Boggo Road Urban Village in Dutton Park Proposed

A development application has been lodged for a mixed-use development that aims to activate the Boggo Road precinct and complement local tourism offers for the Boggo Road Gaol in Dutton Park.

The proposed Boggo Road Urban Village, designed by Buchan Group, will consist of retail and commercial tenancies within a two-storey building with basement and ground level parking, situated between Boggo Road Gaol and the CSIRO Ecosciences building.

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Stockwell Development Group’s proposed development site is located at 21 and 41 Boggo Road, the area being referred to as “Boggo Road Boulevard,” covering a total of 2,712sqm. The ground level will contain the retail development whilst the commercial development will be at the first level.

 Boggo Road Gaol
Photo Credit: W.A. Stockwell Pty Ltd / stockwell.com.au

“The proposed development provides an exciting boutique commercial development to activate the Boggo Road precinct and create the Boggo Road Gaol site as a key destination in the Brisbane south landscape,” the John Gaskell Planning Consultants Assessment report said.

Proposed detail plan | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

“While there has been a significant amount of government infrastructure spending within the precinct to date, it currently lacks activity, is isolated from commercial activities, and lacks the activation expected of what will become a major transport hub in the future.”

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au
Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Lift and staircases will  be provided between the two levels. There will be 163 car park spaces (155 cars, 3 PWC, 4 Van, 1 SRV). Vehicle access will be via two crossovers, one to Boggo Road and another one to Peter Doherty Street.  Also a separate driveway crossover will be provided on Boggo Road to facilitate vehicular access to the basement level car parking. 

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au

The proposal will involve the demolition of the 1976 and 1987/88 Building 17 walkway and the detention units, adjoining the eastern side of the gaol, which do not form part of the gaol tours. 

 Boggo Road Gaol
Perspective view of northern corner | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au 

The Heritage Impact report prepared by Ruth Woods, however, indicates that ‘these buildings are not currently maintained and demonstrate considerable issues with water penetration, concrete spalling and corrosion of the steelwork’’ and that the development will not diminish the cultural heritage significance of the place.

 Boggo Road Gaol
Heritage impact render – Annerley Road | Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council / pdonline.brisbane.qld.gov.au 

“The new building is contemporary in form yet sympathetic in scale to the gaol. The new works are reversible, and the bulk of the new mixed use retail and commercial building is outside the State heritage boundary for the site,” the Heritage Impact report said.



Climate Strike: The Earth Needs Your Help; Here’s How You Can Take Part in Annerley

A mass movement calling for climate action is taking place around the world on the 20th of Sept 2019 and concerned locals from Annerley are gathering weeks ahead to plan how this community can make a significant impact on Climate Strike Night. 

Would you like to get involved and make a difference? Here’s how you can join and help change the world. 

On Wednesday, the 21st of Aug 2019, head to the Activities Room of the Junction Park State School on Waldheim Street at 6:30 p.m. to discuss how Annerley can take action on climate change. 

Photo Credit: Supplied

There is an exigent need to convince leaders of Australia to shift to 100 percent clean energy as big business and billionaire companies continue to set out coal, gas and oil projects that increase the carbon footprint. The country is already feeling the heat from the climate crisis with prolonged droughts, catastrophic bushfires, heatwaves, flash flooding and severe cyclones. It’s not just properties at stake but communities, your life and your future. 



In March, 1.6 million people took part in the Climate Strike around the world. The goal this September is to step it up.

Climate crisis is a pressing matter but leaders and businessmen act like it’s not an urgent concern. Perhaps the call for action won’t fall on deaf ears if there’s a collective and bigger voice from the community. 

Photo Credit: Climate Strike/Facebook

This is your chance to be heard and to encourage others to take action. It begins by joining the planning this August to mobilize a bigger group for the worldwide movement in September, which will take place at the Queens Gardens in CBD. 



“Preparations are going well, we’ll have soup and hot drinks available from a local cafe owner and operator. We’re excited about the night as we will be engaging with our fellow local community members to promote the Global Climate Strike on September 20,” Tom Cotter, on of the organizers of the Annerley movement, said. 

“The Global Climate Strike is a community lead event demanding our government deliver on climate action,” Mr Cotter added. “We’re all proud to support this demand and have hope for the future.”

This is a kid-friendly cause so you’re welcome to bring your children to the meeting. For enquiries and other details email: takotter@gmail.com 

Yeronga PDA Development Scheme Gets Nod From Queensland Government

Yeronga residents can expect more high-quality residential properties and local business opportunities now that the Yeronga Priority Development Area (PDA) development scheme finally gets the green light.

Under the recently mandated scheme, approximately three hectares of land in Yeronga will be redeveloped into an integrated and inviting mixed-use community precinct.

Part of the development scheme is the construction of a permanent home for the Yeronga Community Centre, creation of diverse residential options, small-scale retail and improved public transport.  

In a media statement, Member for Miller Mark Bailey said transforming the old site into a vibrant mixed-use precinct involves three years of investigating, planning, and consulting the public.

“The Palaszczuk Government is grateful for the feedback provided by the Yeronga community, who’ve collectively played a key role in the rejuvenation of this area,” Mr Bailey said.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the scheme will give Yeronga residents confidence about the scale and scope of future development on the site.



“The final development scheme provides planning guidance to transform the site into a predominantly residential community,” Mr Dick said.

Mr Dick added that the diverse living options will be complemented with a neighbourhood retail precinct, connected by open space, which together will shape a great lifestyle for those living and working here in the future.

Economic Development Queensland will partner with a private sector developer to deliver the precinct. The successful proponent is expected to be appointed by mid-2019.

About Yeronga Priority Development Area (PDA)

Yeronga PDA boundary map (Photo credit: dsdmip.qld.gov.au)

Yeronga PDA comprises three hectares and includes  land bound by Villa Street to the south, Park Road to the west, the Beenleigh-Gold Coast rail corridor to the north and Yeronga State High School to the east. 

The area is approximately 5 kilometres from the Brisbane CBD and 400 metres from Yeronga train station, providing frequent train services to the CBD, Gold Coast and interim stops. 

To receive updates on the Yeronga PDA, visit www.dsdmip.qld.gov.au.



Property Acquired for New Inner City South State Secondary College in Dutton Park

Some demolition work has begun in Dutton Park to make way for the construction of the new Inner City South State Secondary College (ICSSSC). Reports revealed that nearly $17 million was spent to acquire the property, which will stand across at least eight lots along Gladstone Road and Grantham Street. 

Two large buildings on this stretch will be completely gone following the demolition while at least 14 other properties will be relocated or will be offered for reuse, per the State Government

The new ICSSSC building should meet the growing needs of the state to provide more inner-city secondary schools, especially with a projected 3,000 rise in students in the next five years. 

The target is to open this new school by Term 1 in 2021. 



Jackie Trad of BVN, the Brisbane architecture firm, has been tasked to lead this project.

“Stage One of the new high school will be completed in time for foundation Year 7 students to commence in term 1, 2021, with the school continuing to grow a year level each year through to 2026 when the school will offer Year 7 to Year 12,” Ms Trad said. 

Despite public consultations, some quarters continue to question the project’s cost, location and design. 

­Jarrod Bleijie of the opposition said that taxpayers are forced to shoulder millions due to the failure of the state to plan and prepare new schools ahead. 

Griffith University professor Dr Tony Matthews said that the new building may pose some health risks for the students as it will be close to high traffic, where large volumes of vehicles emit smoke and bring the noise. 

The new building is the second vertical educational facility to be built in Brisbane. Vertical schools, as opposed to the suburban or traditional school model, have common outdoor facilities like a basketball or netball court integrated indoors. 

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

“The green spaces at Dutton Park will provide an area for students to have a seat at lunchtime, but where students use off-site sporting fields, it immediately raises questions about liability and child health and safety,” Mr Matthews said. 

“There’s a lot of merit to building up if it will create more green space for the students but the new high school at Dutton Park doesn’t achieve that because it doesn’t have an oval,” he added. 



But BVN’s plan for the Inner City South State Secondary College building includes a learning oasis or green space that will interconnect with the nearby Gair Park. The school will also have a health and wellbeing hub to house the canteen, hospitality and food sciences facilities. 

To view the complete masterplan, visit the State Government’s website.  

Photo Credit: Queensland Government

Annerley Community Bookshop Turns its Last Page

After two decades, the Annerley Community Bookshop is winding down to its last few days with all books currently going on sale for $1 until 21 July 2019.

Photo Credit: Annerley Community Bookshop / Facebook

The Community Bookshop is the only bookstore of its kind in Australia, offering some of the best selections of classic literature, as well as Australian literature at bargain prices. Whilst most of the books are placed on the shelves, some titles get listed online for sale through ABE book.

Rising operating cost, cost of rent, and declining sales due to the growing popularity of e-books have forced the book store to close down.

 Annerley Community Bookshop
Photo Credit: Annerley Community Bookshop / annerleycommunitybookshop.org.au

The Annerley Community Bookshop and Neighborhood Centre, located at 478 Ipswich Road in Annerley, was originally established by the Anglicare Refugee and Migrant Services in 2000 to fund literacy classes for refugees and migrants. 

The bookshop was incorporated in 2003 to its current form through the efforts of the local community, after the Literacy Centre was moved to a new location.

 Annerley Community Bookshop
Photo Credit: Annerley_Community Bookshop / annerleycommunitybookshop.org.au

The bookshop, primarily staffed by volunteers working on different days and shifts, has since been selling affordable second-hand books donated by various organisations and private donors. All profits go back to the community and development of the organisation.

All books are currently on sale for $1 until Sunday 21 July. Remaining stock after the closing down sale will be donated to Braille House in Annerley.

Its last three days of trading will be on Friday — 9.30am-5pm, Saturday — 9.30am-5pm, and Sunday — 10am-2pm.



Develop Your Social Dancing Skills at this Dance Class with an Australian Champion

Social dancing might seem so simple but it takes timing and effort for you and your partner’s movements to be completely in sync and beautifully connected. You both must also understand who shall lead and who shall follow in a dance routine.

If you’re raring to show your partner your dance moves at an upcoming event, then you’ve got to learn the proper social dancing skills from one of Australia’s best teachers.

Kristi Hall, who has been competing and winning in the world of dance for 25 years, will be conducting a social dancing class in Annerley. 

The workshop, How to Be a Dream Social Dancer, will take place on Saturday, the 13th of July 2019, at Dance Culture on Ipswich Road. The dance class will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.



Within those three hours, you should be able to learn how to perfectly lead or follow in a social dance. 

If you’re the leader, Ms Hall will give you tips on how to read your partner and never miss a step. If you’re the follower, Ms Hall will impart some techniques on how to gracefully and seamlessly join the other person taking the lead in a dance.

Slots to this special class are at $65 per person. Ms Hall’s workshop will be divided into three modules: 

2:00 p.m. – 2:55 p.m. Part 1Establishing a connection and the secrets of the perfect lead and follow
3:00 p.m. – 3:55 p.m.Part 2Pro tips to being on time and how to never miss a move
4:00 p.m. – 4:55 p.m.Part 3Simple ways to make your dancing more musical
Photo Credit: Dance Culture/Facebook


After the class, Dance Culture will mount a Latin Utopia party where you can test what you’ve learned. The social dancing event will start from 8:00 p.m. until midnight.

Inaugural Graduation Held for Young Emerging African Leaders at Yeronga State High School

Yeronga State High School recently hosted the inaugural Young Emerging African Leaders (YEAL) graduation. YEAL is a joint project between the school, Queensland Police Service, AFL Queensland, and the Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (R.A.I.L.S).

The inaugural six-week program saw young women from various African nations taking part in team-building, knowledge sharing, peer mentoring, and sports participation.

“We are very proud of our Young Emerging African Leaders (YEAL). They’ve participated in a range of activities and learning experiences designed to promote positive sense of self-worth, increase self-confidence, increase knowledge of personal safety and gain the skills to make good decisions leading to a brighter future. Our students have done really well in the YEAL program and they’ve graduated with flying colours!” – Yeronga State High School

“It takes strong leaders to keep our communities united,” Chief Superintendent Brian Swan said whilst acknowledging the active involvement of the school and the pilot program participants.

“It is through a united community that we can work together to keep our communities safe.”

Highlights of the ceremony included an interactive reflection and slideshow presented  by Robert Lachowicz and Blane Mehari from RAILS. 

“We were so impressed by the confidence of the students involved and we applaud their passion for being involved” Blane Mehari said.

Queensland AFL’s Multicultural and Indigenous Engagement Officer – Darren Allie said that the YEAL program provided them an opportunity to learn a lot from the students about their respective cultures.

“We as an organisation appreciate the support of the Queensland Police in delivering this program and we look forward to more future initiatives that bring our diverse communities together,” Mr Allie said.

For his part, Principal of Yeronga State High School, Bob Logan expressed how he was  “immensely proud of his students and expects big things to happen to these young emerging leaders.”



Do the Downward Dog with Cats at Annerley Yoga Session

Cats, with their agility, balance and flexibility, are a lot like yogis, aren’t they? Did you know that you can enjoy a good workout with these graceful felines at this monthly “Yoga With Cats” session in Annerley?

For June 2019, Yoga With Cats will take place on Saturday, the 30th, at the Lucky Cat Cafe on Ipswich Road. From 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., this fitness session, guided by a teacher from Iris Yoga, will be quite informal because participants may pause from doing the stretches to pet or play with the resident cats.

Photo Credit: Lucky Cat Cafe/Facebook
Photo Credit: Lucky Cat Cafe/Facebook

Beginners or expert-level yogis are welcome at Yoga With Cats. Be forewarned, though, as the cats might judge you on those the Downward Dog poses or show the proper way to arch your back — so pay good attention to those movement masters!



Slots to this event are limited so advanced booking is required. The hour-long yoga class cost $29 per person. You may bring your own yoga mat or borrow from the cafe.



Annerley: Among SEQ Suburbs With Largest Drop in Unit Sale Asking Price

An analysis of the average rate of discount on properties sold throughout Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast revealed Annerley as one of the SEQ suburbs with the largest unit sale asking price reduction.

As analyzed by Domain, the study, which used a minimum of 30 observations and excluded properties that were sold through auction or were without a listed price, showed that some vendors are dropping their asking price by as much as 12 percent.

Chermside was the top suburb where vendors provide the biggest discount on their unit asking price with an average of 8.90 percent whilst Annerley ranked sixth with 7.70 percent.

According to Domain, the median price of a two-bedroom unit in Annerley, based on sales within 12 months, is $361,000 or a growth of 3.1 percent from 2018. The average days on market for the same period was 73 days with a total of 54 units sold.

Other suburbs on the list with the highest average price discount for units are Redcliffe (8.60%), New Farm (8.10%), South Brisbane and Coorparoo (8.00%), Fortitude Valley (7.50%). Kangaroo Point, St Lucia,  and Brisbane City round out the list with a unit price discount average of 7.20%.

Carindale was the top Brisbane suburb with the highest average price discount on house sale price, with 8.50 percent followed by Clontarf with 7.70%. Redcliffe (7.60%),Rochedale South (7.40%), Cleveland (7.30%), Kippa-Ring (7.20%),  Banksia Beach (7.10%), Margate (7.00%), Redbank Plains (7.00%), and Scarborough (6.90%) round out the top ten.

Experts say that whilst the average price discount is a good indicator of the current market conditions in a certain suburb, such indicator does not tell the complete story. Despite good buyer demand, some suburbs saw vendors eventually discounting their price because expectations were unrealistic thus leading to overpriced house or unit and longer days on market.



Vintage Collective Moves to a Bigger Shop in Annerley

Annerley’s vintage haunt, the Vintage Collective, has moved to a new and bigger site at the Annerley Arcade on Ipswich Road.

Sustainable fashion lovers and collectors of staple pre-loved pieces can find the store just across its old site with more space for showcasing a treasure trove of vintage clothes, handmade accessories and up-cycled creations for the home.

Photo Credit: Vintage66 Studio/Facebook

The new Vintage Collective digs, which opened its doors last April, transferred from Shop 5 to Shop 9. The trading hours remain the same, however, from Wednesday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and until 2:00 p.m. on a Saturday.



Vintage Collective has also expanded its changing rooms to three stalls and the shop front has a better flow and layout for displaying the lovely and curated finds of the store owner, Tania. She has worked in the fashion industry for more than 30 years as a stylist, head buyer, designer, and product development manager.

Photo Credit: Vintage66 Studio/Facebook

Some items at this shop, however, are sold on consignment. Thus, if you have edgy, vintage, pre-loved, or gently-used second-hand pieces to unload or even handmade items,  you may also ask Tania about this arrangement.

Photo Credit: Vintage Collective/Facebook

Vintage Collective also carries Tania’s Label Xchange for barely worn designer, modern & quirky fashion.