Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 10 of 29

Community Calls for Review of North Brisbane Bikeway Stage 5

Residents in Clayfield are voicing their concerns over the proposed design and route for Stage 5 of the North Brisbane Bikeway, which aims to connect Price Street to Kedron Brook.

Read: Locals Have Mixed Reactions To Stage 5 Of North Brisbane Bikeway

The bikeway, located between Dickson Street, Wooloowin and the Kedron Brook Bikeway, is supposed to complete the “final link” between North Brisbane Bikeway and extend its route for a high-quality, active travel facility.

North Brisbane Bikeway – Price Street to Kedron Brook Plans (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)

Currently in the community engagement phase, the project was the subject of two e-petitions submitted to Council recently, highlighting the community’s divided opinions on the project.

A Clayfield resident has petitioned the Council not to proceed with Stage 5, citing concerns about the impact on local businesses and parking. The e-petition states, “There are 37 affected businesses and entitled parking will be withdrawn. There is a better route available and overall the project is not in the interest of most folk and not for the common good.”

Another petition, which has garnered over 500 signatures, calls for a comprehensive review of all potential routes for Stage 5. The Clayfield local highlighted the need to consider a “safer, shorter route that connects Kedron State High School and northern suburbs with the North Brisbane Bikeway at Price St.”

It also raises concerns about the “Better for Children Cycling” program, commuter parking, traffic congestion, and impacts on residents and local businesses.

The Council has announced plans to conduct two community working group meetings in the coming months, with updates to be provided to the broader community afterward. The project’s future, including any construction plans, will depend on upcoming funding allocations.

Read: Dickson Street Ranked One of Brisbane’s Most Dangerous for Cyclists

Meanwhile, residents have until 5 November 2024 to show their support for the two e-petitions.

Published 4-September-2024

Shelf Lovers Bookshop in Wooloowin Reopens After Bus Crash, Continues to Spread Love

Photo Credit: Shelf Lovers

Brisbane’s beloved LGBTQIA+ bookstore, Shelf Lovers, located in Wooloowin, has finally reopened its doors following a startling incident where a bus collided with its front porch, causing significant damage.

The incident left the store’s roof and footpath in disarray, forcing a temporary closure. Owner Kat took to Instagram to share photos of the aftermath and express her relief that no one was injured. A demolition crew was swiftly brought in to ensure the safety of the building and its contents.

Despite the setback, the community has rallied behind it, eager to see the store back in action. Kat announced that engineers had given them the all-clear, allowing them to reopen as planned. She expressed overwhelming gratitude for their support and excitement about welcoming everyone back for the birthday events.

Shelf Lovers, which opened a year ago, has quickly become a haven for the LGBTQIA+ community in Brisbane. The store offers a carefully curated selection of books and gifts, and a welcoming space for everyone. Kat emphasised the store’s motto, “Lots of Pride, No Prejudice,” and its commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shelf Lovers (@shelf.lovers)

The idea for Shelf Lovers was born out of Kat’s own experience as a parent of a transgender and gay son. Struggling to find accessible resources, she created a space where others could easily find their needed support and understanding.

Published Date 13-April-2024

Clayfield Man Charged with Multiple Offences Following Robbery and Evasion

In a disturbing incident last week, a 48-year-old Clayfield man allegedly committed a series of violent offences, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in the area.

Read: Police Crime Data Show Theft as Most Common Offense in Hendra

The suspect reportedly entered another resident’s room, assaulting a man and a woman while demanding property and cash. He allegedly prevented the victims from leaving, threatened them with a knife and screwdriver, and destroyed property before fleeing with stolen cash and a bicycle.

Hendra Station police initially spotted the suspect outside the address, but he evaded capture on the allegedly stolen bicycle. Despite extensive foot and vehicle patrols, officers were unable to locate him at the time.

Photo credit: Queensland Police Service/Facebook

The break in the case came around 6:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, when a resident of Birkbeck Street, Albion, reported a man breaking into his shed. Thanks to a detailed description provided by the witness, police located the suspect nearby, allegedly in possession of the stolen bicycle and other property from the earlier robbery.

The 48-year-old Clayfield man now faces multiple charges, including assault occasioning bodily harm, deprivation of liberty, stealing, and drug-related offences. He has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 28.

Crime Rates in Clayfield: A Broader Perspective

This incident is just one example of the rising crime rates in Clayfield. According to the Queensland online crime map, the suburb recorded 370 offences in the past six months, from 5 February to 4 August 2024. Many of these crimes occurred along Junction Road and Hutton Street.

The top three categories of crime in Clayfield during this period were:

Other theft (excluding unlawful entry): 130 incidents
Unlawful entry: 59 incidents
Drug offences: 32 incidents

Read: Parents Demand Police Involvement in Elite School “Smash or Pass” Scandal

Local authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as they work to address the growing safety concerns in the area.

Published 5-August-2024

Eagle Junction Leads the Way with Australia Post’s Free 24/7 Parcel Lockers

Photo Credit: Queensland Rail

Queensland Rail (QR) and Australia Post have launched a trial of free, round-the-clock Parcel Lockers at five South East Queensland train stations. Eagle Junction station is the first to unveil these secure lockers, enhancing commuter convenience.

Eagle Junction — *Photo Credit:* *Australia Post*

This 12-month trial will extend to Varsity Lakes, Carseldine, Central, and Richlands stations in the coming months. The initiative aims to seamlessly integrate parcel collection into daily commutes, allowing customers to retrieve their deliveries within 48 hours at their convenience.

Drew Brock, QR’s Acting General Manager Station Customer Service, emphasised the commitment to enhancing the customer experience and noted the potential commercial benefits of this collaboration.

Josh Bannister, Australia Post Executive General Manager Retail, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting its potential to streamline commuter parcel collection and complement the nationwide network of over 750 Parcel Locker locations.

Customers can sign up for this service via the Australia Post website or the AusPost app, available on the Apple Store and Google Play.

Published Date 02-August-2024

WWII Air Raid Shelter in Wooloowin: A Local Heritage Gem

Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/ Facebook

A private, concrete air raid shelter on Hudson Road in Wooloowin is a reminder of the community’s wartime resilience. Built during World War II in response to the looming threat of Japanese air raids after the bombing of Pearl Harbour and Darwin, the shelter is a testament to the collective anxiety and preparedness of the time.

Recognised as a local heritage site, the Hudson Road shelter links to Brisbane’s wartime past.

At the time this private shelter was built, a government mandate for air raid shelters in public gathering places saw over 200 public shelters erected. The Wooloowin shelter, characteristic of the Queenslander style, is a rare example of a private shelter, often built in front yards with varied materials and construction depending on individual resources.

It reveals the measures taken by everyday citizens to protect themselves and their families during a national crisis, offering a glimpse into the realities of the home front.

Preserving this structure allows future generations to reflect on the societal impact of World War II on Brisbane’s residents. The shelter is a physical connection to a time of uncertainty and fear, reminding us of the community’s strength and resourcefulness in the face of adversity.

It is a unique piece of history that continues to educate and engage locals and visitors alike. Other examples of backyard shelters are found elsewhere in the city.

Published Date 30-July-2024

Parents Demand Police Involvement in Elite School “Smash or Pass” Scandal

Photo Credit: m3architecture

Parents of students at St Rita’s College in Clayfield are calling for police involvement following a “smash or pass” rating scandal involving their children’s photos.

The controversy, which also implicates St Joseph’s Nudgee College students, has raised serious concerns about privacy and online behaviour among teenagers.

According to reports, a Year 8 St Rita’s student shared individual photos of her entire class with a Nudgee College boy. Subsequently, a video featuring these images was allegedly created and uploaded to TikTok.

One St Rita’s parent, who wished to remain anonymous, stated, “We have asked the school to refer this matter to the police.” The parent expressed scepticism about claims that the material had not been widely shared on social media, citing the likelihood of redistribution among teenagers.

St Rita’s College has reportedly suspended the student who initially shared the images for one day. The school’s deputy principal, Catherine Allen, informed parents that efforts were being made to remove the shared information.

**Photos came from a Year 8 St Rita student.**
Photo Credit: Queensland Government (des.qld.gov.au)

Nudgee College principal Scott Thomson has denied allegations that their students used social media to rate the attractiveness of St Rita’s students. In a letter to parents, Thomson stated, “Based on our investigations, there is no evidence to support the allegations in the story.” He acknowledged that a Nudgee student had shared St Rita’s student identification photos with a small group of peers but maintained that the school was unaware of any public sharing on social media.

**A student from St Joseph’s Nudgee College was also involved in the drama.**
Photo Credit: Wikipedia / Kgbo

The incident has sparked broader discussions about the prevalence of “smash or pass” rating games in Brisbane schools. A parent from another local school, All Hallows, commented on the widespread nature of these activities, describing them as “incredibly damaging to kids” with potentially “horrific” fallout.

Published 30-July-2024

Clayfield Queenslander Sold for $2.3 Million After 94 Years

A 97-year-old woman in Clayfield has sold her $2.3 million home, where she has lived since she was three years old. The sale, after 94 years, marks a significant moment in the local real estate market.

The much-loved home at 64-66 Kalinga Street, Clayfield, Queensland, sold for $2.35 million at an auction on 20 July 2024. This purchase combined forces to portray the high demand for homes in this area, contributing to a 60.3 per cent national clearance rate over that weekend.

This iconic Queenslander home boasts a sprawling 810sqm block—this family home has been around for almost a century. It had original features, including its VJ wall panels, sage green roof and patterned wallpaper, which also drew more than 100 onlookers and fierce competition from six bidders among the 17 who registered.

The two bedroom house, known for its timber structure, handsome verandah, and elevated position, backs onto Kalinga Park with all the picturesque views and direct access to green spaces that entails.

The property, which Ray White Ascot listing agent Vanessa Harte described as “cute as a button,” sold to a family who will renovate and live in it. The sale is important to her, Harte added, as the seller’s family is helping her downsize.

The vendor has seen some big changes in the Brisbane real estate market over all the decades. According to data from Macquarie University, in 1973, a typical Brisbane house cost $17,500. The sale of this house signifies both an increase in property value and the owner’s strong attachment to her home and community.

Published 26-July-2024

Police Crime Data Show Theft as Most Common Offense in Hendra

Theft is the most prevalent offence in Hendra, based on data from January to July 2024.

Read: Clayfield Man Arrested for Stealing A Mercedes

Based on the police data from 24 January to 23 July 2024, a total of 207 offences were recorded in the area, raising concerns among local residents and authorities alike.

The Online Crime Map, a tool used by Queensland Police to track and analyse crime patterns, showed 56 cases of theft reported during this period.

Following closely behind are good order offences, accounting for 28 cases. While many of these are minor infractions such as consuming liquor in public places or going armed to cause fear, authorities warn that some instances can be more serious.

In a recent incident highlighting the ongoing crime issues in the area, Queensland Police charged two individuals in connection with an alleged break and enter at a Hendra residence. The event unfolded on Tuesday, July 16, when a vigilant neighbour spotted a suspicious man on CCTV walking alongside an elderly resident’s home on Mein Street.

Police quickly responded to the call and apprehended a 35-year-old woman from Zillmere, who was allegedly acting as a lookout. A 40-year-old man from Brighton was caught fleeing the scene with stolen property and drug paraphernalia. Both suspects are scheduled to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 19, facing multiple charges including trespass, burglary, and drug-related offences.

This recent break-in serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in the area. Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to help combat the rising crime rates in Hendra.

Read: CCTV Aids Capture of Intruder in Break-In

As the community grapples with these concerning statistics, questions arise about the factors contributing to the increase in criminal activity and what measures can be taken to ensure the safety and security of Hendra’s residents in the coming months.

Published 24-July-2024

Clayfield Unit Fetches $660,000 as Suburb’s Appeal Soars

Photo Credit: Place

A two-bedroom Clayfield unit at 1/78 Wagner Road sold for $660,000, attracting an unprecedented 24 registered bidders and exceeding the area’s median price for similar properties by a significant margin.

The 132-square-meter ground floor apartment, built in 1970, showcases the enduring appeal of Clayfield’s older housing stock. Known for spacious layouts and features like separate laundry rooms, these properties are increasingly sought-after in a market favouring quality and location.

Drew Davies of Place Ascot, who handled the sale with colleague Guy Horsley, noted the exceptional interest in the property. “It was the most registered bidders we’ve seen for a single auction in recent times,” Davies remarked, underscoring Clayfield’s current market heat.

The sale price represents a substantial increase from the $44,000 the previous owner paid 44 years ago, reflecting Clayfield’s long-term growth potential. More recently, the suburb has seen a 19% jump in median prices for two-bedroom units over the past year, reaching $545,000.

Clayfield’s proximity to Brisbane CBD — just 10 kilometres away — continues to be a major draw. The suburb is attracting a diverse range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to downsizers and investors, all vying for a piece of this desirable northside locale.

The strong result aligns with a broader trend in Clayfield and surrounding areas. “We’ve seen a huge surge in interest for apartments over the last year, especially for those in small blocks with low body corps in premium locations,” Davies explained, highlighting Clayfield’s particular appeal in this regard.

Published 3-July-2024

Hendra Gears Up for Golden Arches: McDonald’s Proposed for Nudgee Road

Photo Credit: DA A006543699

A new McDonald’s restaurant is poised to rise on the corner of Nudgee and Gerler Roads in Hendra, marking a significant development for the area.

The application, submitted for the property at 330 Nudgee Road, details designs for a modern fast-food restaurant by PA Architects.

The 293-square-metre restaurant would occupy a 2,120-square-metre corner site, replacing the existing vehicle rental business and accessing both Nudgee and Gerler Roads. The development would include landscaping and an acoustic fence to minimise the impact on surrounding residential areas.

Urbis, the planning consultant for the project, argues that the proposal aligns with the area’s existing and historical land use. They emphasise that the development would not compromise the residential character of the neighbourhood or reduce the availability of residential land.

The proposal outlines a pedestrian pathway to the Nudgee Road footpath, ensuring accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists. The drive-through, designed with two lanes, is expected to accommodate 12 cars, aiming to streamline traffic flow and minimise congestion.

The development application is currently under review by the Brisbane City Council. Should it be approved, the new McDonald’s would join the existing Nudgee Service Centre location on Nudgee Road, further expanding the fast-food chain’s presence in the area.

Published Date 26-June-2024