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Dutton Park Hub Part of Plan to Remake Brisbane River Experience

The Brisbane River experience is set for its biggest shake-up in decades, with plans to open public pontoons, including the one at Dutton Park, for new water taxi services, on-water dining, and adventure tours.

More to See and Do on the Water

A new chapter for life on the Brisbane River is beginning, promising more options for residents and visitors to enjoy the city’s iconic waterway. The plan, announced by city officials this week, is designed to encourage new businesses to operate from the river. This could see the return of familiar floating restaurants like Prawnster and boat-hire companies such as Go Boat to inner-city locations. The changes are part of a broader goal to “supercharge” the river and enhance its role in the city’s identity ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner explained that the move is similar to the transformational decision decades ago to allow footpath dining, which reshaped Brisbane’s street life. The aim is to create more fun and adventure on the water, providing a welcome boost for local jobs and tourism. One of the most anticipated outcomes is the potential for private water taxis, which could offer a faster, express-style service between key points along the river, complementing the existing CityCat network.

Local Hubs to See New Activity

At the heart of the plan are eight council-owned recreation hubs that dot the river from the western suburbs to the east. These include pontoons at Dutton Park, Murarrie, Northshore Hamilton, Kingsford Smith Drive, New Farm Park, the City Botanic Gardens, Riverhills, and a hub at West End that is currently closed for repairs.

Until now, these facilities have mostly been used for short-term recreational activities like dropping off passengers or launching kayaks. Under the new licensing system, they will be activated for commercial use while remaining accessible for community enjoyment. The review will focus particularly on the larger hubs at New Farm and the City Botanic Gardens, which are better equipped to handle bigger vessels and more people. The Committee for Brisbane has backed the initiative, noting that while the river’s pathways are well-used, the river itself has largely been limited to small-scale private users.

Balancing Public Access with New Opportunities

While the prospect of a more vibrant river has generated excitement, questions have been raised about the execution of the plan and the use of public assets. Some community representatives have expressed concern about the potential privatisation of public pontoons and jetties. Greens Councillor Trina Massey argued that these facilities exist for community use and questioned the council’s motives.

Concerns were also raised by Labor leader Jared Cassidy regarding the council’s track record, pointing to a recent incident where a jet-ski operator at the City Botanic Gardens was given an eviction notice. Officials have since stated that the notice will not be enforced while the new rules are explored. These perspectives highlight the community’s interest in ensuring a balance is struck between encouraging new business investment and preserving public access to the river.

What Happens Next

This is not the first time the idea of activating the river with water taxis and cruises has been explored. Similar proposals were considered as part of the River’s Edge strategy in 2013 and again in 2018 when the river hubs were first delivered. For the current plan to proceed, it will require approval from the state government to make changes to “wet licences,” the official leases required for businesses operating on the water. If approved, the licensing system will be designed to give businesses the certainty they need to invest in bringing new and exciting experiences to the Brisbane River for everyone to enjoy.

Published Date 10-September-2025

Annerley Named Among Brisbane Hotspots for Abandoned Vehicles

New figures from Brisbane showed Annerley is among the suburbs most affected by abandoned and unregistered vehicles, with thousands of cars left on the streets in the past financial year.

Read: Officeworks Woolloongabba Car Park Named Among Brisbane’s Worst

A total of 10,994 vehicles were removed across the city, with almost half unregistered and more than 4,000 officially deemed abandoned. Annerley joined Coorparoo, New Farm, Moorooka, Nundah, and Sunnybank Hills as suburbs where abandoned cars were most commonly reported.

While tourist towns such as Cairns and the Gold Coast have long dealt with backpackers leaving old vehicles behind, Brisbane has seen the issue grow. In Annerley and neighbouring suburbs, vehicles are often left for weeks in residential streets, creating safety risks and taking up valuable parking space.

The process of removing unregistered vehicles in Brisbane can take more than a month as authorities first attempt to trace owners. In some cases, vehicles are reunited with owners, but many end up impounded and later sold at auction. Logan City Council, for example, recently raised about $100,000 by selling 55 such vehicles.

Airports and private carparks have also been affected. At Brisbane Airport, dozens of vehicles are abandoned annually, often by overseas tourists leaving the country. In the city centre, a car left in a Queen Street Mall shopping centre carpark has accumulated theoretical fees of more than $70,000 since 2022.

Read: Annerley Officer’s Courage Following January Shooting Leads to Major Police Safety Initiative

A vehicle is considered abandoned if it is unregistered and left for more than 24 hours in a short-stay bay or more than seven days in unrestricted parking. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious vehicles by phoning Council on 07 3403 8888 so they can be investigated and removed if necessary.

Published 3-September-2025

Community Programs Strengthen Connections in Annerley

Photo Credit: AnnerleyCommunityHub/Facebook

Annerley Community Centre continues to support residents through creative programs, social activities and referral services, strengthening community connections in Annerley.

Background and Context

Annerley Community Service, established in 2012 and part of Community Plus+, operates as a not-for-profit hub supporting residents in Annerley and nearby suburbs. The service is delivered through the Annerley Community Centre, which forms part of a wider network that also includes Yeronga Community Centre and West End Community House. Its focus has been on connecting people, supporting local projects and strengthening resilience across Brisbane’s inner south.

Annerley Community Centre — *Photo Credit: AnnerleyCommunityHub/Facebook*

Programs and Activities

The centre offers information and referral services, legal and technology support, and regular activities designed to encourage participation. Weekly Open House sessions provide access to computers, tea and coffee, and opportunities to discuss community ideas. Ongoing programs include craft and crochet sessions on Tuesdays, an art group on Wednesdays, and jewellery making workshops on Fridays.

In August 2025, the centre hosted activities for Homelessness Week from 4–10 August, aimed at raising awareness and encouraging understanding within the community. The centre also collaborated with Yeronga and West End colleagues to prepare decorations for the Annerley Junction Festival, weaving colourful yarn into handmade pieces reflecting creativity across the centres.

Community Plus+ Network

As part of Community Plus+, the Annerley Community Centre contributes to wider programs that address resilience, preparedness and inclusion. This includes assisting flood-affected households in accessing government support grants, providing case management, and connecting residents with financial counselling, housing assistance and legal advice.

The broader network’s 2023–2026 priorities are building resilient communities, connecting people with opportunities, and strengthening its identity as One Community Plus+. Supporting these priorities are strategies such as providing pathways for inclusion, fostering partnerships and advocacy, and investing in people, practice and systems.

Outlook

With its regular programs, creative workshops and community events, Annerley Community Centre remains an active hub for local residents. Its role within the Community Plus+ network ensures ongoing support, resilience-building and opportunities for people across Annerley and neighbouring suburbs.

Published 3-Sep-2025

Arts Village Redevelopment Approved in Yeronga

Photo Credit: The Paint Factory

The former Taubmans paint factory site in Yeronga will be transformed into Australia’s first fully integrated arts village after receiving planning approval.

Background and Site History

The Taubmans paint manufacturing plant at 115 Hyde Road, Yeronga, ceased operations in 2015. Since then, the 34,000-square-metre site has remained unused until plans were lodged to repurpose the land into a mixed-use arts and residential precinct.

Yeronga arts village — *Photo Credit: The Paint Factory*

Masterplan Approval

On 27 August 2025, BCC approved the masterplan to redevelop the location into what is being described as Australia’s first integrated arts village. The redevelopment will feature buildings ranging from four storeys near Hyde Road to eight storeys within the centre of the precinct.

Planned Facilities and Features

The first stage will incorporate food and drink outlets, art spaces, a theatre, and an escape room. In total, the site’s transformation could include markets, community health services, a garden centre, hardware retail, and a mix of residential buildings. Five residential structures are proposed, paving the way for hundreds of new homes.

Parking facilities for the initial stage will include 64 formal spaces for visitors and staff, alongside an additional 200 informal spaces to cater for events.

Taubmans paint factory — *Photo Credit: The Paint Factory*

Creative and Community Focus

The development has been shaped through consultation with local communities and the arts sector. Proposed uses include artist-in-residence studios, visual art galleries, performance and event spaces, communal zones, street art displays, green spaces, cafés, a microbrewery, coffee roastery, and artisan markets. These elements aim to create a space where people can live, work, and participate in creative industries.

Next Steps

The project team has submitted a change-of-use application to rezone the site from industrial to mixed use. Once the process is finalised, work on the staged redevelopment will progress, marking a major step in the renewal of the Yeronga precinct, located about 8km south of the Brisbane CBD.

Published 27-Aug-2025

Officeworks Woolloongabba Car Park Named Among Brisbane’s Worst

Officeworks Woolloongabba has been singled out by locals as one of Brisbane’s most frustrating places to park, sparking debate over congestion and the lack of affordable options in the inner south.

Tight Spaces and Heavy Demand

The busy Ipswich Road site has become notorious for cramped bays, confusing access points and high demand during peak shopping hours.

Residents say drivers often circle the block multiple times before finding a park, with some giving up altogether and leaving the area.

“It feels like you need luck on your side just to get a spot — I’ve driven off more than once.” — Local shopper

Growth Adding to Pressure

The backlash comes as Woolloongabba braces for major change, with infrastructure projects such as the Cross River Rail station set to increase both foot traffic and competition for limited parking.

While public transport options are improving, many shoppers still rely on cars for everyday errands.

Calls for Immediate Fixes

Community members responding to recent surveys and online forums highlighted the Officeworks site alongside several other problem car parks across Brisbane.

Suggestions included clearer signage, better traffic flow design and stronger enforcement to stop non-customers from using the lot.

Business Concerns Rising

Some community members say ongoing frustrations could discourage customers from visiting Woolloongabba, a concern given the influx of new apartments and residents who will expect convenient services.

For now, the message from the community is clear: parking at Officeworks Woolloongabba remains a headache, and without improvements the problem will only worsen as the suburb continues to densify.

Published 25-August-2025

Breakthrough at Princess Alexandra Hospital TRI in Fight Against Resistant Melanoma

Researchers at the Translational Research Institute (TRI), based at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Woolloongabba, have discovered that peptides derived from a crab and a spider may offer a pathway to overcoming drug resistance in advanced melanoma.

Read: Princess Alexandra Hospital Celebrates 40 Years of Life-Saving Liver Transplants

The QUT-led team modified natural antimicrobial peptides from the Brazilian tarantula and the Japanese horseshoe crab and found they were able to kill resistant melanoma cells in both laboratory and mouse models. Crucially, the cancer cells did not develop resistance to the treatment, a significant breakthrough given that most cancers eventually adapt to existing therapies.

Published in the journal Pharmacological Research, the pre-clinical study revealed that peptides attack melanoma cell membranes without harming healthy cells. Associate Professor Sonia Henriques, the study’s senior author, said the results are exciting because the peptides worked against proliferative, dormant and therapy-resistant melanoma cells.

“Nature designed these peptides to fight bacterial infection by targeting the cell membranes of the bacteria. We have modified the peptides and applied them to cancer cells to act in a similar way and attack the cancer cell membrane without impacting non-cancerous cells,” A/Prof Henriques said.

The work represents ten years of research and is now focused on refining the molecules to make them more potent and capable of penetrating cells to block cancer progression pathways. Human clinical trials remain at least five years away, depending on funding and further pre-clinical testing.

Dr Aurelie Benfield, the study’s first author, said the discovery demonstrates how evolution in nature can inspire modern medical breakthroughs. “It is amazing because there are so many peptides in nature and they inspire us as scientists to modify them and make them even more potent and stable,” Dr Benfield said.

Read: Woolloongabba Centre Powers Queensland’s Landmark Count of Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients

The Translational Research Institute is a collaboration between Queensland Health, The University of Queensland, QUT and Mater Research. Supported by the Queensland Government, it will also open Australia’s first biomedical manufacturing facility for early-stage biotech companies in 2026, further strengthening the state’s capacity to advance new therapies from discovery to development.

Published 19-August-2025

Green Bin Rollout Announced for Annerley and Surrounding Suburbs

Brisbane has announced the next stage of its green waste recycling bin rollout, with suburbs including Annerley scheduled to receive green-lidded bins between 25 August and 5 September 2025.

Read: Annerley Residents Push for Safer Clive Street Crossing

The rollout is part of Brisbane’s citywide initiative to expand green waste recycling and reduce the amount of organic material sent to landfill. Eligible standalone houses in Annerley that do not already have a green waste bin will receive a 240-litre green-lidded bin during this period. Green waste collection will begin the fortnight after delivery and continue on a fortnightly basis, alternating with yellow lid recycling bin weeks.

As of 1 July 2025, green waste recycling has officially become a standard part of Brisbane’s household waste service. The move supports Council’s broader sustainability goals and helps reduce the cost of landfill levies by diverting compostable material into green processing streams.

Residents are encouraged to use the green bin for acceptable garden materials only. These include:
* flowers and foliage
* grass clippings
* leaves and loose bark
* palm fronds
* prunings from shrubs and trees
* weeds, ivy, creepers and vines (including noxious weeds — seeds are destroyed during composting)

Please note that all items must fit within the bin and the lid must close. To ensure safe and efficient processing, material should be no larger than 10 centimetres in diameter and 75 centimetres in length. Any other items, including food scraps, plastic, soil, and treated wood, are not accepted and must not be placed in the green waste bin.

The initiative is expected to bring environmental and economic benefits to communities like Annerley, where lush gardens and leafy streets produce significant green waste. Council reports that over 43,000 tonnes of green waste were diverted from landfill in the past year alone, saving nearly $1 million in waste levy costs.

Read: Historic Boggo Road Gaol in Dutton Park Faces Uncertain Future Amidst Major Transport Hub Transformation

Households that compost or manage their garden waste in other ways can opt out of the service. For more information on bin delivery schedules and accepted items, visit Council’s website.

Published 6-August-2025

Annerley Officer’s Courage Following January Shooting Leads to Major Police Safety Initiative

Photo Credit: Facebook / Shane Prior - QPUE General President

A police officer who survived a shooting in Annerley earlier this year has spoken candidly about how the incident changed his life and sparked a major safety initiative for Queensland police.

Acting Sergeant Liam Bailey and First Year Constable Boyd Harrington-Karaitiana were responding to reports of a disturbance on Tamar Street on 10 January when the situation escalated dramatically. The officers had been called to the scene after receiving reports of an agitated man in a backyard who was armed with a piece of timber.

During the confrontation, Acting Sergeant Bailey was shot in the leg with his own service weapon by the 26-year-old man, before Constable Harrington-Karaitiana shot the offender twice in response. The injured officer described the moment he heard the gunshot, initially hoping it had come from his partner’s weapon rather than his own.

Acting Sergeant Bailey credited his colleague’s quick thinking and preparedness with saving his life. Constable Harrington-Karaitiana immediately threw him a tourniquet, which proved crucial in stemming the bleeding from what turned out to be a severe wound.

The bullet travelled through the officer’s upper leg, continuing down behind his knee before lodging in bone behind his calf muscle. The injury damaged several muscles and bone, but Acting Sergeant Bailey has since returned to active duty, though he continues to experience daily pain and some loss of feeling in his leg.

Speaking about the incident in an interview with Queensland Police Union president Shane Prior, Acting Sergeant Bailey reflected on how routine the job had seemed initially. He described it as the type of call officers attend multiple times each week, highlighting how quickly such situations can become life-threatening.

The shooting has had far-reaching consequences beyond the immediate injuries. In February, the Queensland Government announced a $5.399 million investment to provide 12,500 tactical first aid kits to frontline police officers over the next five years. According to government statements, this initiative ensures all operational frontline officers will be supplied with personal-issue tactical first aid kits.

Acting Sergeant Bailey welcomed this development, comparing the importance of first aid equipment to other essential police gear. He noted that while first aid kits were available in police vehicles, officers don’t typically think to collect them before attending routine calls.

The 26-year-old Acacia Ridge man allegedly responsible for the shooting, identified as Tyson Daniel Athman, faces multiple serious charges. These include two counts each of attempted murder, trespass, and wilfully assaulting a police officer, as well as charges for serious assault by biting, unlawful entry, assault occasioning bodily harm, and railway trespass.

Despite the trauma and ongoing physical effects of the incident, Acting Sergeant Bailey expressed gratitude that he was the one injured rather than his younger colleague. His experience has become a catalyst for improving officer safety across Queensland, potentially preventing similar tragedies in the future.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers faced by police officers during what appear to be routine calls, while also highlighting the importance of proper training, equipment, and partnership between officers in critical situations.

Published 2-August-2025

Princess Alexandra Hospital Celebrates 40 Years of Life-Saving Liver Transplants

At the Princess Alexandra Hospital, a quiet moment of gratitude spoke volumes this week as hundreds gathered to celebrate 40 years since Australia’s first liver transplant, a medical milestone that has saved thousands of lives around the world.

Read: Community Art Donation Sparks Joy at Princess Alexandra Hospital’s Geriatric Unit

Among the guests was Iichurou Tsuruyama, who travelled from Japan to honour the pioneering surgeon whose bold vision and surgical innovation gave him a second chance at life nearly four decades ago. At just 17 months old, Mr Tsuruyama became the first person in the world to receive a liver transplant from a living donor — his mother — made possible by a breakthrough known as the “Brisbane technique”.

Surgeons performing a liver transplant in 1985 (Photo credit: Metro South Health/Facebook)

Developed by Queensland surgeon Professor Russell Strong, the Brisbane technique allowed adult livers to be safely reduced in size for transplantation into children. It addressed the critical shortage of paediatric-sized donor organs and opened the door to living donor procedures, saving countless young lives. Mr Tsuruyama is one of many who owe their survival to this innovation, which remains a cornerstone of paediatric liver transplants worldwide.

Professor Strong’s work was not always welcomed. In the 1980s, his determination to establish Australia’s first liver transplant unit met resistance, scepticism and even public condemnation. Despite the backlash, he performed the country’s first child liver transplant in 1985, and shortly after, developed the technique that would change transplant surgery globally.

Over time, the Brisbane technique evolved to enable split liver transplants, allowing one donor organ to save both a child and an adult. Today, this approach is used in three-quarters of child liver transplant operations across the globe.

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

At the anniversary function, guests paid tribute not only to Professor Strong and his team but also to the donors and families whose generosity underpins every transplant. For Mr Tsuruyama — now a father himself — the celebration was deeply personal. His life, and the life of his daughter, are testaments to how one revolutionary idea at Princess Alexandra Hospital continues to shape the future of medicine.

Published 31-July-2025

Yeronga Football Club Reflects Refugee Week Values

Photo Credit: Yeronga Eagles FC

A community football club in Yeronga, founded by Salvadoran refugees in the late 1980s, continues to promote inclusion and multicultural connection through sport.

Salvadoran Roots Behind Yeronga Eagles

Yeronga Eagles Football Club began in the late 1980s. It was formed by Salvadoran refugees who had fled civil war in El Salvador and resettled in Brisbane.

They started the club to stay connected to their culture and to build a sense of community in a new country. Resources were limited, but the club grew through shared effort and commitment. Its foundation was not built on wealth or status, but on values like family, service, and hard work. These continue to define the club today.

Refugee Week 2025 — *Photo Credit: Yeronga Eagles FC*

Growth Driven by Volunteers and Inclusion

The club joined the Football Queensland Premier League (FQPL) system in 2022. Since then, it has earned three consecutive promotions.

This success has come through the efforts of dedicated volunteers. Many are children and grandchildren of the original founders. They continue to run programs, maintain facilities, and support players across all levels.

While the club honours its Salvadoran origins, it now welcomes members from many cultural backgrounds. Football has become a shared language. Players connect through teamwork, not through words or background.

Refugee Week Connection and Relevance

Refugee Week 2025 was held from 15 to 21 June. This year’s theme was Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community. It celebrated Australia’s history of welcoming refugees and the communities that support them.

Since the end of World War II, Australia has accepted over 985,000 refugees. Many have built new lives through local initiatives such as community sport.

Yeronga Eagles is one such example. It reflects how refugee-founded clubs can become long-standing, inclusive institutions.

Football Helping New Arrivals Settle

Yeronga Eagles offers structured football programs for men, women, and juniors. These programs support development and participation for all skill levels. For many new arrivals, clubs like Yeronga offer more than just sport. They provide routine, belonging, and a pathway to settle into Australian life.

The club has become multicultural but has stayed rooted in its Salvadoran identity. This balance sets an example for other migrant communities starting similar journeys.

Club’s Future Built on Community Effort

Yeronga Eagles continues to grow. Its rise in Queensland football is the result of decades of work from volunteers and supporters.

The club’s success is not just about matches or trophies. It represents the power of community, tradition, and sport working together.

As Refugee Week highlights contributions made by refugees, Yeronga Eagles stands out. It shows how local sport can bring people together and support long-term inclusion.

Published 29-July-2025