Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 20 of 41

Bring Your Electronic and Electrical Waste to eWaste Connection Yeronga!

Yeronga’s eWaste Connection, a community-driven initiative has been nominated for the 2023 WasteSMART People’s Choice Award. This award recognises the remarkable efforts of individuals, community groups, and businesses in Brisbane who have made significant contributions to making the city cleaner, greener, and more sustainable.

eWaste Connection stands out as an exceptional nominee, providing a safe and inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities to actively reduce e-waste and promote sustainability. Their workshop program operates six days a week, involving around 160 people with disabilities and 69 dedicated volunteers in the recycling, repair, and refurbishment of electronic and electrical waste. Refurbished items are then donated to domestic violence refuges and other charities, offering affordable solutions to those in need.

In the previous financial year, eWaste Connection’s dedicated community volunteered an impressive total of 4,914 hours, resulting in the diversion of a remarkable 114,642 kilograms of e-waste from ending up in landfills. Their commitment to sustainability and community service has earned them the prestigious WasteSMART Community Award in 2020 and the WasteSMART Business Award in 2022.

Recognizing Waste Reduction Champions

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner highlighted the importance of such initiatives.

“Brisbane is recognised as Australia’s cleanest and greenest capital city, and I want to make sure it gets even better for future generations,” he said.

The WasteSMART People’s Choice Award is a commendable initiative by the Brisbane City Council to acknowledge the relentless efforts of individuals, community groups, and businesses committed to waste reduction and sustainability. This accolade not only serves as recognition but also provides a platform for these unsung heroes to inspire others.

Among this year’s finalists are not just eWaste Connection but also charity and not-for-profit groups tirelessly working to divert various types of waste from landfills, including food, clothing, textiles, and medical waste. Furthermore, innovative businesses have been nominated for utilising practices such as worm farms, establishing their produce gardens, and creating dedicated in-house sustainability teams.

This initiative is part of a broader commitment by the Brisbane City Council to foster sustainability and environmental consciousness within the community. Measures like food waste recycling trials, compost and worm farm rebates, and affordable green waste disposal options are already in place to support these objectives.

The WasteSMART Awards are administered by the Brisbane Sustainability Agency on behalf of the Brisbane City Council and are proudly sponsored by Containers for Change Queensland, Cleanaway, and The University of Queensland.

The much-anticipated award ceremony will be held at Brisbane City Hall in November to announce the winners across 12 WasteSMART Award categories, which boast a combined prize pool exceeding $4,000.

For further information on the awards and to cast your vote, please visit the official WasteSMART Awards website: www.wastesmartawards.com.au.

Published 26-Oct-2023

Annerley Junction Fest Returns in 2023, Promising a Day of Community Celebration

Get ready to Celebrate ‘Around Annerley’ with the vibrant inner-Southside community as the Annual Annerley Junction Fest returns!

Happening on Saturday, 14 Oct 2023, the FREE and highly anticipated event is back for another exciting year, running from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

This year’s festival promises to bring back all the favourite activities that festival-goers have come to love, along with some thrilling new additions. The theme for 2023 is “Around Annerley,” and to make sure you have all the details for a fantastic family-friendly day out, be sure to visit the newly launched website at www.junctionfest.com.au and follow their social media pages.

Tennyson Ward Councillor Nicole Johnston, who represents Annerley alongside Moorooka Ward Councillor Steve Griffiths, notes the significance of Junction Fest to the Annerley community.

“We are closing Dudley St East once again and we are transforming the area into a hub of music, market stalls, food, fashion, art and games,” per the organisers.

“The traders in the historic Annerley Arcade are on board, with the Arcade carpark set to play host to local musicians and performers.”

“We have introduced a new Short Film Competition, a midday Parade and Bike Decorating alongside our Junction Fest favourites, such as the popular Annerley Stephens History Group talks, Model Train Exhibit and the third annual Annerley Junction Fest Art Exhibition.”

“Every year, Junction Fest goes from strength to strength, as more members of our community gather together in a spirit of inclusivity and fun each year to celebrate what we most love about living here,” Junction Fest Committee Chair Jeff Brunne said as he welcomes the festival’s growth.

For further information or media enquiries, please contact Andrew Backhouse, at 0409 878 791 or email annerleyjunctionfest@gmail.com.

Published 23-Sept-2023

Yeerongpilly Green Welcomes Wave of New Retailers

Yeerongpilly Green Riverside is experiencing a surge in new stores with around a dozen slated to open in the coming months.

Read: Dapple and Waver Back in Business with Yeerongpilly Location

The centre already welcomed retailers such as Woolworths, Priceline Pharmacy, and BWS last month, but now specialty retailers are lining up to join the neighbourhood hub.

Around 11 retailers like Massage Inn, One in a Million Specialty Coffee, Mista Boo Sushi, and luxury nail salon Lux Lash and Co are in the pipeline.

Photo credit: Yeerongpilly Green Riverside/Facebook

The 11,600 sqm Woolworths kicked things off during the soft launch last August, bringing a full-service grocery store to the area. Goodlife Health Clubs followed soon after, announcing plans to open a large, purpose-built fitness centre with group classes and strength training.

Rob Clifton, national manager for retail leasing at Consolidated Properties Group, said Woolies was a welcome addition to Yeerongpilly.

It’s part of YG Riverside Village, an $850 million mixed-use development, which is a joint venture between Consolidated Properties Group and CVS Lane Capital Partners with support from the State Government.

The centre is part of the vision for Yeerongpilly Green to be a true mixed-use village. Together with the existing commercial and residential components, this retail precinct aims to create a dynamic, urban lifestyle destination for residents and visitors alike.

With the exterior of the centre now complete, Consolidated Properties Group expects demand for the remaining retail and commercial spaces to accelerate. So far, approximately 85 percent of the retail area has been leased, confirming the developer’s optimism.

The influx of new stores signals a vote of confidence in Yeerongpilly and anticipation for the centre’s continued growth and success. As the retail revival picks up steam, locals can expect an expanding selection of shopping, dining and entertainment hotspots right in their own backyard.

Published 18-September-2023

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