Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 17 of 40

Construction Set for $350-M Vertical Expansion of Princess Alexandra Hospital in Woolloongabba

Princess Alexandra Hospital is set to undergo a significant expansion, with state allocation of $350 million to add five storeys atop its existing three-level structure. This expansion, slated to commence before the year’s end, promises minimal disruption to patient care.

The project, anticipated to conclude in 2026, will introduce 249 additional beds, comprising 219 acute inpatient beds and 30 intensive care units (ICU). Notably, this endeavour marks the second instance of a Queensland public hospital undergoing vertical expansion, following Logan Hospital.

The public has been assured of of minimal disruption to emergency department operations during construction, with plans in place to ensure the continued safe operation of the hospital’s helipad. Despite the project’s challenges, proponents emphasise a cautious approach to ensure completion by 2026.

Constructed initially with vertical expansion in mind, Princess Alexandra’s emergency department, completed over a decade ago, now paves the way for this ambitious development. The expansion is expected to substantially boost the hospital’s capacity, equivalent to nearly three full rugby league fields.

“The Princess Alexander Hospital is one of our busiest hospitals and we want to make sure our hospitals can continue to provide quality healthcare for our growing community now and into the future,” Hon Shannon Fentiman said.

“I’m so proud of our landmark investment in the PA – this is the greatest investment in the PA in more than 20 years.

“The Princess Alexandra Hospital already provides an exceptional level of healthcare, but it is critical we take action now to ensure it can continue to do so.”

Upon finalisation of the contract, the government has pledged transparency regarding any potential adjustments to the initial $350 million budget. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure to meet the needs of Queensland’s growing community.

“The capacity expansion project at Princess Alexandra Hospital is essential given the vital role PA plays in delivering specialist services to the state,” Chief Executive Metro South Health Noelle Cridland said.

“As a provider of tertiary level surgical and transplant services, cancer care, trauma and rehabilitation, PA needs the additional capacity to continue to deliver more of these services for the growing community.

Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane — Photo Credit: Metro South Health

“Our expansion project team and clinicians across our specialist areas are working together with Queensland Health to co-design new health infrastructure that will deliver modern models of care and services that improve the patient experience and outcomes.

“As always with projects of this size, significant contingency plans are in place to ensure patients and hospital services experience minimal disruptions.”

The expansion aligns with the broader $10 billion Capital Expansion Program, a testament to the Queensland Government’s dedication to bolstering health and hospital facilities across the state.

Published 1-March-2023

Power Move: Gold’s Gym Takes Over Former World Gym Site in Yeerongpilly

Did you know that Gold’s Gym has acquired the former site of World Gym Brisbane in Yeerongpilly, establishing its second location in Queensland there?

Club Manager Ruby Warren revealed that transitioning to Gold’s Gym at Yeerongpilly entails more than just a change in banners and signage. It signifies a profound shift towards amplifying what the community values in fitness.

Drawing inspiration from the spirit of Gold’s Gym in Venice Beach, the new establishment will adopt an indoor/outdoor ambience, complete with the introduction of Muscle Park.

The move is poised to bring about a notable transformation, not just in terms of aesthetics but also in the overall fitness experience for members and the wider community.

With over 700 locations worldwide, Gold’s Gym stands as a global fitness juggernaut, and this strategic shift signals a monumental moment for both the gym’s members and Brisbane’s fitness landscape.

Ms Warren began her journey with the gym at 14 years old with her father and has since risen to a managerial position.

Gold's Gym Yeerongpilly — Photo Credit: Supplied

She expressed excitement about bringing a strong slice of the iconic beach atmosphere to Brisbane, ensuring current and prospective members have a robust, bold brand to align with.

This expansion to Yeerongpilly marks a significant stride for the renowned fitness brand, extending its reach and influence within Brisbane City. For individuals seeking to join this fitness revolution or learn more about the new establishment, further information can be found at Gold’s Gym Yeerongpilly.

Construction Delays Keep Tours of Boggo Road Gaol from ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ on Hold

Tours of Brisbane’s Boggo Road Gaol in Dutton Park, featured in the Netflix series “Boy Swallows Universe,” remain suspended due to some ongoing construction works nearby.

Despite the jail’s international attention following its portrayal in the popular show, the temporary closure, initiated in March 2022 due to adjacent development, has persisted.

The Boggo Road Village project, originally slated for completion in 2023, has yet to commence major construction, leaving the state government to impose safety restrictions on the jail. These restrictions, related to nearby water and sewerage pipe work as well as construction vibrations, have hindered the resumption of tours.

It appears that the prolonged closure has led to numerous disappointed inquiries from eager visitors, including schools and cruise ship companies, who have been denied access for over two years.

With the recent surge in interest fueled by “Boy Swallows Universe,” online harassment directed at tour operators has escalated.

“We’re being harassed online by people wanting to gain access to the prison since Boy Swallows Universe,” Tour Guide and Historian Jack Sim said in a radio interview.

Mr Sim has been running tours at Boggo Road Gaol for nearly a decade.

Boggo Road Gaol Boy Swallows Universe — Photo Credit: Netflix

Developer Mark Stockwell attributed the project delays, now expected to extend until mid-2025, to complications arising from concurrent state government initiatives such as Cross River Rail and the underground bus tunnel. Expressing frustration at the prolonged timeline, Stockwell acknowledged Mr Sim’s efforts in preserving Brisbane’s heritage.

Mr Sim, who typically sees peak visitation during school holidays, emphasised the necessity of resolving the construction delay, noting the significance of the jail’s historical and cultural value.

He underscored the urgency of establishing a concrete completion date to facilitate future planning, including the proposed establishment of a museum within the jail premises.

Mr Sim is advocating for collaboration between the Queensland government and developers to expedite the project’s progress, emphasising the importance of capitalizing on the heightened global interest in the jail’s narrative. He urged authorities to address the issue promptly, citing its adverse impact on tourism in Queensland.

Published 9-Feb-2024

Charities Overwhelmed As Cost Of Living Drives Hunger Crisis

Did you know that food insecurity and hunger have reached concerning levels over the past year, according to a new report from Foodbank Australia? Melinda McInturff, a community resilience coordinator who started the Yeronga community centre with volunteers after the 2011 floods, said that the daily need for food aid they are seeing now surpasses anything in the past decade.

Read: New Affordable Housing Development Underway at Former TAFE Site in Yeronga

Community Plus+ Queensland, a community development organisation that works across Annerley, Yeronga, and West End, revealed demand for food relief is the highest they have seen in over 12 years.

Like Community Plus+ Queensland, OzHarvest also observed the unprecedented demand last year. Over 180 charities in Queensland are currently waitlisted for OzHarvest’s service, which collects unused fresh food from businesses and delivers it to charities.

The 2023 Hunger Report estimates that around 3.7 million households battled food insecurity to some degree in the past 12 months.

Photo credit: Foodbank Queensland/Facebook

The rising cost of living was cited as the predominant reason, with 79 percent of respondents noting high living expenses and 42 percent citing reduced income or government benefits.

Photo credit: Community Plus+ Yeronga Community Centre/Facebook

With many households stretched financially, food rescue organisations and charities revealed demand is unprecedented.

To manage, people have cut spending on food and groceries. Some have also reduced housing and finance costs over the past 12 months.

Many cited the rising cost of living as tipping them over the edge financially. One local resident said a combination of factors like pensions, taking in family members and using credit cards to pay increased expenses has depleted their savings. Another resident coped by not eating so their children could.

Read: The Beginnings of Collins Estate, the ‘Most Cheerful’ Address in Annerley

However, ensuring food access during these difficult economic times will require a coordinated response between charities, government services, and the wider community to make sure no one falls through the gaps. With compassion and collective effort, Australia can address this hunger crisis driven by inflation.

With rising costs straining household budgets across Australia, the steep increase in food insecurity highlights the real-world impacts of the cost of living crisis. As more employed Australians are forced to turn to charities to feed their families, organisations like OzHarvest and Community Plus are working overtime but still struggling to meet demand.

Published 13-January-2024

Delays and Disruptions in Dutton Park: Cross River Rail Project Impact on Commuters

Photo Credit: Cross River Rail

Workers in Dutton Park, Yeronga, and Fairfield are facing significant delays in their daily commute due to ongoing disruptions caused by the Cross River Rail construction project and frustration is mounting.

Train lines are operating on a “special timetable,” and multiple rail replacement buses have been deployed to assist commuters travelling to and from the city. Translink and Queensland Rail had previously warned commuters about potential delays. However, the situation has already prompted frustration among passengers, with some experiencing lengthy wait times for buses.

The Commuter Struggle

On the first day back at work in the new year, commuters encountered substantial delays and inconveniences.

“I’m at a train station waiting for the rail replacement bus with the equivalent of about 2-3 bus-loads of people. So far in 40 minutes, 1 full bus has turned up, didn’t let anyone on, and f***ed off. Another just turned up and let on maybe 10 people. Good luck out there…” a commuter posted on Reddit.

Frustrations grew as one commenter revealed they chose to extend their commute by taking another bus route to avoid the rail buses altogether. The situation was described as “ridiculously inconvenient” for a workweek, and many individuals were compelled to work from home due to the disruption.

“While I was well aware of the track closures, I was not prepared for how inadequate the rail buses would be. TransLink really should have made more of a point that buses could only accommodate limited numbers and that passengers should drive instead, or reconsider travelling altogether. Lesson learned, thankfully my employer is paying for our parking until this is over,” another commuter said.

Duration of Delays

The State government had previously committed to building 200 rail replacement buses, with an investment of $133.8 million. These buses were intended to ensure that South East Queensland public transport users could travel across the network during track closures on the train network. However, the delivery of the first bus is not anticipated until March 2024, and the full fleet of 200 buses is not expected to be available until the end of the year.

Meanwhile, several train stations in the area have been closed since 23 Dec 2023, affecting approximately 49,000 customers.

Dutton Park station is currently under construction, with ongoing work on platforms 1 and 2, including the installation of platform shade canopies and lift structures.

Cross River Rail Dutton Park — Photo Credit: Cross River Rail

Annerley Road has been temporarily closed during this period, leading to bus diversions via Fairfield Road and Fenton Street. On-street parking is restricted in specific areas while these diversions are in place.

Yeerongpilly station is also closed until late 2024 due to major construction, with temporary relocations of bus stops on Wilkie Street. Commuters in the affected areas are advised to stay updated with the latest information on the Cross River Rail and Translink websites, as these details are subject to change.

Published 9-Jan-2024

Man In Hospital After Multiple Stabbings

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A 46-year-old man sustained multiple stabbings to his chest and abdomen, in a terrifying attack near a service station on Ipswich Road in Annerley.

**Princess Alexandra Hospital**
Photo Credit: Metro South Health

The man was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a serious condition after the distressing incident on 14 December 2023.

Emergency services swiftly responded to alarming calls, with paramedics arriving at the suburban street to attend to the badly wounded man.

Queensland Ambulance confirmed the severity of the injuries, emphasising abdominal and chest wounds requiring urgent medical attention.

According to a spokesperson from Queensland Police, the injured man was discovered near a service station on Ipswich Road. A significant area, particularly an address on Lambton Street, has been cordoned off as a crime scene, prompting an active investigation by law enforcement officials.

“Investigations are continuing to establish the circumstances of the incident,” stated the Queensland Police spokesperson. No charges have been laid.

Residents of Annerley are urged to remain vigilant as the Queensland Police work diligently to determine motives and apprehend those responsible for this disturbing assault.

This incident has shaken the local community, prompting a heightened awareness of safety and security in the area. The police reassured residents of their commitment to ensuring the safety of the neighbourhood.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focused on bringing clarity to the incident and reassuring residents on their safety and security.

Published 28-December-2023

Mapping Brisbane’s Risky Roads for Cyclists: BikeSpot App Offers Insights

The Cornwall Street and Annerley Road intersection in Annerley now ranks 8th among BikeSpot app users as an unsafe spot for cycling in Brisbane due to the glaring absence of bike lanes in the area.

Since its introduction in October, BikeSpot has captured the opinions of over 4,000 Queenslanders who have highlighted areas they perceive as high-risk for both cyclists and drivers and provided vital insights to road safety.

The community rallied together to transform this problematic intersection to make the area not only safer but more accessible for all, ensuring that pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists can coexist harmoniously. Their vision included reduced speed limits, closing slip lanes, and the creation of safer crossings and dedicated bike lanes.

In March 2023, local MP Amy Macmahon highlighted the pressing need to address the treacherous Annerley Road-Cornwall Street intersection. A headache for motorists and a danger zone for pedestrians and cyclists, this intersection’s issues were poised to escalate with the upgrade of Dutton Park Station.

A Vision for Safer Roads

The BikeSpot map, which originated in Victoria and has become live nationwide, is not just a tool for identifying problems but a mechanism for catalysing change. It was born in response to the tragic death of cyclist Amy Gillett in 2005.

Users are encouraged to mark locations they deem in need of improvement, whether it be for narrow lanes, excessive traffic speed, or missing connections. Amy Gillett Foundation Chief Executive Dan Kneipp emphasises the importance of addressing “bad road design” and underscores the app’s potential to guide Brisbane City Council in preparation for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Topping the list of danger zones in Brisbane is Sylvan Road in Toowong and it’s followed closely by the intersection of Western Freeway Bikeway and Dean Street, within the same suburb.

Here are the 10 streets cited by the app’s users:

1. Sylvan Rd, Toowong

2. Western Freeway Bikeway and Dean St, Toowong

3. Dickson St, Wooloowin

4. Western Freeway Bikeway and Miskin St, Toowong

5. Wynnum Rd corridor

6. Kurilpa Bridge, West End

7. Kate St and Witton Rd, Indooroopilly

8. Cornwall St and Annerley Rd, Annerley

9. Bicentennial Bikeway and Archer St, Toowong

10. Land St, Toowong

BikeSpot is part of the Australian Government’s Safe Roads for Safe Cycling Program. Its mission aligns with the broader goal of ensuring safer, more accessible roads for all.

Published 22-Dec-2023

Mista Boo Brings Signature Sushi Train to New YG Riverside Village Outpost

The highly anticipated YG Riverside Village has officially opened its first restaurant, Mista Boo Yeeroongpilly.

Read: Yeerongpilly Green Welcomes Wave of New Retailers

Mista Boo’s signature sushi train showcases an array of sashimi, nigiri and specialty rolls including popular options like the chicken and avocado nigiri. Diners can also order rice bowls topped with chicken karaage, katsu or teriyaki, along with salads, spring rolls and other Asian fusion dishes.

What makes the food stand out at Mista Boo Yeerongpilly is the fresh salmon used daily and handmade chicken karaage batter. The chefs expertly craft each piece of nigiri and every cut of sashimi for peak freshness.

Photo credit: Mista Boo Sushi Yeerongpilly/Google Maps

For those looking for a refreshing appetiser perfect for the summer, they have the rice paper rolls filled with variety of fresh ingredients and wrapped in delicate rice paper.

Rice paper rolls (Photo credit: mistaboo_yeerongpilly/Instagram)

The interior reflects Japan with pink neon lights contrasting natural wood accents and decorative hanging fans. The centrepiece is the aesthetic sushi train delivering a variety of seafood, vegetables, and rice creations tableside with real artistry.

Photo credit: mistaboo_yeerongpilly/Instagram

Mista Boo also has other locations throughout Brisbane, including one in Bulimba, known for its sushi bar and one in Forest Lake, which also features sushi on the rail like the one at YG Riverside.

Read: Dapple and Waver Back in Business with Yeerongpilly Location

The restaurant is open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 pm for lunch and dinner. Mista Boo Yeeroongpilly kicks off the Green Village, soon to welcome Dapple + Waver, Jessica James, Goodlife Health Clubs, Lux Nail Bar and Co, YG Bakehouse and more retailers centred around lifestyle and wellness. With sustainably-built communal green spaces, shoppers can dine al fresco or relax in an urban oasis.

Visit their website for more information or follow Mista Boo Yeerongpilly on Instagram for updates.

Published 19-December-2023

Fairfield Station Offers Enhanced Accessibility

Photo Credit: Cross River Rail

Did you know that the modernisation of Fairfield Station is finally complete?

a side-on concept image for the new Fairfield station — **Fairfield Station concept photo**
Photo Credit: Cross River Rail

As part of the Cross River Rail project, the station’s renovation includes a range of thoughtful enhancements tailored to benefit everyone.

Rubber fingers, strategically placed to bridge the platform-to-train gap, ensure safer boarding and disembarking for commuters.

Complementing this innovation are the newly installed, large through lifts, purposefully designed to accommodate wheelchair users without requiring manoeuvring within the lift. This step significantly fosters inclusivity within our transportation system.

Moreover, raised platforms meticulously aligned with train doors streamline the boarding process. This promises a smoother transition between platform and carriage, benefiting all passengers, irrespective of mobility.

a front-facing concept image for the new Fairfield station — **Fairfield Station concept photo**
*Photo Credit:* Cross River Rail

But the upgrades extend beyond functionality. Fairfield Station’s makeover embraces accessibility with tactile and braille signage at station entrances, an additional third platform, and a fresh station building, all meticulously crafted to meet the diverse needs of our community.

A standout feature is the brand-new overpass, equipped with lifts, stairs, and a vertical transport system. This not only enhances accessibility but also ensures easier access to the heart of the platforms, simplifying the daily commute for Fairfield residents.

Crafted in collaboration with the Accessibility Reference Group, this transformation reinforces our commitment to inclusivity. Insights from individuals with lived experiences of disability have been pivotal in crafting a station that caters to the needs of all commuters.

Fairfield station’s revamp signifies a significant milestone in the Cross River Rail project. It symbolises a leap towards a more inclusive and accessible public transport system for our community.

Published 14-December-2023

Hidden Nature in Annerley: Over 1,000 Species Discovered in Suburban Backyard

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Did you know that a team of scientists has documented over 1,000 species of fauna at a suburban backyard in Annerley, highlighting the unexpected biodiversity thriving even in urban landscapes?

A Surprising Discovery

During the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020, a shared house in Annerley, home to three University of Queensland researchers, became the focal point of an unexpected scientific discovery.

Mathematician Matt Holden, ecologist Andrew Rogers, and taxonomist Russell Yong embarked on a year-long journey to catalogue the biodiversity in their backyard. What they found was nothing short of remarkable.

“We asked a large number of ecologists and conservation scientists how many species they’d expect to find in this setting and they predicted only 200,” said Dr Holden. “But after 60 days of surveying, we’d already discovered 777 species.”

A Diverse Ecosystem at Home

Their findings, published in the journal Ecology, revealed a rich tapestry of life, including 436 moth and butterfly species, 56 different spiders, eight types of reptiles, and 56 birds. The bird species catalogued included local favourites like the tawny frogmouths, laughing kookaburras, blue-faced honeyeaters, and rainbow lorikeets.

“Blue-tongued skinks hibernated under the garage and at night blue-banded and teddy-bear bees slept in the hedges under the front window,” Dr Holden added, underscoring the complexity of the ecosystem right outside their door.

Mathematician Matt Holden, ecologist Andrew Rogers, and taxonomist Russell Yong — Photo Credit: University of Queensland

New Discoveries and Implications

The team also uncovered species not previously recorded in Australia’s leading biodiversity database, Atlas of Living Australia. This included a new mosquito species, a sandfly, and an invasive flatworm, Platydemus manokwari.

“It shows suburban houses and apartments could have far more biodiversity than ever imagined, especially when it comes to insects,” Dr Holden emphasised the implications of their findings for urban biodiversity.

Urban Biodiversity: A Call to Action

The study not only sheds light on the rich biodiversity that can exist in urban areas but also serves as a call to action. Dr Holden suggests that the way people tend to their homes and gardens, such as keeping low-maintenance trees and shrubs and avoiding manicured lawns and pesticides, can significantly boost the number of species found.

This groundbreaking research from Annerley is a reminder of the natural wonders that can be found in our own backyards, urging us to rethink how we interact with our immediate environment.

Published 12-Dec-2023