Eagle Farm Archives - Ascot News

Eagle Farm Fuel Site PFAS Contamination Raises Concerns About Brisbane River Pollution

A fuel terminal in Eagle Farm has been placed under an environmental enforcement order after a report found dangerous levels of so-called “forever chemicals” in the soil and groundwater beneath the site, with authorities confirming the chemicals may have been discharged into the surrounding environment, including the Brisbane River.

Read: Diesel Prices Hit $3 in Eagle Farm as Fuel Pressure Grows in QLD

The enforcement order, issued in March 2026, found variants of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS, in soil, groundwater and “washdown” at the facility. “The department considers that the activities being conducted at the premises have the potential to cause harm,” the report stated.

What was found at Eagle Farm?

The enforcement order confirmed PFOS in the groundwater was regularly measured above the 99th and 95th percentile species protection ecological water quality guidelines. The total PFAS sum in groundwater was recorded as high as 93.9 micrograms per litre.

The exact source of the contamination has not been definitively established. A type of firefighting foam that is no longer in use has been noted as a possible contributing factor. The foam may have been used at the facility for firefighting or training purposes.

PFAS are commonly found in the environment at low levels due to their widespread use in consumer and speciality products over many decades. Dozens of industrial sites along the Brisbane River may have used similar equipment historically.

What are PFAS?

Firefighters using aqueous film forming foam (Photo credit: CC BY-SA 3.0/Fire Brigade Neder-Betuwe/Wikimedia Commons)

PFAS is an umbrella term for a large group of human-made chemicals used in industrial and consumer products since the 1950s. According to Queensland’s environmental authority, they are used for their oil and grease repellence and high thermal stability, properties that made them particularly useful in firefighting foams.

PFAS are highly persistent in the environment due to their carbon-fluorine bonds, one of the strongest chemical bonds in organic chemistry. Their persistence, solubility and high mobility mean PFAS can be easily transported great distances beyond the source of their release.

It can take several years for PFAS levels to reduce in the human body, and there is a risk that continued exposure to PFOS and PFOA could result in adverse health effects due to the accumulation of chemicals over time.

The specific variants detected at the Eagle Farm site were PFOS, PFHxS and PFOA, the latter of which is a known carcinogen.

What happens next?

Under the enforcement order, the facility’s operator is required to conduct extensive further sampling and investigate all potential PFAS migration pathways. A final report is due in 2027.

The Eagle Farm findings follow separate reporting in late 2024 that PFOA had been detected in Brisbane’s drinking water at levels among the highest recorded in Australia. Documents obtained under right to information laws indicated efforts had been made to keep that data from public release.

Read: Family-Owned Manufacturer in Eagle Farm Secures Major Export Deal

Queensland authorities advise residents living near contaminated areas to reduce their PFAS exposure where possible. In areas where water contamination has been identified, this includes not drinking the water or using it to prepare food, and avoiding consuming food products grown or produced using contaminated water.

Anyone with concerns about their health or potential PFAS exposure is encouraged to speak with their GP or call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84).

Published 30-April-2026

The Gateway Bridge Has a Past Worth Remembering on Its 40th Birthday

Did you know that the Gateway Bridge, which connects Eagle Farm on Brisbane’s north side to Murarrie in the south, was once called the world’s deadliest bridge? It is a little-known chapter in the bridge’s history that hundreds of thousands of road users who cross it on any given day would likely find hard to believe, yet the statistics from its early years told a grim story.

Read: Higher Toll Fees for Brisbane’s Gateway Bridges

This year marks 40 years since the structure most locals simply call “the Gateway” opened to the public. What began as a bold engineering solution to the city’s chronic traffic gridlock would eventually become the site of more than 120 deaths, and a cautionary tale about the cost of inadequate safety measures.

A city crying out for a crossing

Gateway Bridge under construction, Brisbane, September 1984 Queensland State Archives, Digital Image ID 3514

Back in the 1970s, Brisbane had a problem. Drivers travelling between the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast had no practical way to bypass the city. They either crawled through inner-city crossings or queued for slow, capacity-limited car ferries. Freight and commuters alike faced regular delays.

Then roads minister Russ Hinze championed an ambitious bypass plan. A tunnel was considered but ruled out on cost grounds, so engineers looked upward instead, designing a structure tall enough for ships to pass beneath its deck, yet low enough to avoid conflicting with flight paths into nearby Brisbane Airport.

What followed was five years of construction that, by today’s standards, would make a workplace health and safety officer wince. Crews worked high above the river often clad in little more than shorts and thongs, with no harnesses and, in many cases, no hard hats. Remarkably, there were no major incidents.

A public spectacle and a royal quip

Opening day of the Gateway Bridge in 1986 (Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Libraries)

When the bridge finally opened on 11 January 1986, Brisbane went a little wild. An estimated 200,000 Queenslanders turned up to walk across the 1.6-kilometre span before it opened to traffic, with thousands of blue, yellow and black balloons marking the occasion. News reporters called it “a once-in-a-lifetime chance to walk the one-and-a-half kilometre world record span.”

Members of the public declared it “the best bridge in the world.” Its 260-metre main span was a world-leading design for concrete bridges at the time, and the deck rises more than 60 metres above the river.

Prince Phillip at the official opening of the bridge (Photo credit: Facebook/Brisbane Libraries)

Prince Philip formally opened the bridge four months later with characteristic dry wit: “I now declare the bridge to be more open than usual.”

Motorists paid $1.50 to cross, while truck drivers were slugged $7. Not everyone was impressed.

A dark chapter

However, the fanfare faded fast. Without adequate safety barriers, just a low wall separating pedestrians from a fatal drop, the bridge became the site of more than 120 deaths from accidents and suicides before 1993.

A television reporter, broadcasting live from the top of the bridge at the time, pointed out to viewers that there were virtually no safety measures in place and that a small wall was the only thing standing between a pedestrian and a fatal plunge below.

In 1993, safety barriers, crisis phones and suicide prevention measures were introduced, fundamentally transforming the bridge’s character. Events like the Bridge to Brisbane fun run later welcomed people back onto the structure in a very different context.

Twin spans and a new name

Gateway Bridge under construction (Photo credit: Public Domain/Paul Guard/Wikimedia Commons)

By the mid-2000s, Brisbane’s booming population had outgrown the original six lanes. A second, near-identical bridge was built just 50 metres away, opening in 2010 at a cost of around $350 million, compared to the original’s $92 million build. It added a dedicated pedestrian and cycling path.

The pair were later renamed the Sir Leo Hielscher Bridges, in honour of the German-born Queensland Treasury chief who helped shape the state’s finances for decades. He called the recognition “a great honour,” though most locals still just say “the Gateway.”

The removal of toll booths in 2009 in favour of electronic tolling also led to an immediate reduction in crashes. Today, motorists pay around $5.50 to cross, with trucks charged closer to $18. Together, the twin bridges now carry up to 160,000 vehicles a day, a staggering leap from the roughly 12,000 vehicles that crossed in its early days.

Read: Should Brisbane’s Tunnels and Bridges Be Toll-Free? More Than 1,500 Drivers Think So

Forty years on, the Gateway’s story is one of transformation, from traffic solution to tragedy, and ultimately to redemption. Not bad for a bridge most of us barely notice on the morning commute.

Published 28-April-2026

Queensland Loses the PGA Championship for First Time in 26 Years as Royal Queensland Prepares for 2032

PGA Championship

The BMW Australian PGA Championship will leave Queensland for the first time since 2000, with the 2026 edition heading to The Lakes Golf Club in Sydney after Brisbane’s Royal Queensland Golf Club enters a significant phase of upgrades in preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The tournament, one of Australia’s most prestigious golf events, will run from 26 to 29 November at The Lakes in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, marking the first time New South Wales has hosted the PGA Championship in almost 30 years. The move brings to an end a 26-year Queensland run that has wound through three iconic venues and helped grow the event into a genuine global drawcard.

For Eagle Farm locals and Brisbane golf fans who have watched the PGA attract up to 50,000 spectators across four days at Royal Queensland over the past five years, the temporary departure stings. But tourism and events leaders are confident the championship will return to Queensland once the Olympic upgrade work is complete.

Why Royal Queensland Had to Step Aside

Royal Queensland will add a new nine-hole layout, a riverside pavilion, and enhanced training and recreational facilities as part of its approved masterplan, with the club confirmed as the venue for men’s and women’s golf events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The club was granted its Royal Charter by King George V in 1921 and has hosted the Australian Open three times, but the scale of the Olympic preparation work now underway makes it unsuitable as a PGA host venue in the near term.

Photo Credit: Royal Queensland Golf Club (Nick of Airswing Media)/Facebook

The search for an alternative Brisbane home for the 2026 PGA Championship came up short. No venue within Queensland was found that could comfortably accommodate the event’s full footprint, including the 50,000 spectators across four days, the on-course infrastructure and the operational requirements the tournament now demands at its current scale.

Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson said the venue change reflected Royal Queensland entering a significant phase of works to ensure the course met future world-class standards. “TEQ has a strong and longstanding partnership with the PGA and remains committed to ongoing discussions about future event opportunities for Queensland,” he said.

Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said a temporary relocation was expected given the upgrade timeline. “Queensland continues to lead as Australia’s events capital, with major upgrades to be delivered at Royal Queensland Golf Club ahead of Brisbane 2032,” he said. “We welcome future opportunities to see it return once the upgraded course is complete.”

Photo Credit: Andrew Powell MP/Instagram

Twenty-Six Years of Queensland Golf

The PGA Championship has been held in Queensland continuously since 2000, initially at Royal Queensland before moving to Hyatt Coolum, later renamed Palmer Coolum, for 11 consecutive years from 2002 to 2012, then to Royal Pines on the Gold Coast from 2013 to 2019. The event returned to Royal Queensland for 2021 and has remained there for the past five editions, building the tournament’s international stature alongside its co-sanctioning with the DP World Tour.

The BMW Australian PGA Championship launches the DP World Tour’s Race to Dubai each season and has become a key part of Australia’s sporting summer, with the world’s leading players regularly making the trip for what is now a genuinely global event. PGA of Australia CEO Gavin Kirkman described the move to Sydney as an exciting opportunity.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with NSW authorities in bringing the BMW Australian PGA Championship back to Sydney,” he said. “The city is synonymous with world-class sporting events and we are thrilled that we are able to return to The Lakes Golf Club.”

The Lakes is a three-time previous host of the BMW Australian PGA Championship and has staged eight editions of the Australian Open, which it last jointly hosted in 2023.

Queensland Golf’s Broader Picture

While the PGA Championship heads south, Queensland’s women’s golf calendar is growing stronger. The 2026 Australian WPGA Championship was held at the Palms Course at Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club on the Gold Coast from 19 to 22 March, offering a $600,000 prize purse and co-sanctioned with the Ladies European Tour, with plans to build the event further as a major in its own right.

The PGA of Australia said it was focused on building momentum with the championship for the long term. “The BMW Australian PGA Championship has become a standout event on the DP World Tour and a key part of Australia’s sporting summer,” a spokesperson said. “Planning for future editions of the event is focused on building on that momentum and delivering an even better experience for players and fans.”

With Royal Queensland’s upgraded course and expanded Olympic-standard facilities expected to be complete ahead of 2032, Queensland golf’s flagship event has every reason to come home.

Published 17-April-2026

Eagle Farm Charity Navigates Workforce Changes After Contract Loss

An Eagle Farm-based charity that employs people with disability has reduced its workforce by about 40 positions, following the loss of a major contract.

Read: Help Enterprises Recognised Among 2025 Business Award Finalists in Eagle Farm

Help Enterprises, based at Curtin Avenue E in Eagle Farm, offers employment to people with disability across manufacturing, warehousing, and packaging. In November 2025, the organisation took out the Social Enterprise of the Year title at the Lord Mayor’s Business Awards, with its Chief Executive Steve Wyborn reportedly describing the honour as a powerful acknowledgement of the team’s hard work and dedication.

But by January, dozens of supported employees at the Eagle Farm site had allegedly been called into the office and told their positions no longer existed.

One long-serving worker who had been with Help Enterprises for more than two decades reportedly described feeling completely empty after being told he had lost his job. He allegedly said the announcement came without warning, and that as recently as the work Christmas party the month prior, staff had reportedly been assured their jobs were secure regardless of circumstances.

Job Support Following Contract Loss

In an interview with a media outlet, Mr Wyborn confirmed the redundancies followed a long-standing commercial partner’s decision to bring its services in-house, removing a significant volume of work from the Eagle Farm site.

Mr Wyborn said the organisation had been working closely with all 41 affected employees to support continuity of employment. He said seven workers had already transitioned into new roles within Help’s manufacturing and nursery teams, nine had commenced employment elsewhere, and a further 13 had entered job trials or alternative employment pathways. The remaining workers were reportedly continuing to weigh up their options, with individual check-ins ongoing.

He added that Help remained committed to delivering sustainable, diversified employment for people with disability, and that the organisation was actively repositioning its commercial operations to strengthen future stability.

Below Minimum Wage, and Now No Wage

The redundancies have reignited debate around the vulnerability of supported employment models for people with disability. Help Enterprises, like similar organisations, operates under the supported employee wage system, which legally permits employers to pay workers with disability below the national minimum wage based on assessed productivity and skill levels. As of July last year, supported employees could be paid $7.10 or $14.19 per hour, depending on productivity and skills assessment.

Read: Family-Owned Manufacturer in Eagle Farm Secures Major Export Deal

‘I Still Wish to Work’

For an Eagle Farm worker who spent more than 20 years at Help Enterprises, the impact has been both financial and personal. He reportedly said he now has to carefully budget each fortnight on his pension, something he had not needed to do while working. But it is the routine, getting up each morning, heading in, being around colleagues, that he said he misses most.

He reportedly said that given the chance, he would return to Help Enterprises without hesitation. His situation reflects a reality that disability advocates say is all too common: for many people with disability, supported employment is not just a job. It is structure, social connection, and a sense of purpose.

Disability advocates argued that workers with disability deserve inclusive employment models with equal pay, rather than systems dependent on charity contracts and below-minimum wages.

Published 17-April-2026

Brisbane Airport Expansion to Include 70 New Home Design Showrooms

Photo Credit: Brisbane Airport

Brisbane Airport is set to house a massive home improvement destination the size of three Olympic swimming pool precincts to help local residents and builders manage their construction projects in one single trip.

A Central Hub for Local Building Projects

The Build and Design Centre plans to move its operations from South Brisbane to the Skygate precinct in Eagle Farm during early 2027. This relocation represents a major step for the organisation as it grows into a purpose-built facility covering more than 4,000 square metres.

By moving to this strategic location, the centre aims to serve the growing number of people in Queensland who are currently tackling home repairs or starting new construction projects. The facility will sit within a well-known retail area that already attracts many visitors who shop at the nearby DFO.

Making Home Design Easier for Families

The two-level building will feature more than 70 different showrooms where visitors can walk through various room layouts to see how products look in a real home setting. Instead of travelling across the city to look at different parts, locals can find everything from kitchen cupboards and stone benchtops to outdoor cladding and bricks in one spot.

Because many people find the building process stressful and time-consuming, the centre is designed to let them compare brands and coordinate their entire project without the need to visit dozens of separate shops.

Supporting Industry and Community Growth

The executive general manager for commercial at Brisbane Airport, Scott Norris, believes the project will offer a unique experience for the retail precinct. He noted that the hub will provide a more efficient way for people to plan projects of any size and will change the way locals approach renovations.

The director of the centre, Charl Liebenberg, stated that the move to Eagle Farm provides better access to major roads for customers who are short on time. He explained that the new scale of the building allows them to offer expert advice and a wide range of suppliers in a central location that is easy to reach by car or bus.

Part of a Growing Airport Precinct

The new facility will be part of a massive 2,700-hectare area at Brisbane Airport that already supports over 600 businesses. While the airport is known for travel, it has become a major destination for commerce and industry because of its links to the city’s road network. The addition of this building hub includes spaces specifically made for design seminars and workshops where professional builders and designers can meet to learn about new trends. This expansion ensures that the airport remains a key gateway for both local shoppers and the wider Queensland building industry.

Published Date 04-March-2026

New Schneider Road Shared Path Fills Key Gap in Moreton Bay Cycleway at Eagle Farm

Queensland TMR

A new 600-metre shared path connecting the Moreton Bay Cycleway at the Schneider Road underpass in Eagle Farm to the Brisbane Airport precinct at Viola Place is now open, closing a long-standing gap in the cycling network that had frustrated northside riders for years.

The path, completed in late January 2026 after construction began in May 2025, gives cyclists, walkers and scooter riders a safe, continuous off-road connection between Eagle Farm and the airport for the first time. Dozens of cyclists turned out on opening morning to celebrate the new link, with a free pop-up coffee station set up along the path to mark the occasion.

For Ascot and Eagle Farm residents who commute to the airport precinct or connect to the broader cycling network from the northside, the new path removes the last significant off-road gap on this stretch of the Moreton Bay Cycleway. For riders arriving from Brisbane’s southside via the Gateway Bridge, it completes a critical northern link that previously forced cyclists onto road shoulders or into detours to continue their journey toward the airport and TradeCoast Central employment areas.

A Route Through the Gateway Motorway Corridor

The new path begins at the existing cycleway at Schneider Road in Eagle Farm, passes under the Gateway Motorway, and connects to the existing bike lane and footpath at Viola Place inside the Brisbane Airport precinct. The network map shows how the connection slots into a broader web of routes: northbound from Viola Place, riders can continue along Lomandra Drive into the airport precinct, or pick up the Jim Soorley Bikeway toward Nundah, Northgate and the Redcliffe Peninsula. Southbound, the path connects to the Moreton Bay Cycleway running toward Redland Bay and the Gateway Bridge, as well as the Southern Cross Way off-road path and on-road options along Lamington Avenue and Kingsford Smith Drive toward Hamilton and Northshore.

For Eagle Farm and Pinkenba workers, the Schneider Road connection also creates the first direct off-road cycling link to the TradeCoast Central precinct from the south, avoiding the need to navigate Nudgee Road or Sugarmill Road on-road.

What the New Path Includes

The shared path varies between 2.5 and 3 metres in width, comfortably accommodating cyclists and pedestrians travelling in both directions. The path features solar-powered LED lighting along its full length for safe travel at all hours, a reconstructed weir and new waterway crossing where the path crosses a drainage channel near the Gateway Motorway, a kerb ramp at the Viola Place end for smooth access to the airport’s existing bike lane and footpath, and wayfinding signage and line marking throughout to guide riders unfamiliar with the route. Landscaping and turfing are also included, with minor tree removals carried out in consultation with a qualified arborist during construction.

Connecting Eagle Farm to a 150-Kilometre Network

The Moreton Bay Cycleway spans 150 kilometres of Brisbane’s coastline, connecting the Redcliffe Peninsula, the Sandgate and Shorncliffe foreshore, and the Wynnum and Manly foreshore to one another and to major inner-city bikeways. The cycleway links to the Gateway Bridge Bikeway, Kedron Brook Bikeway, Jim Soorley Bikeway and Gateway North Bikeway, and when complete may become one of the longest cycleways on Australia’s east coast spanning three local government areas.

The Gateway Bridge shared path, free for pedestrians and cyclists, is a busy crossing point used daily by commuter and recreational riders connecting Brisbane’s southside to the northside. With the Schneider Road link now in place, a rider can cross the Gateway Bridge from Murrarie, continue through Eagle Farm under the motorway, and reach the Brisbane Airport precinct, the TradeCoast Central employment hub or the Jim Soorley Bikeway entirely on off-road paths. That seamless connection is what active transport advocates in the area have sought for some time.

Around 25,000 people travel to Brisbane Airport each day for work, a number expected to grow by around 20,000 over the next two decades. Brisbane Airport’s draft 2026 Master Plan includes a series of active transport initiatives across the precinct, aimed at giving workers lower-cost and healthier commuting options as the airport precinct expands.

How to Access the New Path

The new shared path is open at all hours. Riders approaching from the south can access the Schneider Road underpass from Kingsford Smith Drive via Lamington Avenue, or from the Moreton Bay Cycleway running north from the Gateway Bridge. Riders within the airport precinct can connect from Viola Place.

More information is available here. The project team can be reached on 07 3178 5413 during business hours, or 07 3403 8888 at any time.

Published 26-February-2026.

Family-Owned Manufacturer in Eagle Farm Secures Major Export Deal

Photo Credit: Tough Gear Trading/ Facebook

An Eagle Farm manufacturer has secured a $12 million supply contract with the United Arab Emirates, adding a major Middle Eastern deployment to an export footprint that already spans more than 30 countries.

The agreement will see Brisbane-designed 4×4 equipment from Tough Gear Trading delivered into one of the world’s harshest operating environments. While the company is no stranger to overseas markets, the UAE contract stands out for its scale and logistical complexity, involving fleet-level delivery rather than individual product shipments.

The deal is expected to support skilled manufacturing and project roles in Brisbane, reinforcing the city’s position as a base for specialised, export-focused engineering rather than signalling a first step offshore.

*Photo Credit:* *Tough Gear Trading/ Facebook*

Founded in 2015, Tough Gear Trading is a Brisbane-based, Australian-owned manufacturer supplying vehicle systems to commercial, mining, humanitarian and defence-related clients. Although relatively young as a company, its operations draw on more than 28 years of industry experience across the 4×4, military and heavy-duty vehicle sectors.

Founder Gary Turner began the business as a single-operator venture, before expanding it into a multi-market operation capable of managing large-scale vehicle fit-outs and international deployments.

Today, the company operates across multiple export markets, with projects ranging from individual vehicle builds to full fleet mobilisation. Rather than focusing solely on component supply, the business specialises in end-to-end delivery, coordinating design, manufacturing, compliance and transport for vehicles that must operate reliably in extreme conditions.

Turner said the company’s competitive edge lies in its ability to manage complex, cross-border projects rather than simply shipping products offshore, noting that large contracts often require coordination across manufacturing, logistics and regulatory systems, particularly when vehicles are being delivered into remote or high-stress environments.

The Queensland Government pointed to the UAE contract as an example of targeted trade engagement rather than broad promotional activity, saying recent efforts have focused on identifying markets where Queensland manufacturers already have technical credibility and the capacity to deliver at scale.

Minister for Trade Ros Bates said the state’s approach aims to support companies that are already investing in export capability rather than encouraging speculative expansion, with an emphasis on backing businesses with proven track records so public support delivers measurable commercial outcomes for local industry.

Published Date 05-January-2026

New Grandstand Planned At Eagle Farm Racecourse

Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842

A new grandstand is planned at Eagle Farm, with $25 million committed to begin demolition and early works to replace the ageing John Power Stand at the Brisbane racecourse.

Site History And Existing Facilities

Eagle Farm Racecourse has hosted thoroughbred racing for more than 160 years. Several spectator facilities at the venue, including the John Power Stand, have been assessed as nearing the end of their operational life.

Engineering investigations into the John Power Stand were first undertaken in 2013, with further assessments completed in 2022 and 2023. These reports identified significant structural deterioration and concluded that major components of the building were approaching the end of their structural lifespan.

The John Power Stand is scheduled to be decommissioned in August 2026, following the conclusion of the Winter Carnival.

Funding And Project Scope

An initial $25 million has been released to support the first stage of redevelopment at Eagle Farm. The funding will allow demolition of the John Power Stand to commence and enable detailed planning for a replacement spectator facility.

The funding forms part of a broader loan arrangement for racing infrastructure and aligns with a statewide framework aimed at delivering modern, fit-for-purpose facilities across Queensland’s racing network.

Brisbane Racing Club — Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842

Planning And Approval Pathway

The Eagle Farm grandstand redevelopment has been approved under Ministerial Infrastructure Designation (MID-0524-0842), granted in October 2025. The designation enables a state-led assessment process for the project.

Planning documentation associated with the designation includes concept designs for a new facility, referred to as The Terraces, which will replace the John Power Stand.

John Power Stand — Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842

Maintaining Racing Operations

The Brisbane Racing Club, which operates Eagle Farm, has indicated the works will be staged to allow racing to continue during redevelopment. Coordination with Racing Queensland is intended to minimise disruption between the end of the 2026 Winter Carnival and the commencement of the 2027 season.

Eagle Farm grandstand — Photo Credit: MID-0524-0842

Looking Ahead

Once completed, the new grandstand is expected to provide upgraded amenities and improved accessibility, supporting ongoing use of Eagle Farm as Queensland’s premier thoroughbred racing venue.

Published 7-Jan-2026

Help Enterprises Recognised Among 2025 Business Award Finalists in Eagle Farm

Photo Credit: Help Enterprises/Facebook

Help Enterprises, located in Eagle Farm, has been announced as a finalist in the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards under the Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise category, recognising its six-decade contribution to inclusion and community development in Brisbane.

Building Inclusive Opportunities in Eagle Farm

For nearly six decades, Help Enterprises has been creating meaningful opportunities for people with disability through its operations based in Eagle Farm. The organisation’s work centres on providing employment pathways, training programs, and social enterprise initiatives that foster independence and strengthen community ties. Its inclusion in this year’s finalist list reflects a continued dedication to driving positive social outcomes while supporting Brisbane’s growing and diverse workforce.

Recognition in the Social Enterprise Category

Help Enterprises is one of four finalists in the Hutchinson Builders Social Enterprise Award, a category that recognises businesses addressing social challenges through innovative, impact-led models. The nomination acknowledges organisations that prioritise people and community benefit alongside commercial activity. This recognition highlights how enterprises like Help contribute to Brisbane’s inclusive growth and demonstrate the city’s capacity to blend economic development with social purpose.

Two Decades of Celebrating Local Innovation

The 2025 Lord Mayor’s Business Awards mark the 20th year of celebrating Brisbane’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and visionaries. This year, 31 businesses and eight business leaders—44 finalists in total—are competing across 11 categories. The awards span multiple sectors, from sustainability and property development to tourism and technology. Winners will be announced at a gala event on Thursday, 6 November 2025, at Brisbane City Hall.

Eagle Farm’s Role in Brisbane’s Business Landscape

Eagle Farm’s industrial precinct continues to play an important part in Brisbane’s economy, housing enterprises that support both commercial growth and community impact. Through Help Enterprises’ efforts, Eagle Farm has become a hub for inclusive employment and social innovation, illustrating how local industry can help shape a more equitable city.

Looking Ahead

Help Enterprises’ recognition as a finalist reinforces the value of inclusive business models and highlights Eagle Farm’s continuing role in Brisbane’s success story.

Published 7-Oct-2025

Royal Queensland Golf Club Redevelopment Approved in Eagle Farm

Photo Credit: MID-0125-0907

A redevelopment of the Royal Queensland Golf Club in Eagle Farm has been approved, including a new nine-hole course, pavilion, and upgrades to existing facilities.

A Century-Old Venue Prepares For Change

The Royal Queensland Golf Club, which has a history of more than 100 years, will undergo a major redevelopment following the approval of a Ministerial Infrastructure Designation. The site has been identified as a potential venue for golf events during the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

New Facilities To Support International Sport

The redevelopment plan features a championship-standard nine-hole course, an Eastern Pavilion with amenities and an undercover deck, an administration building, and a kiosk. Outdoor racquet sport facilities are also included. This is alongside upgrades to the existing course. These works form part of wider preparations for hosting international sporting events.

Royal Queensland Golf Club — Photo Credit: MID-0125-0907

Returning Golf To Eagle Farm’s Eastern Side

The redevelopment will return golf facilities to land east of the Gateway bridges at Eagle Farm, an area that once formed part of the club’s original course. The project is intended not only to support Olympic requirements but also to contribute to the long-term future of the venue.

Mixed Community Reactions To Approval

Public opinion has been mixed. Comments on social media raised concerns about other priorities such as healthcare, housing and public infrastructure, while others acknowledged the redevelopment as an opportunity to strengthen Brisbane’s sporting legacy and tourism profile linked to the 2032 Games.

Brisbane 2032 — Photo Credit: MID-0125-0907

Next Steps For The Royal Queensland Golf Club

With approval granted, the Royal Queensland Golf Club is now able to move forward with its redevelopment plan. The upgrades are aligned with preparation for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, after which the enhanced facilities will continue to serve members and the sporting community.

Published 29-Sep-2025