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Charter Hall Plans $350m Logistics Estate in Darra After Key Acquisition

Charter Hall Group’s $13 billion Charter Hall Prime Industrial Fund (CPIF) has purchased a 17.5-hectare industrial site on Harcourt Road, Darra, for $80.55 million. The acquisition will pave the way for a $350 million logistics precinct, reinforcing the company’s investment in Brisbane’s southwest.

The newly acquired site is adjacent to Charter Hall’s existing $250 million ConnectWest Industrial Estate, which houses major tenants such as Australia Post, Goodman Fielder, and Cascade. With bulk earthworks already completed, CPIF is preparing to lease the site to tenants looking for large-scale logistics and industrial space.

Charter Hall Darra — *Photo Credit: Vaughan Constructions*

Strategic Location and Development Plans

The Darra site sits at a key transport junction, connecting the Ipswich and Centenary Motorways, making it an attractive option for third-party logistics providers, manufacturers, and direct-to-customer businesses. Charter Hall plans to develop approximately 100,000 square metres of gross lettable area (GLA) within the estate, offering flexible configurations to meet tenant demand.

Charter Hall Managing Director and CEO David Harrison highlighted the significance of the project, stating that the acquisition enhances the company’s capacity to cater to businesses requiring lettable areas ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 square metres.

Brisbane’s Industrial Market Outlook

The demand for high-quality industrial space in Brisbane remains strong. According to JLL’s Brisbane Industrial Market Report for Q3 2024, 227,500 square metres of new industrial developments were completed in the region—more than double the 10-year quarterly average. Prime net face rents in Brisbane’s southern precinct are forecast to rise to $152 per square metre annually, with steady growth projected through 2028.

Despite broader economic uncertainties, Brisbane’s industrial sector continues to attract investment, with Charter Hall divesting smaller assets worth $500 million over the past 18 months to focus on larger-scale developments like the Darra logistics estate.

Charter Hall acquires $80.55m industrial site. — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Next Steps for the Project

With the site now in Charter Hall’s portfolio and ready for leasing, the company is set to commence development immediately. The project will provide modern, high-quality logistics infrastructure catering to evolving business needs, strengthening the role of Darra as a key industrial hub in Brisbane’s southwest.

Published 14-Feb-2025

Centenary Memorial Gardens in Sumner Proposes Expansion for Enhanced Facilities

Photo Credit: MID-0924-0875

Centenary Memorial Gardens (CMG) in Sumner is seeking approval for a major expansion, including new facilities and burial zones, as part of its long-term development plan. The proposal, currently in the pre-lodgement consultation phase, has raised both community support and concerns, particularly regarding potential flood risks.

CMG, one of Brisbane’s largest privately owned cemeteries, has been serving the community for over 22 years. In response to increasing demand for burial and cremation spaces, CMG has submitted a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID) application (MID-0924-0875) to the Department of State Development.

The proposal outlines plans for a new chapel, café, a catering area, and a dedicated Asian lotus garden incorporating feng shui principles. Additionally, an open-air pavilion with a 200-person capacity is planned to provide enhanced spaces for services and memorial gatherings.

The Pavillion — *Photo Credit: Centenary Memorial Gardens*

Flood Risk and Environmental Considerations

One of the most debated aspects of the expansion is CMG’s request to extend burial sites into lower-lying areas of its 16.5-hectare property on Wacol Station Road. The existing burial zone sits at 8.8 metres above sea level, above the flood-prone Wolston Creek. The Planning and Environment Court had previously set this limit in 2000 to prevent potential environmental risks, including leaching of contaminants and coffin buoyancy during severe flooding.

However, CMG’s commissioned studies suggest that burials could be safely conducted at 5.16 metres, with reports from Core Consultants indicating no contamination risks from current burial grounds. The proposal also accounts for triple burials, where caskets are stacked, and compensatory earthworks to manage site elevation.

Lotus Garden — *Photo Credit: Centenary Memorial Gardens*

BCC’s Position and Approval Process

The BCC has expressed concerns over CMG’s attempt to bypass standard town planning approvals by seeking state-level designation. BCC wants conditions placed on aspects such as noise levels, lighting, traffic impact, and biodiversity protection. CMG has responded by noting that only 17 native trees, including 11 classified as koala habitat, would be removed under the proposed changes.

Currently, CMG is in the pre-lodgement consultation phase of the MID process, where stakeholders, including city officials and local community members, can provide feedback before the official proposal is lodged. The public consultation period for this proposal began on 19 December 2024 and will conclude on 26 February 2025.

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Community Response: Mixed Reactions

Local residents have voiced both support and opposition to the expansion. Many families who have loved ones buried at CMG welcome the improved facilities and additional burial options. However, others have raised concerns about potential disturbances from events hosted at the cemetery, such as Christmas fireworks and memorial services featuring amplified music.

CMG director James McKay has assured the community that fireworks occur only once a year as part of a Christmas memorial service, aimed at providing solace to grieving families. He emphasised that the expansion focuses on enhancing existing facilities rather than increasing large-scale celebrations.

*Photo Credit: Centenary Memorial Gardens*

Next Steps in the Approval Process

Following the pre-lodgement consultation phase, CMG will submit its proposal for ministerial assessment. Adjustments based on public feedback may also be required before the project receives full approval.

As Brisbane’s population grows and cemetery space becomes increasingly limited, the outcome of CMG’s expansion request will have long-term implications for burial and cremation services in the region.

Published 13-Feb-2025

Middle Park Property Market Booms as Prices Surge

Photo Credit: Pexels

The real estate market in Middle Park has experienced significant growth, with house prices increasing 29% over the past year. The median house price now sits at $1.2 million, up from $930,000 in early 2024, reflecting strong demand in this western Brisbane suburb.

Despite an increase in available listings, properties in Middle Park continue to sell quickly. In December 2024, the suburb saw a 162% rise in property listings compared to the five-year average for that month, making it the second-highest increase in Queensland, behind West End.

Middle Park property prices surge — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Why Middle Park Is in High Demand

Long-term residents and downsizers are taking advantage of the rising property values. This creates opportunities for new buyers. Middle Park has long been regarded as an undervalued suburb, offering spacious land sizes, well-regarded schools, and a strong sense of community.

Local residents Surra Gatei and Johnny Serrano, who have lived in Middle Park for nearly three decades, have decided to sell their latest home but remain committed to staying in the area. They noted that properties in Middle Park do not stay on the market for long and continue to attract strong interest.

Community and Lifestyle Appeal

Beyond property values, Middle Park is known for its close-knit community. Ms Gatei highlighted how residents actively support each other through local social groups, often stepping in to assist those in need. A recent example involved a house fire in River Hills, where the community quickly rallied to provide the affected family with furniture, clothing, and essential supplies.

The area’s reputation for strong community ties, family-friendly amenities, and generous property sizes continues to make it an attractive choice for buyers.

Middle Park property market — *Photo Credit: Pexels*

Future Market Outlook

The rise in listings in Middle Park aligns with a national trend, as PropTrack data indicates an 8% increase in homes coming to market across Australia in 2024.

With Brisbane’s property market expected to expand leading up to the 2032 Olympic Games, Middle Park remains a competitive suburb for buyers and investors, with continued strong demand likely in the coming years.

Published 4-Feb-2025

Mum Jailed Over Jindalee Ram Raid and Fiery Police Chase

A young mother has pleaded guilty to a crime spree stretching from North Queensland to Brisbane, which included a Jindalee ram raid at a Chemist Warehouse and a high-speed police chase that ended in a fiery crash.

The dramatic chain of events came to a head in the Noosa hinterland, where police arrested 22-year-old Francis Solomon after she attempted to flee into the bush following the crash of a stolen Nissan Patrol.

Months of Crime Across Queensland

Ms Solomon’s offending began in July last year when she was captured on CCTV in Townsville as a passenger in a stolen vehicle. Days later, she was arrested but became aggressive towards police, swearing at officers, spitting at a glass divider, and even signing profanity on a bail slip. Despite being granted police bail, she refused to leave the watchhouse and spat at an officer before fleeing.

Her activities resurfaced in Brisbane between 29 September and 2 October, when her fingerprints were found at a burglary in Windsor. But the most brazen act occurred on 20 October in Jindalee.

Court documents reveal that Ms Solomon and her accomplices used two stolen cars—a Volkswagen Golf and a Ford Fiesta—to ram into the front glass doors of a Chemist Warehouse. Once inside, they stole multiple bottles of fragrance before escaping in the stolen vehicles.

The following day, 21 October, she and her group were involved in another theft, this time at TK Maxx in Macgregor, before making another getaway in a stolen car.

Police Pursuit and Fiery Crash

Police were tipped off about the group’s movements on 22 October, spotting them driving a stolen Nissan Patrol near Federal on the Sunshine Coast. A chase ensued, with officers deploying tyre spikes to stop the vehicle. The high-speed pursuit ended dramatically when the stolen car crashed into bushland and caught fire, requiring almost a dozen fire crews to extinguish the blaze.

Queensland Police later released dramatic footage of the aftermath, showing the charred wreckage and officers moving in to detain the suspects. Despite attempting to hide in the bush, Solomon was arrested at around 6:00 p.m. and has been in custody ever since.

The court jails a mum following a Jindalee ram raid — *Photo Credit: QPS*

Court Sentencing and Rehabilitation Efforts

Ms Solomon plead guilty to 10 offences, including three counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, two counts of stealing, and one count of serious assault of police.

Her defence solicitor stated that during her time in custody, Ms Solomon had completed a drug rehabilitation program and was now in the residential part of the jail. A community-based anti-violence organisation also provided a reference, indicating that she was working towards turning her life around for the sake of her three young children, all under the age of four.

Magistrate Rod Madsen sentenced Solomon to 30 months in jail, setting her parole eligibility date for 22 June.

Published 3-February-2025

Mt Ommaney Resident Celebrates a Life-Changing Moment

A Mt Ommaney woman is over the moon after winning a staggering $100,000 prize.

The lucky winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, purchased her winning ticket at Nextra Mt Ommaney News in the Mount Ommaney Shopping Centre.

The woman, who has only bought Instant Scratch-Its a few times, said she felt something urging her to buy a couple of tickets that day.

Upon scratching the ticket and seeing the winning numbers, she was in disbelief. She expressed her gratitude to the universe, feeling like someone was looking out for her.

The win has come at an opportune time for the woman, who is looking forward to using the money to pay off debts and take a dream holiday. She also plans to share some winnings with her family and friends.

Nextra Mount Ommaney News manager Andie was thrilled to hear that one of her customers had won a big prize. She expressed her joy at the customer’s good fortune and stated that the news agency would celebrate the win and remind customers of the possibility of winning big with Instant Scratch-Its.

The woman’s win reminds us that anyone can win big on Instant Scratch-Its. In FY24, 143 Instant Scratch-Its top prize winners across The Lott’s jurisdictions took home over $12.12 million in top prizes.

During this same time, Instant Scratch-Its players enjoyed more than 26.4 million wins across all prize tiers worth more than $249.65 million.

Published Date 21-Jan-2025

Development Application Lodged for Wacol Warehouse Complex

Photo Credit: DA A006657723

A significant industrial development has been proposed for Wacol Warehouse Complex, with plans lodged for thirty new units at 440 Progress Road.

The application, designed by HAL Architects, outlines a project to transform the partially cleared 7,835.78 square metre site.

The Wacol Warehouse Complex development envisions a complex of thirty individual warehouse units and accommodation for an on-site caretaker. The proposed structures, with a maximum height of 15 metres, would cover 6,510 square metres of the site, totaling 12,430 square metres of floor area.

This will include 123 car parking spaces and 17 bicycle spaces to accommodate workers and visitors. The plans also show provisions for landscaping along pedestrian pathways, enhancing the site’s visual appeal. Two separate entry and exit points will facilitate vehicle access to the site.

Furthermore, the development has been designed to accommodate Medium Rigid Vehicles (MRVs) and Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs), ensuring smooth operational flow for businesses.

HAL Architects emphasised that the design incorporates measures to minimise the visual impact of the warehouse buildings, utilising various construction materials and colours to break up the facade. The architects also indicated that the development would cater to the needs of nearby residential areas.

The relevant authorities will now assess the application. The project is expected to generate employment opportunities and contribute to the local economy if approved.

Published Date 20-Jan-2025

Grinding Mill Relic at Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks

Photo Credit: Silei Salanoa/Google Maps

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.

If you would like to be added to the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program mailing list, please fill up the form here.

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.

To report sightings, please provide details at these sites:

PLATYPUS

VARIOUS WILDLIFE

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