

Latest Land Valuations Show Centenary Suburbs’ Median Land Value Increased

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.

*Photo Credit: J Brew [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)] / Wikimedia Commons*

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.

Proposal for Mt Ommaney Centre Expansion Gets Council Approval

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.

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.

Mount Ommaney and Sinnamon Park: Among Top Suburbs for Bargain Houses

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.

On the other hand, realestate.com.au shows a steady median price growth in the past five years for Mount Ommaney from 2013 with $650,000 and ending 2018 with $932,000. The same can also be said about Sinnamon Park which had a median price of $560,100 in 2013, growing to $755,000 in 2018.

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.

6-Theatre Cinema, BCF and Outdoor Restaurants Proposed for DFO Jindalee

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.

Initial Review

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.

Find out more about the Development Application (A005092213).

Centenary Motorways Outlined in SEQ $62 Billion Infrastructure Plan

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.

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.

Centenary Motorway Bypass Among the Key Projects in the Strategic Transport Road Map for SEQ

In a bid to prevent possible gridlock by 2041, the Council of Mayors (SEQ) has announced the road map of 47 road and rail projects, including the Centenary Motorway Bypass, that will address potential transport and congestion problems that South East Queensland will face decades into the future.

Coinciding with the announcement of the Strategic Transport Road Map was the release of the SEQ People Mass Movement Study that looked into the possible impact that the population growth will have on SEQ’s transport demand in the future.

“Our research shows that even if every committed and planned project in this region is delivered, the majority of SEQ’s major road corridors will be over capacity by 2031. By 2041, the region will be in gridlock,” said Council of Mayors (SEQ) chairman and Brisbane lord mayor — Graham Quirk.

“The region has never had a shortage of plans or strategies from Federal, State and Local governments, but this is the first time we’ve had a consolidated view of transport in SEQ. The SEQ People Mass Movement Study brings all of these plans into one complete regional strategy,” Cr Quirk said.

*Photo Credit: Council of Mayors (SEQ) / seqmayors.qld.gov.auk*

The study ultimately led to the outlining of prioritised transport projects that are necessary to meet the future demand between 2019 – 2041, which is estimated to cost around $2.7 billion per year. The Council says that the figure is achievable considering the average spend in SEQ of about $ 2 – 3 billion per year.

“Forty-seven major projects are prioritised in the SEQ People Mass Movement Study for delivery over the next 23 years. This includes the introduction of a faster rail network running from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast via Brisbane, and to Ipswich and then Toowoomba,” Cr Quirk said.

Some of the priority projects under the Transport Strategy for South East Queensland include:

Brisbane Metro
Cross River Rail
Faster Rail – Southern Corridor
Faster Rail – Northern Corridor
Faster Rail – Western Corridor
Sunshine Coast Light Rail
Centenary Motorway Bypass – Sumners Road Interchange to Legacy Way at Toowong and linking to North-South Link at Everton Park
North-South Link (Inner Western Bypass) – Tunnel corridor linking from Toowong (Centenary Motorway and Legacy Way) to the North West Transport Corridor at Everton Park
North West Transport Corridor – Urban passenger rail and 4 lane urban motorway from Bald Hills to Stafford Road and Alderley Station
East-West Link – Toowong (Legacy Way) to South East Freeway Tunnel Pacific, Ipswich, Centenary and Mt Lindesay Motorway and Bruce Highway Upgrade Projects.

The Transport Vision is divided into “½ hour Smart City” and “Smart Regional Connectivity”. The “Smart Regional Connectivity” aims to cut travel time to 45 minutes: between Brisbane-Gold Coast, Brisbane-Sunshine Coast, Brisbane-Ipswich, and to the eastern edge of Toowoomba from Brisbane. The “½ hour Smart City”, on the other hand, aims to cut urban commutes to 30 minutes.

“An SEQ faster rail network will slash commute times from the Sunshine Coast to 45 minutes, from the Gold Coast to 35 minutes and from Ipswich to just 20 minutes. This will take immense pressure of the Bruce and Pacific highways and support the fast-growing communities of Ipswich, Logan and Moreton Bay,” he said.

RACQ, the State’s peak motoring body, through its spokesperson Paul Turner, welcomed the announcement. He said that the Club is particularly pleased to see many of the priority projects, outlined in the Mobility Matters Report, incorporated in the Transport Strategy as well.

“These are critical transport projects that are essential to meet population growth, manage congestion and improve productivity in the region into the future,” Mr Turner said.

The full list and description of the 47 priority projects can be viewed here.

Dovetree at Sinnamon Park Bags 2018 UDIA Queensland Award For Excellence – Residential Care

Dovetree at Sinnamon Park was among the winners of the annual UDIA Queensland property awards held in November 2018.

On 2 November, Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Queensland honoured the best of the best in Queensland’s development industry with the holding of its annual UDIA Awards for Excellence Luncheon at the Brisbane City Hall.

2018 UDIA Queensland Mitchell Brandtman Awards for Excellence

Video Credit: UDIA Qld / YouTube

Over 750 experts and property developers attended the prestigious event that saw 19 awards given, across categories that included residential subdivision, affordable housing, seniors living, and urban renewal. Dovetree of Wesley Mission Queensland took home the Award for Excellence – Residential Care category.

Dovetree Virtual Tour

Video Credit: Wesley Mission Queensland / YouTube

Dovetree is the latest aged care facility by Wesley Mission Queensland at Sinnamon Village in Sinnamon Park providing state-of-the-art amenities with registered nurses on site available 24-hours.

Photo Credit: Wesley Mission Queensland / wmq.org.au

The facility features 144 spacious deluxe single and superior suites with reverse cycle air conditioning, a fully adjustable king single bed, modern built-in cabinetry including a large wardrobe, a fridge for personal use, and large picture view window.

For the community, Dovetree provides amenities such as a self-service breakfast bar, library, cinema, chapel, children’s playground, outdoor entertaining areas and BBQs, enclosed balconies, and full on-site laundry services with self-serve laundries. Also, there are communal kitchens and private function rooms, aside from landscaped surrounds, garden walks, and bird aviary.

Other on-site features include a hair salon, day therapy centre including allied health services and hydrotherapy pool, café, and intimate club lounge.

2018 UDIA QLD Mitchel Brandtman Awards For Excellence Winners:

President’s Award – Parklands Project (Grocon)
CEO’s Award – Walton Stores (Aspect Architects & Project Managers)
Residential Subdivision – North Harbour (North East Business Park)
Master Planned Development – Parklands Project (Grocon)
Affordable Housing – Kurrajong Townhouses (Churches of Christ in Queensland)
Urban Renewal – Lucent Gasworks (Cavcorp)
Seniors Living – Halcyon Lakeside (Halcyon)
Medium Density Development – Arc on Lima (Mosaic Property Group)
High Density Development – Oxley + Stirling Residences (Aria Property Group)
Environmental Excellence – Minnippi (Urbex)
Community Engagement Excellence – Plan Your Brisbane (Brisbane City Council)
Design Excellence – Avalon by Mosaic (Mosaic Property Group)
Affordable Small Scale Development – Baringa Urban Village (Stockland)
Premium Small Scale Development – The Lakes Residences – Northern Peninsular (Sunland Group)
Residential Care – Dovetree (Wesley Mission Queensland)
Retail, Commercial, Public Use – 900 Ann Street (Consolidated Properties Group)
Marketing Excellence – Drift by Mosaic (Mosaic Property Group)
Consultants’ Excellence – Parklands (Cardno/AAA (Arkhefield, ARM, Archipelago)
Wildcard – Sustainability through innovation and scientific solutions (Rock Trade Industries)

The Urban Development Institute of Australia is the country’s peak representative body for all segments of the urban development industry. The UDIA awards recognize companies that demonstrated innovative approach to overcoming challenges, excellence in pushing the boundaries, or have contributed something unique in the development industry.

TransLink to Review BCC’s Proposal for Centenary Bus Services Improvement

Following their community research in 2018, Brisbane City Council has already submitted their recommendations to improve Centenary bus services.

According to BCC, they received four petitions with 356 signatures from the Centenary community seeking a review of bus services in early 2018. The petitions sought better connectivity to local train stations and access to the Sumner Park Industrial Estate from Wacol.

In response to the petitions they received, Council conducted the Centenary bus services community research.

The community research focused on understanding the community’s experiences and views in using public transport. It covered bus services within Seventeen Mile Rocks, Sinnamon Park, Jindalee, Mount Ommaney, Jamboree Heights, Riverhills, Middle Park, Sumner, Westlake, and Darra.

Centenary Bus Services Community Research

The community research focused on the travel experiences of residents from the centenary suburbs. It is aimed at figuring out possible improvements to make the services more effective and better meet the community’s needs.

The research project did not cover public transport fares since this is the responsibility of TransLink. Changes to infrastructure like bus stops, bus interchanges or road networks are also not included.

Research Outcomes

According to the research outcomes published by the Council, the key conclusions from the online survey indicate that a majority of respondents were from the western portion of the Centenary suburbs. They are primarily peak hour travellers with a younger demographic.

The CBD remains a key destination (39%), followed by Mt Ommaney (12.6%), the inner city (11.1%), UQ (10.4%), and Indooroopilly (7.4%).

Based on the outcomes, there is no support for a widespread or significant change to bus services. However, there is strong interest in improvements to the frequency of services and increased feeder services to rail stations.

There is also some interest in more effective Rocket services via the Legacy Way. Moreover, for transfers at interchanges to be effective, travellers expect shorter wait times and significant journey time reductions.

Next Steps

Council will be having a 12-month trial of two hail-n-ride Personalised Public Transport Services in areas not well serviced by public transport.

The trial will commence in mid-2019, servicing the following locations:

Westlake to Mt Ommaney Shopping Centre
Wacol Station to Sumner Industrial Estate

Councillor for Jamboree Ward Matthew Bourke said, “What this will hopefully do, through the 12-month trial, is demonstrate that there is a need to connect that industrial and job generator to public transport.”

“…instead of having people who want to catch a bus to the Sumner Park industrial estate have to get off the bus at the top of a hill and have over a kilometre walk to some parts of the industrial estate to get to their job.”

Proposals for TransLink’s consideration. Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

Furthermore, Council already shared the research outcomes and recommendations with TransLink. Any bus service improvement ideas from the study need the approval of TransLink as they have overall responsibility for public transport in Queensland.

“So we’re putting the challenge to TransLink to adopt these. They didn’t want to be part of the review, but they can’t ignore the residents of the Centenary suburbs and they need to get on and deliver better public transport for the residents in my ward,” Cr Bourke said.

For further information, you may visit the Centenary bus services community research page.

Bellbowrie and Jindalee Homes Win Big at the 2018 4KQ Best Christmas Lights Competition

This year, Bellbowrie and Jindalee homes were amongst the big winners of the 2018 4KQ Best Christmas Lights Competition.

Grabbing the top spot of the West category is the lights display by Evan and Myfanwy Jones of 45 Church Road, Bellbowrie. Their family’s magnificent Christmas lights display is truly one-of-a-kind. Their winning display features a swan lake, gingerbread man, polar bears, and more.

Check out the photos below and see why the Bellbowrie residence is the Best West winner.

The runner-up for this year’s West Category is a family who has already made the 4KQ Best Christmas Lights Competition an annual tradition. Shane and Debbie Horswill from 20 Curragundi Road, Jindalee started joining the Christmas lights competition 15 years ago.

Apart from being the runner-up, their creative Christmas lights display is also a strong contender for the People’s Choice Award.

Three more homes captivated the judges this year. The following participants in the West Category got the Judges Commendation:

Let It Snow Christmas Lights, 1 Moncrieff Court, Mount Ommaney
Melanie and Len Watson, 5 Kaputar Close, Riverhills
Michael Mader, 207 Graceville Avenue, Graceville

Christmas Lights Tours

A total of 23 homes joined this year’s 4KQ Best Christmas Lights Competition in the West. If you want to have a look at these bright and colourful display of Christmas lights, check out the line-up of the Council’s Christmas lights bus tours.

The tours will be running until Friday, 21 December 2018. Take note that each tour departs at 6:45 p.m. sharp and will go for approximately three hours. Refreshment stops are included.

You may also opt to have your own Christmas lights trip. Check out the list of the complete participants for this year’s competition and make the most out of your trip.