News and other stories about real people, places, and events in Jindalee, Jamboree Heights, Middle Park, Mount Ommaney, Riverhills, Sinnamon Park, Sumner, Westlake and Seventeen Mile Rocks
For some Westlake residents, Coucal Trail is part of the weekly routine — a riverside place for walking, running, dog outings and spotting wildlife. Repairs to the tucked-away track have now drawn positive responses from locals who return to it regularly.
The Coucal Trail has built a following among residents who use the track as part of their regular recreation.
One resident reported walking the route every few days, while another said it formed part of a weekend routine. Others described it as a favourite walking track and referred to using the trail for running and taking dogs along the riverside path.
For some users, the appeal lies in how different the track can feel from the surrounding suburb. One regular walker referred to the wildlife seen along the route and the sense of being removed from suburbia while still in Westlake.
River views were also singled out by residents discussing the trail.
The track can be reached from Balaton Street in Westlake, placing the riverside route within the suburban area while offering the natural setting valued by its regular users.
Work on Coucal Trail has included reinstating the track surface, upgrading steps and removing trip hazards.
Mulch and erosion-control measures have also been added to help protect the trail into the future, while the completed work has made the track safer for community use.
The improvements have been met with favourable responses from people familiar with the route. Residents described the track as much improved, with several comments coming from people who walk it regularly.
For those returning every few days or each weekend, the repairs affect a place already woven into ordinary local routines rather than simply another walking path.
Photo Credit: CrSarahHutton/Facebook
Bushcare Adds To The Community Connection
The trail also has an environmental volunteering connection through the Westlake Riverhills Bushcare Group.
The group held its first bushcare meet of the year at Coucal Trail last February, with participants meeting at Tennent Street to pull weeds and spend time beside the river.
The gathering was also promoted as an opportunity for residents to meet other locals, extending the trail’s role beyond walking and running.
Between the regular walkers, runners, dog owners and bushcare volunteers using the area, Coucal Trail has become a familiar riverside spot for parts of the Westlake community. The recent repairs now give those regular users a safer track for the routines that keep bringing them back.
If you live in one of Centenary’s seven suburbs, the week beginning 10 August 2026 will provide a brief opportunity to clear approved bulky household items from your home.
In the days before the collection begins, residents may notice the streets around Jamboree Heights, Jindalee, Middle Park, Mount Ommaney, Riverhills, Sinnamon Park and Westlake starting to look different.
Furniture may appear outside homes. Rolled carpets and rugs could sit beside white goods, bicycles and small household appliances. Items too large for an ordinary wheelie bin may be arranged near the kerb, ready for collection.
At first glance, it may look like a broad suburban clean-out. In practice, it is BCC’s annual kerbside collection service for residential households.
The collection period for the Centenary suburbs begins in the week commencing Monday, 10 August 2026.
A Service for Bulky Household Items
The collection gives residents an opportunity to dispose of approved heavy and large household goods, but it does not mean every unwanted item can be placed outside.
Accepted items include furniture, mattresses, bath and laundry tubs, carpets, rugs, bicycles, sporting equipment, small household appliances, white goods and electronic waste.
Televisions and computer monitors may also be collected. Before placing an electronic device on the kerb, residents should permanently remove any personal information stored on it.
Wood products are accepted provided they measure less than 1.5 cubic metres.
Checking which items are accepted before placing them outside can help prevent uncollected material from remaining on the kerb.
Photo Credit: BCC
The Timing of the Pile Matters
Items must be on the kerb by 6:00 a.m. on Monday, 10 August 2026, the first day of the scheduled collection period.
Items placed outside after that time may be missed if collection crews have already passed the property.
Residents should place their pile outside no earlier than two days before the collection period begins. Material left on the kerb outside the permitted timeframe may be treated as illegal dumping, and fines may apply.
BCC may change collection dates because of operational requirements or severe weather. Any changes will be published before the scheduled collection.
Keeping Centenary’s Footpaths Clear
The location and arrangement of each pile are important parts of preparing for collection.
Residents should place items neatly near the kerb without blocking the footpath or road. Property access must remain clear, and piles should not obstruct pedestrians, parked vehicles or traffic.
Every item must be capable of being safely lifted by two people.
Doors should be removed from old refrigerators and cupboards before they are placed outside. Sharp or dangerous objects must not be left exposed, while loose items should be secured if severe weather is expected.
A carefully arranged pile helps keep the street accessible while the collection is underway.
Staying Within the Household Limit
Each household may place out a pile measuring up to two cubic metres.
That is approximately the size of a small box-trailer load. Piles exceeding the limit may not be collected.
The service is available to residential households, including houses and multi-unit dwellings.
Commercial properties, caravan parks, schools and vacant land are not eligible for the collection.
Photo Credit: BCC
What Must Stay Off the Kerb
Some household materials require a different disposal option.
Batteries, including car and lithium batteries, are not accepted. Chemicals, oils, gas bottles, liquids and hazardous waste must also be kept out of the pile.
Other excluded materials include bricks, concrete, dirt, stones, garden waste, commercial builders’ waste, car parts and tyres.
Glass, mirrors, bean bags, ordinary household waste, recycling, lino and fibro sheeting are also unacceptable. Lino and fibro may contain hazardous materials such as asbestos.
BCC will not collect unacceptable items left on the kerb.
Residents may receive a notice requiring them to remove the material and dispose of it another way. Illegal dumping fines may apply if unacceptable items are not removed within seven days of the notified collection period.
Before an Item Becomes Waste
Not every unwanted household item needs to be placed on the kerb.
Before disposing of furniture, clothing, appliances or other goods, residents can consider whether the items remain usable. Goods in suitable condition may be passed on to friends or relatives, donated to a charity or offered to a reuse and recycling organisation.
BCC identifies GIVIT, Charitable Recycling Australia and Council Treasure Troves as possible reuse options.
Choosing reuse where possible can help residents clear space at home while keeping usable items out of the waste stream.
One Collection Across Seven Suburbs
For one week, Centenary’s streets may reflect the practical work of households sorting through bulky belongings and deciding what should be reused, donated or collected.
We’ve combed Jamboree Heights, Jindalee, Middle Park, Mount Ommaney, Riverhills, Sumner, Sumner Park BC, and Westlake for the best reviewed restaurants in the area where people waxed lyrical about their dining experience and what they love most about it. Here’s our list!
Travis Chalmers ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fantastic as always, time and time again. By far the best pizza in Brisbane, and a full menu of cocktails to match. Special shoutout to Kane – he will always go above and beyond to ensure each customer has a fantastic experience, and I consider his service level to be one of the best around. You will not regret coming here. Very reasonably priced as well. Pizza in the photo is a half n half – Paella and Reef n Beef.
S Andrews ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We ordered for Takeaways! The gorgonzola calzone was cooked perfectly — nice and crunchy, with just the right amount of saltiness and a great hit of blue cheese. The pepperoni pizza was yummm! You could tell the pepperoni was really good quality. Both pastas we ordered were absolutely amazing — honestly, I couldn’t fault them at all. Literally finished every single dish which is unusual for us!
Laura Grace ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The pizzas here are unmatched. They are the standard you find in Venice. The service is from friendly young people. The wait time for food tends to be a little longer than standard however it is well worth the wait as the ingredients are fresh and packed on. It’s a nice deck area I just wish the lighting was a little less stark and more ambient to enhance the vibe, but this is a preference. Would be lovely to have music too. The bar is gorgeous and attention to detail has been put into the overall aesthetics of the venue. The app and website make easy booking and ordering. Overall I recommend this place, thank you for being a valuable restaurant in our community.
Bryan Belcher ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What an amazing evening! We chose to celebrate my twin boys 22 Birthday at Icarus Greek. We are so glad we did! The service was fantastic, food brilliant, and a lovely relaxing atmosphere. The manager that took our order was brilliant, and the young ladies that were serving were great. The food is truly amazing . There are so many bursting flavours. Thanks to everyone. A small kitchen at the back producing great food. Well done. We will be back . Thank you for helping make my sons 22 birthday memorable ❤️ 💪👍👊🙏.
Angela Kajar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great greek food, generous serves. We visited Sunday evening to celebrate 3 family birthdays. Recommend the Saganaki, calamari, souvlaki plates, keftedes and pastitsio. Service from the young waitresses was ok. Perhaps as we were seated round the corner we might have been slightly overlooked as entree plates weren’t cleared until they came to deliver the main dishes which was a bit of a juggle. A little bit loud on the deck from the traffic going down the street, but overall a good night.
Chin Keong Yoong ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The food was amazing. My family and friends love every thing we order. The customer service was awesome. Attended our needs very promptly and professionally. Highly recommended to anyone want to try Greek cuisine.
Keith McAuliffe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Good service. Nice and peaceful on the idyllic Westlake drive, with a really nice out door seating area surrounded by these Mediterraneany arches. Atmosphere is warm, friendly, happy peaceful. Good place to talk with friends of the beaten path.
Inaya Halpin ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Had brunch today and the service was lovely and also our food. Looking forward to see a full menu on our next visit.
Elliott Bledsoe ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We’ve been here a few times and can say that it is consistently good food. It looks good and tastes good. We’ve had the omelet a few times and it’s always good. The breakfast tacos are also very good, as is the fritters. And there’s often unique little touches, like the lightly pickled fennel with the fritters. Delicious! And the coffee is good too. So the question isn’t to be or not to be, but to go today and tomorrow too!
Albany Yak ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great Burger’s and sides. Service was very good and reasonable price. Can’t wait to come back.
Denis Forbes ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Family recommended this place and wow not disappointed. Value for money is downright amazing, $10 burger is truly something I thought I wouldn’t see outside of chain fast food restaurants. Oh and the chips, I’ve eaten many a chip, even made many a thrice cooked chip, and these are just bloody good. Wish I lived in the area as this place would be a weekly visit location. Thanks for providing a solid feed for the family for a price that isn’t ridiculous!
Tony Robertson ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Always fantastic burgers here, and well worth the drive. Guaranteed you’ll find a few different burgers to your liking here.
Karen Lay-Brew ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ One of our regular local faves for consistently good quality meals. Love that they have “The Wise” option in the menu for … well, those of us who are more wise. The barman introduced me to Pub+ app – a reward system, that has given back a few freebies.
Ishan Sethi ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I recently had the pleasure of organising a function at Centenary Tavern and was assisted by the lovely female manager. She was incredibly helpful, polite, and made the whole booking process so smooth and stress-free. Her friendly attitude and attention to detail really stood out. Highly recommend this place, especially if you’re planning an event, you’re in great hands with the management team. The food was also great and helpful with all our dietary requirements
Cassie Lee ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Visited on ANZAC day for 2 Up. Staff member who ran it did a great job. Had a steak and it was cooked beautifully. Didn’t take long to come out, and all the staff were lovely. Will definitely be back.
Centenary, as it is known today, consists of several suburbs namely, Jindalee, Mount Ommaney, Jamboree Heights, Middle Park, Westlake, Riverhills, Sumner, Sinnamon Park, and Seventeen Mile Rocks.
Do you know how and why Centenary was formed? Let’s take a look back at the historic past of Centenary and the origins of the names of its suburbs.
Photo credit: cshsoc.org.au
In 1959, Queensland’s Centenary Year, a land developer named Hooker Rex planned the Centenary project. The project was a suburban development proposal that included a number of neighbourhoods with their own services and facilities that are capable of providing for all the needs of its residents.
The development started with the purchase of farmland in 1960. The contract for 1,416 hectare-development was agreed upon by the Council in 1961.
Photo credit: Kgbo/Wikimedia Commons
The Centenary Bridge and Highway were among the most important parts of the development as it provided access to and from the city and the northern suburbs. Officially opened on 14 October 1964, the Centenary Bridge was financed by the developers while the Centenary Highway was built by the Brisbane City Council still at the developers’ expense.
The suburbs and industrial estates that were planned to be a part of the Centenary project were Jindalee, Jamboree Heights, Mount Ommaney, Riverhills, Westlake, Middle Park, and Sumner. Meanwhile, Seventeen Mile Rocks and Sinnamon Park were developed separately.
Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Retro
The development was under the management of a public company called the Centenary Estates Limited for six years. In October 1967, the private shareholders were bought out by the Hooker Corporation Limited and the entire project was once again owned by the corporation.
The Establishment of the Centenary Suburbs
Jindalee
Photo credit: Twitter/Property Observer
Jindalee is an Aboriginal word which means “bare hills”. The establishment of the suburb in September 1962 brought the first public transport in the area, a bus going to and from Oxley Station.
Among the earliest establishments in the district were the Jindalee Golf Course, Swimming Pool, Bowls Club and the Looranah St. shopping centre. With its well-established golf course, swimming pool, and sporting facilities, it wasn’t long before Jindalee became a centre for sporting activities.
Jamboree Heights
Jamboree Heights was initially a part of Jindalee. When the Boy Scout held it’s Eighth Australian Pan-Pacific Scout Jamboree in Brisbane, Hooker Centenary provided the site. Later on, the place came to be called Jamboree Heights.
The 50th Anniversary of that historic Jamboree was celebrated in Jamboree Heights in January 2018. During that time, the participants learned more about the first Queensland Jamboree in 1967-1968.
Mount Ommaney is considerably larger than Jindalee and Jamboree Heights. Despite the sloping nature of the terrain in the area, Hooker Centenary was able to develop a number of “Private Courts” in Mount Ommaney in January 1970, a feat considered a first in Australia.
Photo credit: www.mcleodgolf.com.au
Each private court contains approximately seven homes, each with their own private entrance and shared private ownership of internal roads and nature strips.
Mount Ommaney became a prestige homesite that offers excellent views of the mountains and the city.
The suburb is also home to the first women’s golf club in Australia, the McLeod Country Golf Club, which was completed in 1969. The original golf club was comprised of 9 holes and a clubhouse. It was later extended to a full complement of 18 holes in 1971.
Riverhills
Photo credit: realestate.com.au
Riverhills is named for its ideal location offering sweeping panoramic views of the Brisbane River. In January 1973, it was mainly marketed by the developer as a suburb for young people with young families, designed with a cul-de-sac concept that focuses on having a quiet environment with lots of privacy. Many of its streets were named after rivers, lakes, and other waterways of the world.
Westlake
Photo credit: raywhitecentenary.com
Westlake was named by the developers in June 1973 for its nine-hectare freshwater lake. The developers maximised the landscape to give most of its homesites a view of the vast lake.
Sumner
Sumner was named after the Sumner family who had been farmers and landholders in the area. Though the name was originally given to a road, the suburb later adapted the name in 1969.
Seventeen Mile Rocks
Photo credit: Google Street View
The Seventeen Mile Rocks suburb used to include Sinnamon Park in 1975 as it extended farther west. With the development of Sinnamon Park, the boundaries of the suburb changed and currently, part of the Edenbrooke Estate is in Seventeen Mile Rocks and part in Sinnamon Park.
Seventeen Mile Rocks have gone through several developments under different estate developers namely ECOSSE Investments Pty Ltd, BMD Constructions, Baldwin-Riverlands, and Verandah.
Middle Park
Middle Park was strategically named by the developers in July 1976 to reflect its location in the middle of the Centenary Suburbs. The area offers northerly views of the McLeod Country Golf Club.
Sinnamon Park
In 1989, Sinnamon Park was developed originating from the suburb Seventeen Mile Rocks. The new suburb was named after the family of James Sinnamon and Margaret, who were the pioneer European settlers in the area.
Photo credit: monumentaustralia.org.au
Today, Sinnamon Park houses a memorial dedicated to Thomas Macleod to celebrate his historic flights on 22 December 1910.
These are the historical origins of the names of the Centenary Suburbs. To have a deeper grasp on the history of Centenary, visit Centenary Suburbs Historical Society Inc.
Every dog lover knows how much their dog wants to have some freedom to run carefree without the restraint of the leash. Brisbane dogs are lucky as there is a host of parks where they can roam and play freely off the leash.
Brisbane has over a hundred dog off-leash parks. (Photo credit: (Forest Lake Off-Leash Dog Park / Facebook)
In the Centenary area, there are several parks that allow dog owners to let their dogs loose. These dog parks are fenced areas where dogs can run around and socialise with other dogs and park visitors.
The use of the dog parks comes with some responsibility on the part of the owner. Brisbane City Council reminds dog owners of their obligations when releasing their dogs in the park.
Before they can use any Centenary designated dog park, the dog must be registered with the City Council, wormed regularly and should have updated vaccinations. The dog owner must also have full control of his or her dog.
The Dog owner should make sure that the dog does not have behaviour issues and can socialise well with other dogs and humans in the park. Dog owners should also take care of any dog droppings and dispose of them properly in poo bins provided inside the dog park.
Here is a list of dog parks in the Centenary area where you can go and set your dogs loose and give them an enjoyable time.
Thomas Macleod Park, Sinnamon Park
Thomas Macleod Park in Sinnamon Park provides the largest dog off-leash area in the Centenary area. The park is located at 40 Sinnamon Road and allocates 6,512 sqm of dedicated off-leash area for dogs.
(Photo credit: Centenary Pet Sitting / Facebook)
Visitors can feel relaxed and comfortable as there is a picnic shelter, benches, table with benches, tap, dog water, trash bin and poo bin to help them clean up after their furry friends.
Jindalee Boat Ramp Park, Jindalee
In Jindalee, locals can bring their pets to the Jindalee Boat Ramp Park at 99 Mt Ommaney Drive. This park has good facilities for its 912-sq-m dog off lease area, with bench seat, dog water, bubbler, poo bin and regular trash bin.
Phil Denman Park, Jamboree Heights
The Jamboree Heights dog park is at Phil Denman Park located at 56 Loffs Road. The park, which has a basketball/netball court, provides 2,298 square metres of dog off-leash area. The Phil Denman Park has a picnic shelter, bench and table, bubbler, dog water and poo bin. The park also includes a dog agility and exercise equipment.
Wolston Creek Bushland Reserve, Riverhills
(Photo credit: Centenary Pet Sitting / Facebook)
Located in Riverhills, Wolston Creek Bushland Reserve has an off-leash dog area of 2,621 sqm. The dog park is off Sumners Road and has regular park amenities such as benches and tables, picnic area and tap.
The dogs are provided with dog water and there is a poo bin for dog droppings.
Tigris Street Park, Riverhills
There is also a dog off-leash park at 22 Tigris St in Riverhills. Dogs can run and play around the dog park of 1,516 square metres. Aside from benches, picnic shelter and tables, there is a bubbler, tap and poo bin at the dog park.
Barcoorah Street Park, Westlake
Dog owners can opt to bring their dogs to the Barcoorah Street Park, located at 88 Barcoorah St in Westlake. The area is a bushland with a dog off-leash park on Loffs Road.
Delapine Place Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks
Delapine Place Park at 6 Delapine Place provides an off-lease dog park with an area of 3,399 square metres. There are bench seats in this dog park.
Locations of off-leash dog parks in the Centenary area. (credit: Brisbane City Council)
Postcode 4074, centred around the exclusive lakeside suburb of Westlake, has emerged as one of Queensland’s most prestigious residential enclaves. Over the past year, three exceptional sales have redefined luxury living expectations in this coveted riverside location, where expansive estates, waterfront positioning, and architectural excellence continue to attract Brisbane’s most discerning property buyers.
Dominating the market is the extraordinary estate at 395 Loffs Road, which achieved $3.15 million in June 2025. This once-in-a-generation property spans an impressive 2,606sqm and represents the ultimate in multi-generational luxury living. The three-story executive residence boasts eight bedrooms, five bathrooms, and seven living areas, including a fully self-contained lower level with private entrance. Premium features include a 75,000-liter pool, wine cellar, outdoor kitchen, and wrap-around balcony, all complemented by expertly manicured gardens and potential development opportunities. The scale and sophistication of this sale establishes a new benchmark for large-format luxury estates in Brisbane’s western corridor.
2. 7 Wendouree Crescent, Westlake – $2.618 million
The elegant riverfront residence at 7 Wendouree Crescent captured $2.618 million in May 2025, demonstrating the premium that genuine waterfront positioning commands in Westlake. This north-facing five-bedroom home combines classic architectural charm with modern luxury, featuring direct river access via private jetty, renovated swimming pool, and panoramic water views from multiple living zones. The property’s 2021 renovation included new flooring, bathrooms, and a comprehensive air conditioning system, while its flood-free history in both 2011 and 2022 provides additional buyer confidence. The sale reflects Westlake’s growing reputation as Brisbane’s premier riverside residential destination.
3. 48 Baikal Place, Westlake – $2 million
Completing the top three is the lakeside sanctuary at 48 Baikal Place, which sold for exactly $2 million in July 2025. Positioned on the edge of Westlake’s exclusive private lake, this fully renovated five-bedroom estate occupies an expansive 1,206sqm parcel within a quiet cul-de-sac. The property’s standout features include a resort-style pool with lakeside gazebo, built-in outdoor kitchenette, and meticulously maintained terraced gardens leading to the water’s edge. With multiple formal and informal living areas and a wet bar for entertaining, the home epitomises the lakeside luxury lifestyle that defines Westlake’s market position.
Why These Numbers Matter
These three sales underscore Westlake’s transformation into one of Brisbane’s most exclusive residential addresses, with all properties achieving prices above $2 million within a concentrated timeframe. The $3.15 million result at Loffs Road represents a significant milestone for the broader western suburbs market, proving that exceptional properties with unique attributes can command premium prices regardless of distance from the CBD.
The waterfront theme running through all three sales highlights the suburb’s key competitive advantage – genuine water access in a city where such opportunities are increasingly rare. From the massive Loffs Road estate to the intimate lakeside setting at Baikal Place, each property offers a different interpretation of luxury waterside living, yet all demonstrate strong buyer appetite for this lifestyle proposition.
For Westlake property owners, these results validate the suburb’s emergence as a legitimate luxury market, with sale prices now competing with Brisbane’s established inner-city prestige suburbs. The quick sale times and strong pricing achieved suggest limited supply and strong demand dynamics that favour sellers with quality properties. For buyers and investors, these sales confirm that Westlake has evolved from a lifestyle choice to a serious investment proposition, where waterfront positioning and architectural quality continue to drive significant capital appreciation.
Westlake Drive paints a remarkable picture of transformation, from its humble beginnings to the established residential enclave it is today. In 1936, the area was completely undeveloped, with no trace of the current road networks or neighbourhoods that would eventually define this sought-after pocket.
The street’s evolution is evident in its real estate history, with properties like 168 Westlake Drive changing hands for $37,600 in March 1975 – a figure that reflects how far the area has come. Today, the street boasts an impressive 90% owner-occupancy rate, with residents staying an average of nearly 16 years, and 60% calling it home for more than a decade. This stability, spread across 186 properties, underscores Westlake Drive’s enduring appeal as a tightly-knit community where neighbours become long-term friends.
Westlake Dr, Westlake Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 186 % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 90% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 15 years, 11 months % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 60%
Westlake Dr, Westlake – As It Looked in 1936
Westlake Dr, Westlake in 1936
SOME RECENT SALES ON WESTLAKE DR, WESTLAKE
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
189 Westlake, Westlake
$3,500,000
Jul 2024
145 Westlake, Westlake
$1,100,000
Jun 2024
341 Westlake, Westlake
$1,345,000
Jun 2024
166 Westlake, Westlake
$1,337,000
May 2024
136 Westlake, Westlake
$1,350,000
May 2024
302 Westlake, Westlake
$1,282,500
Feb 2024
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON WESTLAKE DR FROM YESTERYEAR
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
168 Westlake, Westlake
$37,600
Mar 1975
156 Westlake, Westlake
$43,500
Jun 1975
SUBURB PROFILE
The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Westlake in 2024 was $1,215,000 The median price of a 4 Bedroom House in Westlake in 2020 was $735,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN WESTLAKE SINCE 2020 : $480,000
The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Westlake in 2024 was $1,450,000 The median price of a 5 Bedroom House in Westlake in 2020 was $813,000 TYPICAL INCREASE OF A 5 BEDROOM HOUSE IN WESTLAKE SINCE 2020 : $637,000
A grand residence in Westlake, boasting seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, and two kitchens, has earned an unexpected distinction: it’s been named one of PropTrack’s Top 30 Longest Running Sales Campaigns in Australia.
The property at 67 Carnegie Street, currently listed at a cool $2.8 million, has been on the market for an astonishing 2,349 days – that’s over six years, dating back to 2018. Despite its impressive features and prime location, this “enormous two-level home” on a “huge 2261 sqm riverside block” has struggled to find a buyer willing to commit.
Inside the Westlake property (Photo credit: centenaryrealestate.com.au)
Centenary Real Estate, handling the sale, described it in the listing as a “grand riverside residence.” And grand it certainly is, with features that read like a luxury property wishlist:
Four bedrooms, two with their own ensuite
Spacious formal lounge/dining area with a cosy fireplace
All-electric eat-in kitchen
Huge rumpus room with built-in bar
Wide, cool wrap-around verandah overlooking the pool and Brisbane River
Double lock-up garages plus off-street parking for another 4 cars
Tennis court with lighting
The Westlake Lifestyle
Photo credit: Google Street View
Westlake itself is no slouch when it comes to desirability. Residents paint a picture of an idyllic suburb:
“It’s quite peaceful and a happy place to live,” one homeowner shared. Another praised its “wide tree-lined streets, big beautiful houses.” The only minor gripe? A “lack of places to eat out,” which seems a small price to pay for such tranquillity.
The Million-Dollar Question
So why hasn’t this property been sold? Is it the price tag? The current $2.8 million asking price certainly puts it in the upper echelons of the market. However, without access to historical pricing data or information about local market trends, it’s challenging to determine if this is the sticking point.
Photo credit: centenaryrealestate.com.au
Perhaps it’s a case of being too unique. With seven bedrooms and five bathrooms, this home may simply be more than most families need, even in the luxury market. Or maybe, in a twist of irony, its long-standing presence on the market has become a self-fulfilling prophecy, causing potential buyers to wonder, “What’s wrong with it?”
Whatever the reason, this Westlake wonder continues to wait for its perfect match. As it enters its seventh year on the market, one can’t help but wonder: will 2024 finally be the year this riverside residence finds its new owners? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, it stands as a curious anomaly in Brisbane’s real estate landscape – a reminder that even in the most desirable locations, with the most impressive features, the property market can still throw up surprises.
Brisbane announced a pause in its food waste recycling service, affecting suburbs like Westlake. This temporary suspension follows a successful trial that provided valuable insights into the community’s food waste behaviours, which will inform the planning of an expanded recycling programme in the future.
Effective 1 July 2024, food waste will no longer be accepted in the green waste recycling bins of residents in the participating suburbs, like Westlake. Despite this change, the green waste recycling bins in eligible service areas will continue to be collected on the regular fortnightly schedule.
Residents’ Adaptation and Future Plans
Residents who have received a food waste caddy from the Council are encouraged to repurpose it for home composting or worm farming. These caddies, crafted from recycled materials, can also be used to transport food scraps to the nearest Community Composting Hub. In the event of damage, the caddy can be recycled by placing it in the yellow recycling bin.
Key Insights from the Trial
Photo Credit: Pexels
The trial’s findings have shed light on Brisbane’s food waste habits, which will play a crucial role in shaping a more extensive food waste recycling service. The insights gained will aid in developing strategies to improve waste management and sustainability across the city.
While the food waste recycling service is on hold, the city remains committed to enhancing its waste management systems. The Council is using this hiatus to refine and expand the programme, ensuring a more efficient and comprehensive service in the future.
Ongoing Green Waste Collection
Photo Credit: Pexels
During this pause, the city reassures residents that their green waste recycling bins will still be collected as usual. This continuation ensures that the temporary suspension of the food waste service does not disrupt the overall waste management routine in Westlake.
The Council encourages all residents to continue their efforts in sustainable waste management. By using the provided food waste caddies for home composting or participating in community composting initiatives, residents can still contribute to reducing the environmental impact of food waste.
This pause in the service is a strategic step towards a more effective and widespread food waste recycling programme in the future. Westlake’s commitment to sustainability and responsible waste management remains steadfast as the city plans for an improved service that benefits the entire community.
Motorists are being warned to slow down and be on the lookout for deer on Centenary suburbs, especially in and around Mt Ommaney, Westlake, and Jindalee.
This comes after a video emerged showing a herd of deer crossing Westlake Drive, Mt Ommaney in front of an oncoming vehicle at night.
Many residents pointed out that there seems to be a growing deer population in Brisbane’s southwest, as clearly seen in the herds of deer wandering the streets and blocking roads.
Aside from creating a traffic hazard on roads, deer also damage native vegetation through browsing and trampling and ringbarking.
Photo credit: Debabrata Das/Pexels
One resident quickly connected an urban legend with respect to the growing number of deer in these suburbs.
“Urban legend is that there was a deer farm in Brisbane back in the day and the wife divorced the husband and opened all the gates and let them out,” the comment reads.
Based on the popular urban legend, a couple once owned a large deer farm in Pullenvale. Following their divorce, locals said that the wife of the deer farmer apparently opened the gates to let the animals escape.
Locals who have had deer sightings, especially in the western suburbs, believe these animals are either from the herd or the descendants of the herd from the Pullenvale farm.
Whilst the story seems absurd, the Pullenvale deer farm owner confirmed in a radio interview that he used to own over 500 deer, but they escaped as a result of his marital woes.
Photo credit: Olga Lioncat/Pexels
The farm owner, John, who now lives in Cairns clarified it was his former mother-in-law and not his ex-wife who opened the gates to his deer farm.
Meanwhile, collisions between deer and vehicles normally increase during winter, particularly around June, when they hunt for food or look for shelter.
Brisbane City Council reminds motorists to slow down when driving and exercise caution when they see deer or deer warning signs. Locals can submit a feral animal sightings report or call Council on 07 3403 8888.
