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Hendra Residents Challenge Mega Childcare Centre on Flood-Prone Site

Residents of Hendra are mounting a legal challenge against the development of a childcare centre on a site formerly occupied by a lawn bowls club, known for its flood risk. The group is contesting the project, emphasising environmental concerns and the need for responsible land use in the community.

The project (DA A005894902), spanning 5,724 sqm along Lethem St, was approved by the Council on 27 October 2023 and has led to a formal appeal in the Planning and Environment Court.

The appellants argue that the 239-place childcare centre from Lethem Street Projects Pty Ltd represents an overdevelopment of the site, leaving no space for sports or recreational facilities and disrupting the character of the area

The development’s scale is expected to increase traffic significantly, affecting the local community’s quality of life and posing a risk due to the site’s flood-prone nature. With 91 objections lodged by residents, the case highlights a substantial community pushback against the council’s decision.

Lethem St Hendra — Photo Credit: DA A005894902

The development has been assessed under the Planning Act 2016, with changes to the application deemed minor by the Council, including the removal of outdoor sport and recreation land uses.

However, the community’s concerns extend beyond the scope of these adjustments, focusing on the broader impact on local amenities, flood risk, and traffic congestion.

Previously, the community had initially supported plans by property developer Kenlynn, the former owner of the 25 Lethem St site, for a low-density housing project, aligning with the area’s quiet residential nature. However, this plan was abandoned, and the offer to sell the land to the Council for public green space did not materialise.

One resident expressed that a large childcare centre contradicts the community’s expectations and needs, pointing out the existing surplus of childcare facilities and the lack of demand for another. Residents advocate for development that respects the area’s residential character and meets actual community needs.

As of press time, the developer has yet to submit its defence whilst the court has yet to set a date for the hearing.

Published 5-Feb-2024

Checking All the Boxes: A Look at the Requirements to Join Royal Queensland Golf Club

Earning membership in Brisbane’s most prestigious golf clubs can be an arduous process. But for dedicated golf enthusiasts who can navigate the demands, gaining access to these elite circles can make the effort worthwhile.

Read: Affordable Housing and Community Hub Proposed for Eagle Farm Racecourse

Take the Royal Queensland Golf Club in Eagle Farm for example – since 2019, there has been a waiting list for new male members, whilst opportunities for women and juniors remain limited.

According to the club’s website, “this aligns with the Golf Australia and R&A special measure to promote women’s golf.”

Photo credit: Janita Dal Cin/Google Maps

At $18,000, it also has one of the most expensive memberships in Queensland. The lengthy application process requires proof of good character with references, a non-refundable $1000 fee, and an interview with club representatives. If approved, the nomination is posted publicly at the club for two weeks before current members vote.

Once accepted, there is a $13,000 entrance fee and $5,035 in annual dues. A strict dress code mandates collared shirts, tailored pants, and white socks for men and similarly formal attire for women. No jeans or cargo pants allowed.

The Pot of Gold After the Rainbow

For golf enthusiasts who make it through, they gain access to the premier golfing experience in Queensland at the prestigious Eagle Farm course. The club also offers top-notch facilities and dining.

Their state-of-the-art coaching centre offers skilled instructors imparting their expertise whilst club repair services ensure equipment is in optimal condition. A well-stocked retail store features the latest golfing essentials. With all of these amenities, the club provides everything one needs for a fulfilling golfing experience.

They also boast a long and distinguished history. Royal Queensland traces its roots to 1920 in Hamilton before relocating. In 1921, it cemented its elite status by receiving its “Royal” title from King George V, with the official letter signed by Winston Churchill.

Read: Esteemed Brisbane Architect E.P. Trewern: the Man Behind Notable Homes in Ascot and Nearby Suburbs

For passionate golfers willing to persevere, gaining membership at Royal Queensland offers immense privileges and prestige. However, reaching the club’s elite circles requires navigating a long and demanding process filled with hurdles at every step. Only those with the dedication to complete the journey will find themselves numbered among some of Queensland’s most exclusive golfing circles.

Published 3-February-2024

Frigg Cafe Owners, With Store in Ascot, Announce Voluntary Liquidation

The twin sisters behind Frigg Cafe, a well-known eatery and catering business in Gold Coast and Brisbane, including one outlet in Ascot, have gone into voluntary liquidation “with a heavy heart.”

Maria Elita and Toula Scott of the Frigg Group opened their first cafe in Labrador on the Gold Coast in 2017. Over the years, they expanded their presence with cafes at Nerang, Ascot and Manly, and then relocated from Labrador to Southport in 2022.

Frigg Group was not just known for its exceptional food and beverages; it also had a special menu catering to customers who had undergone weight loss surgery. Moreover, the business actively collected donations for victims of the devastating 2020 bushfires, demonstrating its commitment to the community.

The pair successfully weathered the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, but they were unable to overcome the overwhelming financial burden of skyrocketing operational costs. These mounting costs not only stretched their business thin but also adversely affected customer spending.

But on 21 January 2024, Terry van der Velde of SV Partners was appointed to oversee three Frigg companies, marking the beginning of the liquidation process. Frigg Group, once a regular feature on the list of top cafes and brunch spots on the Gold Coast, faced an uncertain future.

In a heartfelt statement posted a few days later, the sisters expressed their gratitude towards their team, suppliers, and loyal customers who had supported the Frigg Brand throughout its seven-year journey. They acknowledged the adversities they faced but emphasised their love for what they had created and the Frigg family they built.

“It is beyond devastating especially since we gave it our all & then some, it is a sign of the times. We feel very sad for our staff as well, it’s been very tough for everyone,” Ms Elita wrote and official shared their statement on her social media.

Despite the closure, the twin sisters expressed their hope that the Frigg brand would find a new owner, ensuring its legacy lives on.

Published 24-Jan-2024

St Margaret’s Anglican Students Have Fewer School Days in 2024 Than Public School Students

Did you know that largely because of the school’s longer instructional hours in a day, students at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot will be spending up to five and a half weeks less days in school than their Queensland public school counterparts this school year?

Read: New School Openings Prompt Catchment Changes Across Brisbane

The Christmas holiday for students at St Margaret’s will commence on 21 November 2024, giving them almost three weeks of extra vacation before public schools start break on December 13. Total school hours for the year, however, remain comparably similar to public school hours because of the longer days.

From Monday to Thursday, school hours at St Margaret’s run from 8:20 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. and Friday hours are 8:20 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. — that means students study for a total of 34 hours and 40 minutes in a standard week.

Photo credit: St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School/Google Maps

Students at St Margaret’s will spend 171 days in school this year. Students at other private schools such as Marist College Ashgrove or St Peters Lutheran in Indooroopilly will likewise spend less than 180 days in school, as independent schools traditionally align their schedules around the needs of their students, school communities, and activities calendar for the year.

A spokesperson from Independent Schools Queensland stated that historically, the shorter terms at some private schools were to accommodate boarding students travelling from afar. Whilst this is still the case for many institutions, the spokesman added that there are other factors like overall campus time and school activities that determine term length.

In contrast, Queensland public school students will spend 199 days in school this year.

The significantly shortened academic calendar at St Margaret’s and some other elite private schools is perceived to be creating an imbalance between public and private institutions and causing logistical challenges for some families.

There are parents who struggle to coordinate work leave, childcare help from relatives, and vacation plans with friends to accommodate the extra time off.

At the same time, numerous rural families purposefully send their children to prestigious Brisbane boarding schools so they can return home for holidays several weeks earlier than if they attended their local public schools.

Read: Student from St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School in Ascot Takes Top Prize at 2023 IEU-QNT Literary Competition

Although private schools maintain their abbreviated terms to serve the needs of their student population, the significant discrepancy continues to elicit mixed reactions from families.

Moving forward, communication and coordination between private and public sectors will be key to finding solutions that bridge divides and create more uniformity in scheduling where possible.

Published 10-January-2024

Luxury Shoptop Apartments Set to Transform Ascot Landscape

South East Queensland developer Silverstone has set its sights on an ambitious residential project poised to redefine Ascot, one of Brisbane’s most affluent suburbs.

The proposed five-storey edifice, artfully crafted by PDT Architects, is poised to introduce 30 opulent two and three-bedroom apartments to the charming enclave on a 1,250 sqm expanse at 77 Racecourse Road.

Ascot Racecourse Road — Photo Credit: DA A006428025

Astonishingly, this parcel of prime real estate was once home to Woolworths, which has now made way for a grander vision.

A Grand Vision Takes Root

Silverstone’s journey to this transformative endeavour commenced in December 2021, with the acquisition of the site for a substantial $9.75 million. In 2022, preliminary designs indicated the site’s future as a commercial establishment.

However, Silverstone’s Managing Director, Troy Daffy, has since unveiled a refined vision – an Ascot-centric village, harmoniously blending retail and dining spaces with upscale apartments tailored to the discerning owner-occupier market. The development application (DA A006428025) was filed in December 2023.

“As an Ascot resident, I see a fantastic opportunity to create a special precinct that will invigorate Ascot and Racecourse Road,” stated Daffy. “We believe this project has the ability to satisfy the demand for exclusive, owner-occupier living spaces, as well as a luxury retail experience outside the city.”

Thoughtful Integration and Aesthetic Appeal

Central to the project’s vision is an unwavering commitment to seamlessly integrate with the existing Racecourse Road streetscape. Planning documents affirm that the design prioritises a sympathetic coexistence with the surroundings.

Three residential levels will gracefully ascend above a ground-floor dining precinct, culminating in a rooftop adorned with an infinity-edge pool and outdoor oasis, exclusive to residents.

The architectural statement intends to leverage the building’s prominent corner position at Kent Street, breathing new life into the area’s shopping and dining offerings. Notably, the structure will boast deep planting and vertical atriums, crafting an articulated façade adorned with concrete, trellis, and timber soffits.

Silverstone’s commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in this development, emphasising sustainability. The project will incorporate low-waste services, a solar energy system, low-emission construction materials, and a dedication to harnessing natural light and ventilation throughout its expanse.

A Glimpse into the Future

The timeline for this transformative project indicates construction commencement by mid-2024, contingent on development approval of the code-assessable project. Silverstone’s remarkable track record includes the construction of over 500 residential apartments in inner-city Brisbane, notably the Alto apartments at Toowong.

The developer has an impressive portfolio, having delivered more than $900 million worth of developments spanning healthcare, commercial, residential, and retail domains.

Published 2-Jan-2024

Gather Over Shared Plates and Drinks at Vlume Tapas Bar in Ascot

Looking for a place that serves seasonal tapas and clever cocktails with a side of charm? Check out Vlume, a new tapas bar tucked inside a charming Queenslander on Racecourse Road.

Read: New Fine-Dining Destination Victory Lane To Open At Racecourse Rd

With its relaxed vibe and mouthwatering small plates, Vlume is the perfect spot to catch up with friends over good food and drinks.

The menu offers a tempting selection of cold and hot tapas. Marinated olives, tuna tacos, burrata, and chips with smoked paprika whet your appetite before heartier plates like fried zucchini flowers, wagyu, lamb tacos, and Vlume’s signature tarte flambee emerge piping hot from the oven.

Tarte flambee (Photo credit: @vlume133/Instagram)

This Flemish-style “pizza” baked on a yeast-free flatbread dough is a house specialty not to miss. But regulars agree the brisket is the star of the show. Slow-cooked until meltingly tender, the Angus brisket dish has developed a following all its own.

Vlume’s Angus brisket (Photo credit: @vlume133/Instagram)

Inside, the spacious and airy dining room accommodates larger groups whilst the cosy deck is ideal for intimate conversations. Vlume also offers special function menus for small events and parties interested in canapés and grazing tables.

COCKTAILS & WINE LIST

The drink list impresses with a range of wines, beers, and creative cocktails like the Minty Mojito, Cosmopolitan, and Old-fashioned Bourbon.

Fans of sweets will indulge with their hazelnut and milk chocolate tarts and the ice cream sandwich with toffee biscuits.

Vlume is open Wednesday to Saturday from noon until 10:00 p.m. for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended and can be made via OpenTable.

book a table

Read: Does This Albion Joint Serve the Best Chooks in Town?

Find this charming Queensland tapas bar at 133 Racecourse Road in Ascot. With its relaxed atmosphere, fantastic food and drinks, Vlume promises a delicious night out with friends.

Visit their website for more information or follow them on Instagram or Facebook.

Published 21-December-2023

Macca’s Takes Flight at Brisbane Airport Domestic Terminal

Hungry travellers passing through Brisbane Airport’s Domestic Terminal will soon have a new dining option to satisfy cravings on the go.

Read: Globite Returns To Brisbane With New Store At Domestic Terminal

Construction is now underway on a new McDonald’s restaurant, complete with a McCafé section, slated to open in mid-2024.

The upcoming McDonald’s will be part of a major revitalisation initiative by Brisbane Airport Corporation aimed at enhancing the passenger experience. McDonald’s is one of the 10 new dining establishments that will be launching over the next few months as part of the airport’s redevelopment.

McDonald’s at the BNE Service Centre (Photo credit: S M Roknul Azam/Google Maps)

According to Martin Ryan, the Executive Commercial General Manager for Brisbane Airport, the company is aware that Brisbane passengers have been eager for a McDonald’s outlet within the terminal.

“If there is one thing BNE travellers have been asking for it’s a Maccas! It has consistently remained the most requested retailer and we couldn’t be more delighted to deliver,” said Mr Ryan.

For many passengers, grabbing a quick McDonald’s bite has become routine before flying. With the opening of McDonald’s, Brisbane Airport travellers can soon pick up coffee or McNuggets without leaving the terminal, helping make travel through the airport even smoother. The iconic golden arches will likely give a taste of home even before takeoff.

As part of the airport’s $5 billion “Future BNE” redevelopment plan, they are bringing exciting new dining establishments into the retail mix that passengers will be excited about.

Other upgrades aimed at improving customer flow and experience include state-of-the-art security systems, more spacious gate lounges with new furnishings, and more.

Travellers will notice a smoother journey through security with this major terminal upgrade. Cutting-edge screening technology and processes will be implemented to enhance both safety and convenience.

Passengers using the Skywalk entrance with carry-on luggage only will be able to access the Domestic Terminal directly after online check-in. This allows travellers to keep their personal belongings packed as they pass through new state-of-the-art scanners.

Read: Sime Darby Motors to Arrive at Brisbane Airport Development Soon

The new McDonald’s outlet will complement the existing 24-hour McDonald’s located at the BNE Service Centre, a short drive from the airport terminals.

Published 13-December-2023

Affordable Housing and Community Hub Proposed for Eagle Farm Racecourse

Editor’s Note: The original story referred to the planned affordable housing and community hub as “proposed” in the headline and the body of the article; however, the first paragraph inadvertently misstated that “40 hectares of a 49-hectare site have been acquired.” The wording has been corrected below to “40 hectares of a 49-hectare site have been proposed to be acquired.” We would like to express our thanks to the Brisbane Racing Club for pointing out the error and would also like to extend our apologies for any inconvenience or confusion caused by the same.

Forty hectares of a 49-hectare site have been proposed to be acquired by BCC to transform the Eagle Farm racecourse into a new, sustainable community hub and build 4,000 publicly-owned rent-capped apartments alongside new parklands, native forests, and schools.

Read: Public Views on Eagle Farm Affordable Housing Plan Sought

The proposal comes amid a deepening housing affordability crisis in Brisbane that has seen rents surge over 20 percent in the past year.

Racecourse vision (Photo credit: www.jonathansri.com)

The Greens have long held that Council should work with State and Federal governments and local First Nations groups to ultimately restore land ownership to a non-profit First Nations-controlled community organisation. Also, they said that any renewal of Eagle Farm racecourse should prioritise benefits for the broader Brisbane community, rather than principally enriching racing insiders and developers.

The Plan

According to the Greens, a new medium-density walkable neighbourhood could provide:

10 hectares of five-storey mixed-use buildings spread around the site, with ground-floor shops, offices and services. This would create 4000 publicly-owned rent-capped homes for 10 000 residents, plus 75,000m2 of publicly owned ground floor services and commercial tenancies, with space for supermarkets, shops and services
More than half the site opened up as public green space including native forest/bushland, parks, sports fields, urban farms and food forests (25 hectares)
Public services and facilities including a new primary school, high school, major library, community centre and publicly-run bulk-billing medical clinic (5 hectares)
Preservation of existing heritage buildings and features for live music, hospitality and the arts, with the racetrack itself repurposed as a 2km tree-fringed walking and cycling circuit
Upgraded public transport with trains every 15 minutes and disability upgrades for Ascot Station, plus free, frequent buses connecting through the site to neighbouring suburbs like the high-density precinct at Northshore Hamilton.

Possible public housing and community facilities (Photo credit: www.jonathansri.com)

“Inner-city racecourses are a ridiculous waste of land, and Eagle Farm Racecourse is a massive 49-hectare, flood-free site, just 5km from the city and located directly beside Ascot train station. It’s the ideal place for new medium-density publicly-owned housing,” mayoralty candidate Jonathan Sriranganathan said.

Member Stephen Bates also highlighted that Brisbane is undergoing massive population growth yet remains in the depths of a housing affordability crisis. He stated that it is time to take bold action and properly plan for the homes and facilities that the city’s communities need.

“That’s why (we) are pleased to call for public feedback on a bold proposal to replace Eagle Farm Racecourse with 4000 publicly-owned rent-capped apartments, parkland, and community infrastructure like new schools, a neighbourhood centre, library, and more,” Mr Bates said.

Read: New School Openings Prompt Catchment Changes Across Brisbane

Those who would like to give their feedback may answer the survey here.

Published 15-November-2023

New School Openings Prompt Catchment Changes Across Brisbane

Some families have been known to go to great lengths to secure spots at popular schools like Ascot State School. New school openings in Southeast Queensland may soon reshape enrollment boundaries, however, forcing parents to rethink where they choose to buy property or risk wait lists.

Read: Busy Sandgate Road in Ascot Could Soon Have a New Childcare Centre

Ascot State School, with high demand but a capacity of just 807 students, prioritises in-catchment enrollment. Some out-of-area families still attempt to secure spots, but with new schools opening, Ascot’s catchment area may shrink, sending local families elsewhere.

Photo credit: Ascot State School/Facebook

According to a real estate expert, some families from areas like Hendra and Clayfield outside the Ascot State School catchment boundaries still try every avenue to enrol their children there, even though they do not qualify based on zoning.

Parents often try to buy homes in boundaries of schools with strong reputations like Ascot State School, but new maps could redraw these lines.

Parents have been known to line up outside the school overnight in hopes of securing a cherished spot, sometimes purely for nostalgia reasons if they attended the state school themselves.

This comes after the state government announced plans to open two new primary schools in Redland Bay and Ipswich in 2024.

Construction on the Redland Bay site, Scenic Shores State School, is already underway for a Term 1 opening. Similarly, Bellbird Park State School in Ipswich will open all year levels from Prep to Year 6 starting Term 1 next year.

Artist’s impression of Scenic Shores State School (Photo credit: scenicshoresss.eq.edu.au)

The addition of these two schools will likely trigger adjustments to school catchment zones across Queensland, impacting hundreds of families.

Read: $40 Million Eagle Farm TAFE Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Centre Begins Construction

Education officials regularly review and update catchment zones based on new school openings, transportation, and other factors. Whilst parents understandably seek spots at preferred schools, officials recommend exploring all options within revised neighbourhood boundaries. With early awareness of coming changes, families can navigate transitions smoothly.

Published 26-October-2023

$40 Million Eagle Farm TAFE Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Centre Begins Construction

Construction work has officially begun on the $40-million Big Build project at Eagle Farm TAFE.

This project is set to establish a state-of-the-art Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Centre (RAMC) that will be a pivotal addition to the field of advanced manufacturing and technology education.

New Centre’s Impressive Features

The Eagle Farm TAFE Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Centre will house a range of specialised workshops dedicated to robotics, hydrogen, renewable energy, and electrotechnology. Moreover, the facility will include digital laboratories, dedicated learning spaces, as well as staff and student amenities.

The new building is projected to provide employment for 93 individuals during its construction phase.

This transformative initiative is part of the Queensland Government’s $100 million ‘Equipping TAFE for our Future’ (ETFOF) programme, which aims to revamp and construct TAFE infrastructure, providing training opportunities for emerging and growth industries.

Preparation for the Future of Manufacturing

The Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing Centre at Eagle Farm TAFE is aligned with the Queensland Government’s commitment to empower and prepare the state’s manufacturing workforce for the challenges of automation and Industry 4.0. Industry 4.0 represents the fourth industrial revolution, characterised by the integration of digital technologies, big data, and automation into manufacturing processes.

The facility is a response to the surging demand for advanced manufacturing skills and education. The Advanced Manufacturing Gateway to Industry Schools (GISP) programme, which initially started with seven participating schools in 2017, has now expanded to encompass 46 participating schools in 2023. This success shows that the initiative is on track to meet its target of participating schools for 2023.

In the previous year, over 2,200 students actively engaged in GISP advanced manufacturing-related activities, illustrating the growing interest and enthusiasm for this field among Queensland’s youth.

With an expected practical completion date in late 2024, the centre is poised to elevate the quality of training in several fields, including robotics, advanced manufacturing, process instrumentation, renewable technologies (such as hydrogen and solar power), and telecommunications.

One of the highlights of this project is its commitment to environmental sustainability. The Centre is set to achieve a 5-Star Green Buildings rating, a testament to its environmentally conscious design and construction. The Queensland Government’s dedication to green and sustainable building practices is clear in this effort.

Government Commitment and Investment

Minister for Training and Skills Development, Di Farmer, expressed her enthusiasm for this groundbreaking project.

“Today this Big Build project takes us one step closer to ushering in an exciting new era for robotics and advanced manufacturing training in south-east Queensland,” she said.

She further elaborated on the types of courses and training the facility will provide.

“The Eagle Farm TAFE campus specialises in trade-related courses such as automation, instrumentation and control, renewables, plumbing and electrotechnology, telecommunication, and utilities.”

Ms Farmer underlined the importance of the Centre in preparing the state’s workforce for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, highlighting that “we want Queensland to be at the forefront of the revolution already underway in the manufacturing sector, which is all about providing sustainable jobs while improving cost, productivity, profitability and operations.”

For those interested in the facilities and courses available at the Eagle Farm TAFE campus, more information can be found on the official TAFE Queensland website.

Published 18-Oct-2023