Brisbane City Council is holding off on toxic pesticides in preventing a pest invasion in Ascot, choosing instead to pit bugs against bugs to naturally get rid of the destructive moths that have been attacking poinciana trees.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner announced the natural pest control trial in Ascot to protect about 19,000 of these beautiful flowering plants.
The council will release native wasps “about quarter the size of a pinhead.” These wasps are known to lay eggs in looper moth eggs, which prevents the pest species from developing into caterpillars that feed off the trees, causing defoliation.
In the early cycle of a looper moth’s life, they hatch in leaves on the ground then migrate up the tree trunks. These caterpillars are active at night but quiet and unnoticeable during the day.
The council will also use weevils and beetles to attack aquatic weeds and vine weeds that clog and choke the waterways. Some of these natural pest killers were sourced from NSW, such as jewel beetles.
Photo Credit: annawaldi/Pixabay
“We know that your enemy’s enemy is your friend and in this case it’s weevils, wasps and beetles that are helping look after our native vegetation,” the mayor said.
Brisbane Airport has announced a projected opening date of July 2020 for its new runway and residents in Ascot and other suburbs are wondering how (and if) aircraft noise from the projected runway traffic will affect their suburb.
The new runway, which has taken eight years to build due to the need to pile sand onto the river delta, will seemingly double the capacity of the present airport, bringing it closer to the capacity of those in Melbourne and Sydney.
Coming in under its $1.3 billion budget by around $200 million, the runway will be able to accommodate widebody aircraft, with its 3,300-metre length. The current short second runway which is exclusively for smaller aircraft.
Brisbane Airport and its runways. Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport
“It’s surreal to think we are just months away from seeing the first aircraft land and depart on this infrastructure masterpiece,” said Brisbane Airport Chief Gert-Jan de Graaff.
New Runway Noise
Based on Brisbane’s new runway flight path tool, Ascot does not directly fall under a flight path. However, it should be noted that since flight paths do not precisely follow a single line and can be more accurately called flight path ‘swathes,’ the flight path can vary up to several kilometres. So it is highly possible that aircraft will fly over the suburb.
Through the flight path tool, users can also get an overview of the noise level that the suburb will experience. The following is a comparison of the noise level with the existing runway versus noise level when the new runway is in use, with the green pin placed on Ascot.
Noise level with the existing runway Photo Credit: flightpathtool.bne.com.auNoise level with new runway Photo Credit: flightpathtool.bne.com.au
The flight path tool indicates that aircraft flying near Ascot are
likely to be at an altitude where the aircraft noise level will be less
than 70 decibels.
According to Australian standards, a noise level of 70 decibels is
likely to interfere with people speaking indoors (with the windows
open).
Since Ascot is only a few kilometres from an arrival flight path, it will experience noise from 36 average flights and a maximum of 74 flights.
Average and maximum flights near Ascot Photo Credit: flightpathtool.bne.com.au
Analysing 25 years of data, the QUT research highlighted that:
“housing and units in Brisbane located under designated flight paths
have their value and price determined by a range of factors and these
factors are not detrimentally impacted by aircraft noise.”
“The location of a property under a flight path will have minimal if any impact on the price, saleability, investment performance and capital growth of that property,” the study concluded.
Reporting Noise Issues
Meanwhile, the Australian aviation industry assured they will help
identify issues of concern and possible opportunities for improvements
through Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS).
The service will be managed by Airservices Australia, who will be
responsible for Australia’s airspace management, flight paths, providing
noise information and managing complaints.
For any questions or concerns about current aircraft activity, lodge a complaint or make an enquiry:
There’s a good chance you’ve seen one of the most popular and most romantic Valentine date movies ever made. But if you’re up for a walk down memory lane — with your partner, friends, or teenage kids — pack a picnic blanket and some pillows, and then head down to the Eagle Farm Racecourse for Big Screen on the Green on Friday, the 14th of February 2020.
“Pretty Woman,” the blockbuster film that catapulted Julia Roberts to international stardom, will be screening at Big Screen on the Green for Valentine’s. There’s no better way to enjoy this ultimate ’90s romantic comedy but on the biggest screen in the Southern Hemisphere during the most romantic night of the year!
For an unforgettable Valentine’s, don’t stress over packing some picnic snacks for Big Screen on the Green.
You can dine under the stars, treat your loved one, or share a wonderful night with your best friend with a set of food packages for a relaxing and filling night. Each food package is good for two people.
Charcuterie Hamper Package
Gourmet hamper including artisan charcuterie, cured & smoked salumeria, farmhouse cheeses, potted pâté, homemade dip, lavosh, breads, espresso martini chocolate opera cake, French-style macaron & chocolate dipped strawberries
Gourmet hamper including three-cheese pumpkin & chive Portuguese savoury tartlet, ribbon New York deli sandwich w Dijon mustard & cress, prosciutto-wrapped strawberry, smoked salmon, triple crème brie, espresso martini chocolate opera, French-style macaron, Turkish delight
Alternatively, you can go big on your romantic gesture with a decadent three-course meal, which comes with a bottle of wine and a long-stemmed rose. You and your date will be seated at a premiere romantic spot with a good view of the movie.
Book your seats to this fun, romantic evening via Brisbane Racing Club. The event starts at 5:30 p.m. but the movie will begin as soon as it gets dark. In the event of a shower or thunderstorm, there are covered seatings available with good vantage points of the screen as well.
Momo Fest, Melbourne’s popular dumpling festival, is set to roll into Brisbane’s food scene for the very first time this year. Lovers of food wrapped in dough made of thin sheets of flour and water may expect to sample 30 different varieties once the festival drops in Ascot.
Brisbane locals may finally experience the flavourful taste and goodness of this unique festival that Melbourne folks have enjoyed for the last three years. Set for Sunday, the 12th of April, Momo Fest in Ascot will take place at the Doomben Racecourse from 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The announcement comes early as the event recently opened slots for interested stall holders, festival sponsors, and media partners.
A delicacy that comes from the regions of Nepal, Tibet and Northeast India, momo is similar to the Chinese jiaozi, Japanese Gyoza and Korean mandu. Traditionally, momo is prepared with simple ground meat filling packed with region’s spices and herbs, and then steamed to lock in its flavours.
Photo Credit: Momo Fest/Facebook
More elaborate momos have emerged over the years as style and taste changed. Some momos are filled with paneer cheese, tofu, vegetables, milk solids and sugar, as well as and other interesting combinations.
Aside from the dumpling feast, Momo Fest is also going to feature live music, multicultural performances, workshops, competitions and entertainment for the kids. It doesn’t cost a lot to check out what’s in this food fest as the entry fee is only $2 and kids under the age of 12 can come in for free.
Did you know that watching Christmas movies produce “feel good” hormones that shift your mental state from sad to happy? If you’re fond of viewing classic holiday films you’ve loved as a child over and over, then you’ll likely enjoy it more on a 44-metre-long outdoor screen at the Big Screen on the Green in Ascot.
This Christmas season, Brisbane’s best open-air entertainment site at the Eagle Farm Racecourse is lining up four Christmas movies you can enjoy with your family and friends. Cuddle up on the ground with your kids, relive the nostalgia and relish in the company as you get into Christmas spirit with these films:
WHEN
WHAT
Monday, 16 Dec
Elf Starring Will Ferrell, Zoey Deschanel A human adopted by Santa Claus meets his biological father in New York.
Tuesday, 17 Dec
Polar Express Featuring the voice of Tom Hanks Based on the children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, the film is about a young boy who discovers a mysterious train heading to the North Pole.
Wednesday, 18 Dec
How the Grinch Stole Christmas Starring Jim Carrey A vengeful green being plots an elaborate plan to destroy Christmas for one whole town.
Thursday, 19 Dec
Home Alone Starring Macaulay Caulkin An 8-year-old boy accidentally left by his family for the holidays must protect his home from intruders.
Movie time promptly starts at 7:00 p.m., but if you get to the venue by 5:30 p.m., you’ll be treated to heaps of fun activities like a Christmas sing-a-long and face painting. Santa Claus is also set to make a special appearance before the movie starts.
Each pre-registered ticket to Big Screen on the Green comes with a FREE Frozen Fanta and Santa’s helpful elves will bring your pre-ordered snacks or dinner.
For an even cosier time watching the movie on the big screen, you may bring your own picnic blankets, cushions or seats to set up your best spot at the lawn. However, you may also rent out these items at the venue on a first-in, first-served basis.
Dare your friends or family to watch a horror flick on Halloween night at the Big Screen on The Green in Ascot. For a frightful but fun evening, this open-air entertainment site at the Brisbane Racing Club is going to run Stephen King’s “The Shining,” on Thursday, the 31st of Oct 2019 at 7:00 p.m.
If you haven’t seen this film before, then prepare to be scared out of wits. “The Shining” and its star Jack Nicholson, as the villain Jack Torrence, have been recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the top thrilling movies and intimidating villains in 100 years of film history.
If you’ve watched “The Shining” before, relieve the experience as it is featured in one of the largest screens in the southern hemisphere. The movie’s scenes and villain are sure to raise the hair on your back or leave your heart beating fast.
Bring your own blankets or bean bags so you’ll be comfortable while watching the film at Big Screen on the Green. Alternatively, you may also hire picnic blankets, warm blankets or bean bags ranging from $5 to $12.
Food and drinks will be sold at the venue including alcoholic beverages and wine, as you can’t bring or pack your own.
To book your tickets to this Halloween Big Screen on the Green event, visit the official site and select the package most suited for your preference.
Springtime and brunches go well together and it’s even more delightful if you could enjoy this with a glass of espresso martini. If you’re in Ascot, look no further because you can welcome a lovely spring with a mid-morning meal and a caffeine-filled drink at the Brewtiful Espresso Martini Brunch this Saturday, the 28th of Sept 2019.
Ketel One will be serving up freshly-brewed concoctions and food at the club’s Espresso Yourself! Bar. So, go ahead and indulge with a serving of cinnamon & coffee waffles or coffee-smoked brisket burger whilst you sip your drink of choice.
Photo Credit: Ketel One/Facebook
Running from 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Brewtiful Espresso Martini Brunch will also feature creative activities like ceramic painting, flower-crown making and “Design Your Own” ice block. Guests may also shop at the Billy J Boutique Pop-Up, as well as browse the heaps of market stalls that will be set up during the event.
Live entertainment will be provided by a jazz band and a DJ whilst drag queens Vollie La Vont & Chocolate Boxx will keep the party vibe high as the hosts the event. Aside from socialising, brunching and taking photos, you may also win exciting giveaways and prizes during the program.
AstroJump Teddy Bears’ Picnic at the Races, the fun-filled, annual family event in Ascot, is here again! This is a never-miss affair for the whole family as exciting games and entertainment for the kids and kids at heart have been lined up at the Eagle Farm Racecourse.
Happening on Saturday, the 27th of July 2019, activities at the Teddy Bears’ Picnic will start at 10:30 a.m. and run until 6:00 p.m. This year’s highlight will be the new Astro Jump Inflatable World featuring challenging obstacle courses, castles and slides.
Grown-ups attending the picnic will also have a fun time as there will be nine live races throughout the day. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the map below before you head to the venue so that you can plan your visit.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Racing Club
If this is your first time at the picnic, take a peek from this video from last year so you’ll see just how much fun it was.
Tickets to the Teddy Bears’ Picnic range from $5 to $100. Purchase this in advance online.
Weekly mortgage repayments for a property in Ascot are almost twice the cost to rent per week, which makes renting in this area cheaper than buying, the latest analysis by Domain says.
Brisbane, however, has more suburbs where it’s more affordable to buy than to rent, according to Domain’s study of mortgage repayments based on the median house or unit price for the suburb. The analysis assumed an interest rate of 3.5 percent and a 20 percent deposit and excluded costs like council rates and transfer duties.
The suburb of Waterford in Logan showed the biggest difference between the cost to buy and cost to rent. The weekly mortgage repayments for a house in Waterford is $367, which is cheaper by $33 compared to renting weekly. Bellmere, Loganholme, Crestmead, and Redbank Plains make up the top five locations where it is cheaper to buy than to rent.
On the flipside, expensive suburbs like New Farm, Ascot, and Clayfield where buyers are willing to pay a premium and rental market struggles to grow, it is way cheaper to rent than to buy.
Renting in Ascot, for instance, is $641 cheaper at $650 per week compared to a weekly mortgage repayment of $1,290. On the other hand, realestate.com.au reports that the median weekly rent price in Ascot is $755, based on 94 listings from 1 July 2018 – 9 July 2019..
Experts have observed that the overall trend across capital cities is for rent to be more expensive in the suburbs where houses are more affordable, which could be attributed to the difficulties associated with buying. Whilst interest rates are coming down, the report says, the bigger challenge, especially for lower-income families, is saving up for the deposit
New Farm leads the list of suburbs where it is more affordable to rent than to buy at $660 per week, that is a huge difference of $838 when compared to the weekly mortgage repayment of $1,498. Auchenflower, Clayfield, and Bulimba completes the top five list, after New Farm and Ascot.
Whilst most of these suburbs command a median house price of over $1million, experts say that interstate buyers find great value in entering into these markets compared to Sydney and Melbourne.
Whilst real estate prices in Ascot and Hamilton are amongst the highest in Brisbane, most residents don’t know about the diverse and fascinating history of the area. For example the connection of Ascot’s name to the racecourse, the 154-year history of the Hamilton Hotel, the chaos of keeping the Eagle Farm Women’s Prisoners away from the men, the role of Brett’s Wharf in WW2, local resident Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith, the evolution of Racecourse Road and many other fascinating evolutions.
The Ascot and Hamilton Heritage Trail is a 3.5-km walk, including 18 points of interest that help illustrate the development of both Ascot and Hamilton. The trail starts off just outside the Hamilton Hotel and ends at the entrance to the Eagle Farm Racecourse.
Visitors who want to learn more about the stories and events that shaped the history of the area can check out Brisbane City Council’s Gallivant Through Ascot and Hamilton Heritage Trail brochure. The document also includes more information on the location of public transport and access for people with limited mobility. Take note that some sections of the heritage trail are steep and may be difficult for some visitors to access.
Brief History of Ascot
The evolution of Ascot officially started after the establishment of the famous racecourse in 1865 by the Queensland Turf Club. The development made the area more attractive and further helped to define its distinctive character. The land was granted to the club by the Colonial Government in 1863. Subsequently, the first race meeting was held two years later.
The name ‘Ascot’ used to be a reference to the famous English racecourse. As more people visited the racecourse, Ascot became more closely associated with this part of Brisbane. The rail line was then extended from Eagle Junction to Racecourse Station in 1882 and the station later adopted the name Ascot in 1897.
Ascot and Hamilton Heritage Trail
The Hamilton Hotel
Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton, ca. 1929. (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Negative number: 1902)
Gustavus Hamilton established the hotel in 1865 and named it The Hamilton. The hotel then became a reference point in the district. Not long after, the area around the hotel adopted the name The Hamilton.
Eagle Farm Women’s Prison
At first, female convicts were held in the Female Factory, on the site which is now occupied by the General Post Office on Queen Street.
The factory was surrounded by high stone walls to limit fraternisation with men, but this proved to be ineffective. Authorities then decided to move the female convicts to Eagle Farm, away from the attention of male convicts as well as soldiers, who were forbidden from crossing Breakfast Creek.
The site of the Eagle Farm Women’s Prison was only accessible through the convict-hewn track which is now known as the Kingsford Smith Drive. The women’s prison may no longer be standing today, but it is an important archaeological site located about two kilometres away from Schneider Road.
Brett’s Wharf and the Apollo Barge Assembly Depot
Brett’s wharves at Hamilton taken about 1953. (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Negative number: 43721)
Did you know that Hamilton, Ascot, and Eagle Farm experienced some of the most intense war-time activity seen in Australia during World War II?
Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour on 7 December 1941, US forces were redirected to Australia. Brett’s Wharf played an important role as the receiving dock for the US Air Force’s unassembled aircraft.
Substation No. 12
Built at a time when electric trams travelled to Hamilton, Substation No. 12 is one of only two substations built in Brisbane that combined the substation functions for both the electricity supply and the tramway system.
The Hamilton substation was the first of this type of installation to be built in Brisbane in 1947. Meanwhile, the other Substation No. 42 on Waterworks Road at Ashgrove, was built in 1948. Such a dual facility was an unusual but efficient use of a site, as it incorporated both types of substations within a single building.
By the 1960s, the Council viewed trams as an inefficient, expensive, and inflexible form of public transport. This lead to the decision to discontinue the service across Brisbane in 1969.
Kingsford Smith Drive
Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith.(Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Negative number: 52185)
In 1953, this road was renamed Kingsford Smith Drive in honour of one of Australia’s most important aviators. Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith was born in a house near the corner of Riverview Terrace and Hamilton Road.
This structure was built in 1920 as the Hamilton Town Hall and Hamilton Town Council Chambers.Brisbane architect, MT Stanley designed the hall which became the venue for Council business community meetings and social occasions like dances.
After its use as a community hall ended, residents petitioned for it to become the site of a School of the Arts, a move that did quite succeed. Today, it is the site of a public library.
Tivoli Gardens Theatre
Opened in 1907, the Tivoli Gardens was a popular, open-air Vaudeville theatre in Brisbane and is famous for its Vaudevillian acts. Miss Bella Sutherland, a famous performer on the vaudevillian circuit both in Australia and internationally, established the theatre.
The 1,000-seat, canvas theatre served theatre enthusiasts for eight years. Times changed and with the advent of cinema, the Tivoli Gardens Theatre was converted for use for cinema screenings until it finally closed in 1921.
St Augustine’s Anglican Church
Photo credit: staugseq.com.au
The brick church was completed in 1920 as St Augustine’s Thank-offering and War Memorial Church.
Queensland artist, William Bustard designed the artistic church windows.He was popular for his work with stained glass. Examples of his works in Brisbane can be seen in St John’s Anglican Cathedral, St Stephen’s Catholic Cathedral, and Brisbane City Hall. The set of windows in St Augustine’s are considered to be the only remaining complete set of Bustard’s windows.
Racecourse Road
Racecourse Road was the direct path from the river to the racecourse.
In the late 1800s, only a few houses dotted between the river and the racecourse. These include residences to two sharebrokers, a cabinet maker, and two horse trainers.
In the early 20th Century, the Racecourse Road quickly evolved into a busy street, lined with more houses, shops, and businesses, with electric trams running back and forth.
Lynford is considered as one of the finest examples of Tudor Revival homes in Brisbane. The stately, heritage-listed residence on Windermere Road is made of brick, stonework, stucco, and timber with a distinctive gabled roofline.
It was designed and built in 1928 by notable architect E.P Trewern. It has been subsequently renovated by Brisbane-based architect Richard Groves to accommodate modern inclusions.
Windermere
Windermere house at Ascot, Queensland. (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image number: 27279-0001-0001)
The grand residence was built around 1886 for a politician named J.G. Appel. Prominent architect, Richard Gailey designed the Windermere house.
Chateau Nous
Built in 1938, this exceptional example of Functionalist architecture is reminiscent of the glamorous 1930s Hollywood parties. The American-educated Douglas Roberts designed the house, whose simple, geometric style was a far cry from the traditional “timber and tin” residences in vogue at the time.
In what was considered “ultra-modern” at the time, the house had an all-electric kitchen, which was designed in a utilitarian, minimalist manner. Remarkably, it also had an electric dumb-waiter which enabled meals to be delivered to the breakfast room upstairs.
A sizeable air raid shelter was even built in the yard to protect the family from World War II bombing runs.
The original owners left Chateau Nou in the 1960s but it remains a private residence to this day.
Nyrambla
Nyrambla epitomises the development of Ascot in the late 1800s when grand residences were built on the apex of the suburb’s hills. The 2-storey residence was designed in 1885 by James Cowlishaw, an early Brisbane architect.
Owned by bank manager Henry P Abbott, Nyrambla was originally built on 15 acres of land before portions of it were divided off to make up surrounding streets, two of which have been named Henry and Abbott in commemoration. Today, Nyrambla is a private residence.
Tattersalls Lodge
Built in the 1890s, this house was used as accommodations for horse trainers and their families. Before the house was built, it was originally the site of the Tattersalls Stables, which was leased to trainers of prizewinning horses because of its close proximity to the Eagle Farm Racecourse.
At the turn of the 20th century, the house changed hands and became FitzGrafton Lodge, owned by James McGill a respected horse breeder and grazier, who bequeathed it to his son upon his death. McGill Avenue, a road adjacent to the racecourse, was named after this family.
Like Nyramble, Tattersalls Lodge is privately owned.
Hamilton Fire Station
Firefighters posing in their vehicle in front of Hamilton Fire Station. (Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Image number: 97520)
Most of the housing stock in Brisbane in the late 19th Century consists of timber. As more houses emerged in the developing area, the locality needed a permanent fire station that services Ascot and Hamilton. The Hamilton Fire Station was then built in 1920.
Ascot Railway Station
Originally called Racecourse Station, the line from Eagle Junction to Ascot Station was opened in 1882. The extension of the line provided race-goers with an efficient way to get to and from the races as the trains exclusively run for race days.
Eagle Farm Racecourse
Avid race-goers, did you know that the first race meeting was held at the Brisbane Racecourse in 1865? The former Brisbane Racecourse is now popularly known as Eagle Farm Racecourse. Today, Eagle Farm Racecourse remains to be Brisbane’s premier racecourse.
Camp Ascot
Photo Credit: The Queenslander/Wikimedia Commons
As mentioned earlier, Ascot has been extremely active during World War II. In fact, Eagle Farm Racecourse became the first US camp established in Australia.
These historic sites and events have undeniably influenced the suburbs of Ascot and Hamilton. Looking for some things to do in Ascot or Hamilton? Why not go on a historic walk and check out the Ascot and Hamilton Heritage Trail.
