Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 19 of 40

Dapple and Waver Back in Business with Yeerongpilly Location

Almost a year after shutting down its store due to the closure of Toombul Shopping Centre, popular restaurant and bar Dapple and Waver is staging a comeback at YG Riverside Village in Yeerongpilly Green.

Read: Yeerongpilly Green Attracts Businesses Soon to Open

“We will be bringing the Dapple + Waver you all know and love back, including some of our most popular dishes, drinks, and a few familiar faces too,” the restaurant announced via social media.

Diners can look forward to the return of popular menu items like juicy steak, battered fish tacos and shareable appetisers that made Dapple and Waver a go-to spot in Toombul.

In addition to mouthwatering food, the restaurant prides itself on a drinks menu packed with a rotating selection of craft beers on tap, handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list featuring domestic and imported bottles to please every palate.

The new, 160-seat Yeerongpilly Green location will allow the restaurant to serve more customers. The reopening comes after the business faced numerous challenges over the past few years, including operating during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns.

Although Dapple and Waver was undamaged, the catastrophic 2022 Brisbane floods also affected the Toombul Shopping Centre. In July 2023, Brisbane City Council approved the demolition of the flood-damaged Toombul site 14 months after the floods forced permanent closure of the centre.

The closure directly impacted the restaurant along with many other retailers. However, they have persevered through the challenges and found a new home in Yeerongpilly Green.

The new urban village development Yeerongpilly Green is home to the large, modern mixed-use retail, dining and entertainment centre YG Riverside Village. Major tenants slated to open soon include a Woolworths supermarket, BWS liquor store and Priceline Pharmacy. Dapple and Waver will join the village’s offerings when it reopens this month.

View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Yeerongpilly Green Riverside (@ygriverside)

Read: Hon Digby Denham: The Man Who Named Annerley

After waiting almost a year, loyal customers will certainly be thrilled to once again enjoy Dapple and Waver’s menu offerings, drinks and ambiance when it reopens this September at YG Riverside Village.

Published 4-September-2023

Woolloongabba Residents Evacuated as Inferno Engulfs 4 Homes, Police Declare Fire Suspicious

Photo Credit: Queensland Ambulance Services

A fierce early morning blaze erupted in Woolloongabba, engulfing multiple homes and prompting an evacuation of the area. Firefighters battled the flames as they rapidly spread through four properties on Heaslop Street.

Whilst no injuries or casualties have been reported, the extent of property damage has left residents and authorities concerned.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) received the initial emergency call at approximately 2:30 a.m. on 24 Aug 2023.

Upon arrival, they encountered a devastating scene with two homes already in flames and ultimately collapsing due to the intensity of the blaze.

QFES Superintendent Tim Watkins expressed the challenges they faced, stating that it had been around 25 years since he’d witnessed a fire of such magnitude.

Queensland Police invoked the Public Safety Preservation Act (PSPA) and authorities on-site swiftly implemented an exclusion zone around the affected area, encompassing Heaslop Street, Merton Road, Catherine Street, and Annerley Road.

This safety measure aimed to protect both residents and emergency responders from the hazardous conditions caused by the fire’s aftermath.

The PSPA is declared in instances that necessitate “… protection for members of the public in terrorist, chemical, biological, radiological or other emergencies that create or may create danger of death, injury or distress to any person, loss of or damage to any property or pollution of the environment and for related purposes.”

Whilst the PSPA was eventually revoked, members of the emergency crew remained on the scene to ensure the utmost safety of the residents.

Luke Wormwal, the proprietor of the neighbouring VHS Cafe, generously unlocked the doors of his establishment, offering a haven for evacuated neighbours. He distributed food, ensured warmth, and provided shelter, all whilst harbouring concerns for his own business due to the proximity of the fire.

Although the fire had been extinguished by 6:00 a.m., the aftermath was distressing.

Two homes were razed to the ground, including a 123-year-old heritage home; whilst two other homes suffered significant damage.

Police detectives are treating the incident as suspicious and have initiated an investigation. Witness accounts from multiple individuals are being collected to piece together the events leading up to the fire.

Published 24-Aug-2023

Old Taubmans Paint Factory in Yeronga to be Reborn as ‘The Paint Factory Arts Village’

An iconic part of Brisbane’s industrial history could soon be revived as ‘The Paint Factory Arts Village’ if plans lodged by a local development team gain approval.

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

The old Taubmans Paint Factory at 115 Hyde Road in Yeronga, which closed its doors in 2015 after over 60 years of paint production, could soon become the city’s leading creative hub.

The proposed mixed-use precinct would cater to creatives and art-lovers by combining architecturally designed residences with galleries, studios, and communal creative spaces.

Photo credit: The Paint Factory Yeronga/Facebook

The 3.4 hectare site was purchased in 2015 for $10 million by development company Hyde Road Pty. The company’s director Paul Hey who has long dreamt of transforming the site, has now lodged a development application with Brisbane City Council to rezone the former factory from industrial to mixed use.

“The vision for the proposed development is for a vibrant mixed use community, comprising artist studios, art gallery, artistic training, catering, food and drink outlets, event space, office space, performance space and storage space, as well as residential uses that support the creative arts,” the planning documents read.

If approved, The Paint Factory Arts Village would be Australia’s first precinct tailored specifically for those working in the creative industries, as well as those wanting an arts-immersed lifestyle. Features will include outdoor performance spaces, green spaces, and expansive street art murals.

“The proposal seeks to increase the minimum acceptable outcome for building height from 15 metres to 8 storeys (with a height transition along Hyde Road as shown on the Building Height Variation Plan). The proposed building height will enable mixed use development to occur whilst maintaining a transition to the lower density development across the site,” planners at Wolter Consulting Group added.

Read: ‘Rocklawn’: Historic Queenslander on Chester Rd Goes on the Market for First Time Ever

Currently, The Paint Factory is home to a community of local and international visual artists with studios on site. Artworks created at The Paint Factory have been exhibited at home and abroad and can be found in internationally renowned galleries such as Tate Modern (UK), the Art Institute of Chicago (US), The National Gallery of Canada and The National Gallery of Australia.

The old factory, which opened its doors in 1952 as a Taubmans paint production facility, has also been used as a filming location for productions like Netflix’s adaptation of Trent Dalton’s Boy Swallows Universe.

Published 17-August-2023

Fairfield/Annerley Road Hit Hard by Slower Speeds

A number of major Brisbane roads, including Fairfield/Annerley Road are experiencing slower travel speeds compared to pre-pandemic levels according to the city’s latest key corridor performance reports.

Read: Dutton Park Station Set for Accessibility Rebuild to Enhance Commuter Experience

In the PM peak for Fairfield/Annerley Road, the average speed has dropped from 31.52 kph in 2019 to 25.01 kph in the first six months of 2023. The AM peak has seen an even larger decline, with average speed falling from 26.4 kph in 2019 to 21.98 kph this year.

Moggill Road has been highlighted as one of the slowest in the city. The Royal Automobile Club of Queensland (RACQ) notes that the slowing conditions are due to the ongoing Indooroopilly roundabout upgrade project, although significant improvements are expected once construction is completed.

Part of the Indooroopilly roundabout upgrade is building an overpass, which would help traffic move better, be safer, and have more options for walking and biking. It will also handle current and future traffic levels.

On a more positive note, average speeds have increased significantly on the Inner-City Bypass since the Kingsford Smith Drive upgrade was completed in 2020.

The project added seven kilometres of new and improved walking and bike paths. The Brisbane City Council said it saved up to 30 percent of travel time for all vehicles, including cars, buses, and trucks.

In the eastbound AM peak, average speed has jumped from 40.91 kph in 2019 to 57.81 kph in early 2023. The westbound AM peak has seen an increase from 43.33 kph to 61.11 kph over the same period.

Read: Improved Pedestrian Safety: Zebra Crossing Coming to Fairfield’s Mildmay Street

According to the RACQ, slowing speeds can be attributed to population growth and lower public transport usage since the pandemic. The transport body believes major infrastructure upgrades are crucial to improving travel times on Brisbane’s busiest corridors.

Published 1-August-2023

Cross River Rail Workers Return to Dutton Park After Tragic Workplace Accident Spurs Safety Audit

Photo Credit: Cross River Rail

Cross River Rail workers have returned to the construction site following a horrifying accident that prompted a walk off the job site in Dutton Park. However, construction will likely not yet resume as the workers have yet to participate in the recommended safety reviews.

On Tuesday, 25 July 2023, Nation ‘Nash’ Kouka, 54, fell 12 metres off the construction site on Boggo Rd and was under critical care at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. His son was also present when the accident occurred.

Following Mr Kouka’s accident, angry workers staged a protest as they demanded better safety measures which led to authorities launching a full safety audit of the Cross River Rail project. Transport Minister Mark Bailey also called for a “safety reset” after admitting that this accident shook his confidence in the project’s safety protocols.

The construction project, with a budget of $6.3 billion, has been facing safety concerns for some time. Since its inception, contractors working on the Cross River Rail have accumulated nearly 350 Workplace Health and Safety Queensland breaches. Among these, 38 stop-work orders and 30 infringement notices with fines have been issued.

One of the recorded incidents at the Albert St station was particularly alarming, where a worker was injured due to a falling object with no exclusion zone in place. A prohibition or stop-work notice was issued due to the “serious risk” it posed to health and safety.

According to the CFMEU construction union, the Cross River Rail has a history of “serious safety problems.” CFMEU national secretary Zach Smith called for a full safety audit to address the life-threatening mismanagement of the project.

The CFMEU is also demanding the dismissal of Mr Bailey, citing a dysfunctional department with issues of cost blowouts, project delays, poor safety, build quality, and worker exploitation.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, however, expressed confidence in Mr. Bailey’s efforts to address the safety concerns. She stated that the company responsible for the project should ensure a safe environment for workers, but investigations by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland are currently active.

Meanwhile, Mr Kouka’s wife, Doris, launched a GoFundMe to help with her husband’s treatments and recovery. Over $40,000 in donations have poured in within three days.

Published 31-July-2022

New Affordable Housing Development Underway at Former TAFE Site in Yeronga

Construction has begun on a major new residential development at the former TAFE college site in Yeronga. The $185 million project will deliver 281 new homes, including affordable housing units and retirement living apartments.

Read: Urban Renewal Project Breathes New Life Into Former TAFE Site

The 3.1-hectare site will be transformed into a mixed-use precinct with residential, retail, community facilities and public green spaces. The development is a public-private partnership between the state government, Brisbane Housing Company, Retire Australia and property developer JGL.

Designed by Archipelago, the project will feature 169 retirement living apartments, 37 townhomes, 75 affordable housing units and over 4,000 sqm of public open space. The precinct will also include a new Yeronga Community Centre funded by the state government to the tune of $40 million.

former tafe site — Artist’s impression of commercial building along with a new community centre (Photo credit: Archipelago)

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk hailed the development as a model example of government and the private sector working together.

“This project will deliver a range of important housing options for the community, including private, social and retirement homes,” she said.

Housing Minister Meaghan Scanlon said the development aligns with the government’s record $3.9 billion investment into social and affordable housing across the state.

Yeronga Heart Director Bill Bennett announced details of the new Parkside Yeronga development.

“Economic Development Queensland and Yeronga Heart are working together to deliver the new community envisaged in the Parkside Yeronga Master Plan,” he said.

Mr Bennett emphasised the development’s prime location, adding that future residents will benefit from established road and public transport access as well as new facilities within the precinct.

He stated the diverse housing options will allow the development to serve a broad spectrum of residents.

The project is expected to create 532 construction jobs over four years. The mixed-use community aims to revitalise the former TAFE site and meet diverse housing needs in the growing suburb.

Read: New Childcare Centre Proposed in Annerley to Address Growing Demand

Published 21-July-2023

‘Rocklawn’: Historic Queenslander on Chester Rd Goes on the Market for First Time Ever

Photo Credit: LJ Hooker / /property.ljhooker.com.au

In a rare opportunity, ‘Rocklawn,’ a classic Queenslander on Chester Rd in Annerley that once belonged to a famous Brisbane philanthropist, is now on the market for the first time since its construction in 1919.

Dr John Edward O’Hagan, a renowned biochemist, died at 102 years old early this year. Following his death, his home will soon change hands, for the first time in over 100 years.

Dr O’Hagan, a renowned biochemist, established the first medical research laboratory at the Princes Alexandra Hospital in the 1960s. Built by his parents in 1920, the house on Chester Rd was chosen for its location, just 5 km from Brisbane’s CBD, with particular consideration for his grandparents, who were affected by the devastating 1890 floods.

John O'Hagan — A young John O’Hagan and his grandmother. Photo from the family archive.

Constructed in 1919, ‘Rocklawn’ exudes the timeless charm of its era while seamlessly integrating modern amenities for comfortable living. Spanning 1,215 sqm over three lots and situated on a corner block at 69 Chester Rd, Annerley, the residence has remained intact, undergoing several modifications to meet the changing needs of the family.

Retaining its traditional charm, the residence boasts original features such as a latticed front verandah, classic Queenslander paned windows, leadlight bay windows, and elegant French doors.

‘Rocklawn’: Historic Queenslander Home on Chester Rd Hits the Market — *Photo Credit: LJ Hooker / /*property.ljhooker.com.au

Reflecting on the home’s history, the influence of Dr O’Hagan’s parents can be found in little touches throughout the interior.

His father, John D O’Hagan was one of Queensland’s most senior public servants and was Under Secretary for Dept of Justice, among other roles. They shared a practical mindset, indulged in wood carving, pottery, and furniture restoration, and had a deep love for maps.

His mother, an avid pianist with a keen sense of style and colour, infused the home with joyful colour schemes that complement its character. She and her husband were much loved in the community.

Video Credit: YouTube/LJ Hooker

Exploring the home reveals four generously-sized bedrooms, two with extensive built-in robes, along with two full bathrooms and a powder room. The bathrooms and fourth bedroom have been recently updated to reflect contemporary style and functionality.

The main bedroom opens up to the charming front porch through French doors, whilst a walk-in dressing room adjacent to it offers versatility, easily converted into an ensuite, walk-in robe, or even a nursery.

Adjacent to the kitchen is the current family room, providing flexibility to expand the kitchen if desired. The galley-style kitchen has been updated with quality stainless steel appliances, a dishwasher, and timber cabinetry. It connects to the back deck through casement windows, offering a seamless transition to outdoor living.

Published 10-July-2023

Remembering Sizzler Annerley: A Nostalgic Journey for Brisbane Food Lovers

Throughout the late ‘80s and ‘90s, Sizzler became a cultural phenomenon with its salad bars, sizzling steaks, and family-friendly atmosphere and its first-ever Australian location, Sizzler Annerley, holds a unique significance for Brisbane food lovers. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore the rise and fall of this beloved restaurant.

Read: Then and Now: Waldheim, the Stephen Family’s Homestead in Annerley

In 1985, Collins Foods, the parent company of Sizzler, Taco Bell, and KFC, opened the doors of Sizzler Annerley. Offering a diverse menu featuring steaks, pasta dinners, and cheese toasts, the restaurant quickly gained popularity among locals and set the stage for the brand’s expansion across the state.

As Sizzler’s success soared, the chain opened several other popular locations throughout Queensland, including Loganholme, Mermaid Beach, Toowoomba, and Ipswich. For years, these restaurants thrived, attracting families, couples, and friends who relished in the casual dining experience that Sizzler had to offer.

However, as time went on, the casual dining sector in Australia faced challenges. In the 2013 financial year, Collins Foods reported stalling revenue for their Sizzler operations, attributing it to the downturn in the industry.

In 2017, Taco Bell set foot in Annerley, taking over the premises of the former Sizzler restaurant.

Sizzler Annerley’s demolition in 2017 (Photo credit: Sizzler Annerley/Facebook)

Then came the unexpected blow of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many other businesses in the hospitality industry, Sizzler experienced a severe decline in customers, leading to the closure of numerous locations.

After 35 years of delighting taste buds and creating memories, the final Sizzlers in Mermaid Beach, Loganholme, Toowoomba, Maroochydore, and Caboolture closed their doors in 2020.

The closures affected not only the restaurants but also the dedicated employees who had served customers for years. Hundreds of employees were either provided redundancy packages or offered new roles at KFC or Taco Bell, as Collins Foods aimed to mitigate the impact of the closures.

Sizzler’s famous cheese toasts (Photo credit: australianfoodtimeline.com.au)

Whilst Collins Foods made the difficult decision to close its Australian Sizzler locations, it continues to licence the use of the Sizzler restaurant brand for use in other countries. Currently, Sizzler restaurants can still be found in Thailand and Japan, carrying on the legacy and taste that many Australians grew up with.

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

Although Sizzler Annerley and its fellow Australian counterparts have become a thing of the past, their memories live on. Generations of Queenslanders will forever cherish the times they spent gathering around Sizzler’s salad bars, savouring mouth-watering steaks, and enjoying the camaraderie that the restaurant fostered.

Published 10-July-2023

Popular Yeerongpilly Gym ‘De-brands,’ Members Surprised and Disappointed

World Gym, a major international fitness brand, has abruptly closed its Yeerongpilly location. The popular gym, one of the first three World Gyms in Australia when it opened in 2008, decided on an abrupt “de-branding”, handing the location over to new management and leaving its members in the area mired in uncertainty.

The closure of World Gym Yeerongpilly was accompanied by a message sent via email to some members, announcing that “World Gym Brisbane is rebranding” and promising “exciting changes.”

The specifics of the rebranding and the duration of any disruptions to members’ fitness routines were not disclosed. The email expressed appreciation for the members’ support and assured them that further updates would be provided.

Fitness Passport members, who had access to World Gym through their membership, received a text message from Yeerongpilly management stating that there were no discussions about removing their access. However, they mentioned the possibility of negotiating with Fitness Passport in the coming weeks to secure their continued access. The responsibility for potential access denial was attributed to Fitness Passport rather than the gym itself.

On Facebook, a notice addressed to the World Gym Brisbane community explained that the gym had been de-branded and would no longer be associated with the World Gym Australia brand. However, World Gym passport members were informed that they could still access any World Gym location in Australia.

However, the change came as a shock to many members. Upon arriving at the gym for their usual workout sessions, some members were taken by surprise to find it closed on Friday, 16 June 2023. It was only then that they discovered the facility had been placed under new management.

A number of members, specifically Home Club members, were informed that they could still access the gym located on Station Rd. However, others had to seek alternative options.

With this development, some patrons decided to transfer their membership to the World Gym outlet in Mt Gravatt, while some expressed their intention to switch to the upcoming Goodlife gym at the Yeerongpilly Green urban renewal site.

TotalFusion, a fitness centre, also submitted a development application for a substantial gym, café, wellness center, and day spa in Graceville, providing another potential alternative for displaced World Gym members. Additionally, Snap Fitness Moorooka extended a discounted offer on access keys to former World Gym Yeerongpilly members, reducing the price from $69.95 to $20.

World Gym, originally established in 1976 by Joe Gold during the era of “Muscle Beach” in California, has been expanding in southeast Queensland over the past five years. Recently, it submitted a development application for a new purpose-built two-story facility in Flagstone. Despite these expansion efforts, the closure of the Yeerongpilly gym has left many members frustrated and disappointed.

Members took to social media to express their grievances and share their experiences. One member commended Snap Fitness for warmly welcoming former World Gym members, while expressing frustration at discovering the closure when his Fitness Passport access was deemed invalid. Another member, who had been with the Yeerongpilly facility since its opening in 2014, claimed that the gym’s quality had declined since 2018. A member also voiced concerns about maintenance issues, such as malfunctioning toilets and taps.

Published 21-June-2023

Urban Renewal Project Breathes New Life Into Former TAFE Site

Photo Credit: Queensland Government / haveyoursay.dsdilgp.qld.gov.au/ /span>

An urban renewal project has breathed new life into a 3-hectare, former TAFE site in a forgotten corner of the Parkside Yeronga precinct, where a disused urban space will soon become a vibrant community hub with a diverse range of housing options and amenities.

Designed by the architectural firm, Archipelago, this transformative project embodies a fusion of functionality, aesthetics, and inclusivity. With 281 homes planned for construction, including 75 units dedicated to social and affordable housing, and a retirement living facility with 169 apartments, Parkside Yeronga is set to become a neighbourhood that caters to the needs of all its residents.

The meticulous planning by Archipelago encompasses not only residential spaces but also commercial tenancies, small-scale retail establishments, a community centre, and over 4,000 square meters of open space. The master plan thoughtfully considers the site’s context, harmonising with the existing surroundings and emphasising a sense of diversity done well.

Notably, the Queensland government has committed $40 million to this ambitious project, forging a public-private consortium led by Economic Development Queensland in collaboration with JGL Properties, Brisbane Housing Company, and Retire Australia. The infusion of around $185 million in the private sector investment underscores the confidence and enthusiasm surrounding Parkside Yeronga.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles applauds the activation of previously underutilised urban land, citing Parkside Yeronga as a prime example of leveraging such spaces to address the growing housing needs of Queenslanders. The project’s significance extends beyond housing supply, with a projected $180 million of private sector investment stimulating the economy.

Meaghan Scanlon, Minister for Housing, underscored the Queensland government’s commitment to providing social and affordable housing, and the partnership with the private sector at Parkside Yeronga exemplifies their dedication to meeting housing demands while fostering a sense of community.

As Bill Bennett, Director at Yeronga Heart, a public-private consortium, states, Parkside Yeronga fulfils the vision laid out in the master plan, offering a diverse range of housing options that cater to the area’s growing needs. The project not only provides homes but also ensures convenient access to transport, new facilities, and ample green spaces.

Published 14-June-2023