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Paradise Lakes Willawong: Construction of New Residential Site Begins February

Work on the first group of homes at Paradise Lakes Willawong, an emerging residential precinct at the former sand mine in Oxley Creek, will soon begin after a decade-long wait for the approval of the development.

Stage 1 of this project will cover 37 blocks of dwelling spaces ranging from 405 to 830 square metres in size. Of these blocks, 33 have reportedly been sold whilst Uniland Pty Ltd also applied to build a six-metre sculpture at the main entrance of Paradise Lakes Willawong on Leroy Road.

By the middle of 2021, the display village will be ready for other interested buyers as earthworks for Stage 2 gets underway as well.

Paradise Lakes is envisioned to be “a tranquil lakeside sanctuary” surrounded by natural bushland. Just 16 kilometeres off Brisbane CBD, the site is a short drive to schools, shopping centres and lifestyle or dining precincts in suburbs like Sunnybank, Algester and Calmvale.

“This exclusive community will integrate with an existing natural habitat to provide a variety of premium homesites, some of which offer views of the adjacent lakes and bushland surrounds,” the developers said.

Uniland Pty Ltd bought and rehabilitated the 55-hectare land in 2009 and proposed to build a 280-housing site that will complement Brisbane City Council’s $100-million Oxley Creek Transformation.

The project will also feature the following facilities:

a 20-kilometre recreation trail from the Brisbane River to Warril Parkland in Larapinta
a world-renowned birdwatching destination at Oxley Creek Common
a regional parkland at Archerfield Wetlands
progressive improvements to habitats, vegetation, waterway stability and water quality

Incidentally, Stage 1 of Warril Parkland, a nature-based adventure playground on 1059 Paradise Road, has been completed and opened for recreational use.

Village Centre With Supermarket Proposed at Yeerongpilly Green

A plan for a village centre with a supermarket, shops and restaurants, offices, healthcare facilities including veterinary services, has been lodged with the Council for Yeerongpilly Green, the major urban renewal project in southwest Brisbane.

Dubbed the Yeerongpilly Green Village Heart (DA A005635771), the centre will rise on a vacant lot surrounded by Queens Way, King Arthur Terrace and Fig Tree Street.

The 4,200 square metres supermarket will serve as the anchor tenant and above it are spaces for offices and other shops. Also proposed in the plan are slots for 292 car park spaces in the basement with Queens Way as the main vehicle access.

BVN, the project’s architect, has worked on the village centre’s design for the last three years.

Photo Credit: PD Online/Brisbane City Council

“From inception, the brief has been to design a contemporary mixed-use development that responds to commercial development requirements while contributing to Brisbane’s architectural and public realm design. This is consistent with the outcomes sought by the Yeerongpilly Green Transit Oriented Neighbourhood Plan,” BVN said.

“The proposed development involves a mix of uses that will operate at different times of the day and night. Small-scale active tenancies are proposed on the primary frontages of the development and adjacent to pedestrian spaces within the development. This will facilitate the creation of a highly activated and vibrant centre.”

In 2019, Acting Premier and Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said that supermarket giant Woolworths could be a major tenant of the emerging retail hub, potentially generating 100 jobs.

“With new parklands, new pedestrian-friendly pathways and new roads complete, Yeerongpilly Green is already putting on a show, and this highly-anticipated retail precinct with the new Woolworths will form the heart of the project and provide the shopping experience an urban renewal project of this scale merits,” Mr Dick said.

Queensland Police Academy in Oxley Welcomes 117 New Recruits

The largest intake of new police recruits in nearly a decade has started their comprehensive training program at the Queensland Police Service Academy in Oxley .

Of the 164 new recruits, 117 intakes from Brisbane will be trained at the Oxley school, where they will be taught skills to develop their capabilities to become a world-class police officer. The other 47 recruits will be trained in the Townsville academy.

The training is a six-month course that will assess the recruits on their physical and mental strength, as well as first aid proficiency.

This year, the Queensland Police Service Academy will also conduct distance-based learning for the theory-based elements of the curriculum for the very first time.

Commissioner Katarina Carroll personally welcomed and congratulated the recruits on Monday, 4 Jan 2021, alongside Minister for Police and Corrective Services and Minister for Fire and Emergency Services, the Honourable Mark Ryan MP.

“Today they will begin a world-class training regime to prepare them with the skills required to face a range of policing scenarios,” the commissioner said.“I know that their time at the Academy over the coming months will be exciting, challenging and ultimately very rewarding and I am extremely pleased to be here today to share this experience.”

“The strength of our frontline services has never been more important to the safety and security of our state and I am confident that each person here today will play an important role in keeping our community safe,” Mr Ryan said. “The training each of these recruits will embark on today will equip them with skills to ensure they are well prepared to handle future challenges with professionalism and dignity.”

Upon completion of their training, the intakes will be inducted into the First Year Constable program where they will further learn from the job.

More details about the Queensland Police training program is on the official site.

Your Feedback Needed for the Graceville Riverside Parklands Precinct Plan

A major regional parkland is up for development just seven kilometres from the CBD and the plans for this massive green space, covering the Graceville Riverside Parklands Precinct, is in the advanced stages.

Residents have a chance to share their feedback and suggestions for the Graceville Riverside Parklands precinct plan’s draft, which will help transform Oxley Creek into a premiere recreational site to be enjoyed by the community.

Aside from the Graceville Riverside Parkland, this development will also cover Simpsons Playground, Nadine Street Park, Graceville Avenue Park and Bert St Clair Oval.

Photo Credit: Graceville Riverside Parklands – Precinct Plan

Once completed, these sites will boast of wonderful picnic and play areas for groups, kids and families, as well as improved parking spaces and better boating club ramps.

This project’s objectives are aimed at:

Improving visual and physical connections to the river and creek.
Upgrading the existing picnic and play facilities
Improving the parkland’s vehicle entry and parking
Acknowledging the possibility of flooding in the design and delivery of new Parkland infrastructure
Maintaining and, where possible, supporting the enhancement of the existing local Club lease facilities
Celebrating the mature trees located within the Parkland
Supporting corridor-wide improvements to water quality, bank stability and riparian habitat

“The upgraded Parklands will take advantage of the site’s easy access to water and give visitors more ways to enjoy Brisbane’s relaxed outdoor lifestyle. Existing spaces and facilities will be revitalised and reimagined so people of all ages and abilities can experience canoeing, kayaking, dragon boating and sailing. Expanded greenspaces will create the perfect setting for picnics and gatherings,” Nigel Chamier, the chairman of the Oxley Creek Transformation, said.

The short online survey will run until Sunday, 6 Dec 2020 but residents may also send an email through info@oxleycreek.com.au or via regular mail addressed to Oxley Creek Transformation, GPO Box 1434, Brisbane 4001.

Residents’ comments and inputs will be considered in the finalisation of the precinct plan, which will be released in 2021.

Lost Palms – Sherwood to Open This October

Photo credit: Lost Palms Brewing Company / Facebook

Lost Palms is set to open its new taproom venue on Sherwood Road, Sherwood this October.

The second venue to open after Miami, Lost Palms – Sherwood takes over the former Sweet n’ Spice site on Sherwood road. The 120-square-metre venue boasts of an industrial design with a large concrete and timber bar along with concrete slab tables and a shaded outdoor area. The new venue will also mirror the Miami site’s pastel-colours.

Lost Palms – Sherwood will offer a selection of 8 taps serving pale ales, lagers sour beers, big hazy IPAs plus limited small-batch brews. Also, three nitrogen-charged beer-based cocktails on tap will also be available. The beer will come from Miami and made by Lost Palms head brewer, Chris Smith.

There is a sizable kitchen that will initially serve a range of burgers and snacks but would soon expand into beer and food pairings . The owners envision the new taproom as a space to engage with Brisbane locals where people can connect with the brand and beers.

It wasn’t easy planning and building the venue due to the COVID restrictions. They had, in fact, planned to open as early as March but had to put everything on hold due to the pandemic.

Changes to the original plans were needed to be made to accommodate capacity restrictions. The venue can hold up to 80 people at a time, but for now, it will be limited to 30.

As to why they chose Sherwood for their expansion? The location, community vibe, and the existence of a void in craft-centric hospitality in the area the Lost Palms can fill. They are looking into turning the taproom venue into a brewpub someday and once licensing hurdles are overcome.

Lost Palms’ taproom venue at 1/671 Sherwood Rd is set to opening in late October.

The Fort in Oxley Added Into Queensland’s Heritage Register

The Fort, a 19th century house currently owned by Passionist Community Oxley, has been added to the Queensland Heritage Register. Many may have recently seen it as the venue of the State Government’s media conferences during the early months of COVID-19 restrictions.

Also known as Regina Coeli Retreat or the St Mary’s Retreat, the house is a single-storey detached house originally built in 1882 by architect Francis Drummond Greville Stanley, for sheep and cattle farmer Henry William Coxen.

Who is Henry William Coxen?

Henry, who is from Croydon, England, came to Tasmania in his teens with his uncle and aunt, ornithologist John Gould and his wife Elizabeth Coxen. The family lived as guests at Governor Franklin’s home and then later moved to New South Wales, where Henry’s other uncle, Stephen Coxen, had a farm.

Henry was sent north of Darling Downs to join a European settlement and expand his uncle’s farming business.

In 1845, Henry returned to England and eventually married Mary Ann Shelton. The pair decided to return to Australia in 1852, where Henry established 17 grazing lands (pastoral stations), including in Oxley.

Henry William Coxen’s land title from Queensland
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

By 1866, Henry divorced his first wife and then remarried Margaret Moorhead. The couple traveled back to England in 1867 but following many failed investments, Henry and Margaret, along with their four children, settled in Queensland in 1880.

For much of his life, the farmer involved himself with community building and was a board member of the Yeerongpilly Divisional Board and the chairman of the Sherwood Divisional Board.

Who is Francis Drummond Greville Stanley?

In 1882, Henry had his family house built in his nine-hectare property on Fort Road. His architect’s reputation was on the rise in Queensland.

Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Stanley helped built a substantial number of buildings around Brisbane, such as the Brisbane General Post Office, Telegraph Office extension office and the Queensland National Bank’s headquarters. The architect also designed the Sidney House, Whinstaines, the Robert Hart villa and Tighnabruaich in Indooroopilly.

Tighnabruaich in Indooroopilly
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

What’s in The Fort?

The location of the Coxen home had a sweeping view of the Brisbane River and was at the highest point in the area. It had all the right elements important for affluent Queenslanders: spacious, hilltop view, near a gorgeous river, far from the city crowd. The house had 15 rooms, a two-hectare garden, stables, and outbuildings for laundry and the stockyard.

In 1906, Coxen sold the property to the Irish Corkran family, after Margaret’s death. Thomas Knight Corkran was with the Western Queensland police but ran a dairy herd. He rebuilt The Fort to scale this down to six bedrooms. However, he expanded the lounges and halls and built a larger dining room and kitchen with a storeroom.

According to his daughter, Olivia, The Fort had “two huge rooms for the men.” The Fort also had a cellar for the dairy and cream separator.

Photo Credit: Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland

Following Corkran’s death in 1937, The Fort land was subdivided to his family but by 1955, it was sold to the Provincial of the Congregation of the Passion in Australasia. Originally from Italy, the Passionists are Catholic missionaries. The group was the first Catholic outreach to work with Queensland’s Aboriginal people in the mid-1800s.

Photo Credit: Queensland Heritage Register

The order turned one of The Fort’s front rooms into a chapel and then added a new wing to the house with four bedrooms and a washroom. The first mass at this house was celebrated in November 1955 with Archbishop Duhig as one of the guests. Public Sunday masses started two years later but The Fort was mainly used for retreats, religious celebrations, and missions and markets for charity.

More changes to the house were done in the ’70s and the ’80s as the membership grew. It remains a Passionist Retreat today and its priests have been serving Oxley for more than 60 years.

By 2005, the Brisbane City Council bought 10 hectares of The Fort’s land for housing. After objections from the community, the area was turned into the Fort Bushland Reserve.

Regal Twin Cinema in Graceville Changes Owners After 50 Years

Regal Twin Cinema, Graceville’s independent arthouse theatre, has a new owner after 50 years. Paul Roobottom confirmed that he sold his business to the Sourris brothers, Stephen and Peter, who own Five Star Cinemas.

Mr Roobottom informed in an email to the cinema’s patrons that the Sourris brothers are taking ownership effect Monday, 31 Aug 2020, as he enjoys his retirement. The businessmen have been working out a deal since the last Christmas holidays.

Photo Credit: Regal Twin Boutique Arthouse Cinema/Google Maps

The Sourris have known Mr Roobottom for years since their fathers are good friends. Peter has been telling Mr Roobottom of his interest in Regal Twin Cinema, should he decide to put this up on the market one day.

“I have witnessed so many changes of direction within the motion picture industry I can think of no greater challenge or rewarding profession. It truly has been my own Cinema Paradiso I will miss you all,” Mr Roobottom wrote to the cinema’s patrons.

Regal Twin Cinema’s Brief History

The building where the Regal Twin Cinema used to be an open air cinema in the 1920s. Graceville Picture Gardens featured silent movies until the “talkies” became the norm.

A decade later, a building was erected at the open air venue. In the 1950s, the site was renamed as The Regal in honor of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. The Regal changed owners more than a dozen times until it landed in the hands of the Roobottom family in 1970.

Under New Management

Regal Twin Cinema will not undergo major changes in operation under the new owners. The Sourris brothers, who are passionate about film, are also behind four other independent cinemas in Brisbane — Elizabeth Picture Theatre, New Farm Cinemas, Red Hill Cinemas and the Yatala Drive-In.

The brothers said that the movie experience at the Regal Twin Cinema is for mature, discerning moviegoers.

“This is the place where you not only enjoy a movie in clean pleasant surrounds, but enjoy a truly amazing entertainment experience, just like the good old days.”

Plentiful: New Graceville Eatery Overflows with Goodness

Merely days before the world shut down, Plentiful quietly opened its doors in southwest Brisbane. While these times of uncertainty might be deemed as a huge risk to start a new restaurant, owners Kiara Naidoo and George de Bhal learned to adjust their concept to come up with a cafe that’s abundantly overflowing with goodness.

Kiara and George are newcomers in the food biz but they thought hard and carefully planned what they wanted to have in their restaurant. The pair had the idea to emulate everything they liked from their favourite foodie spots but they also want to elevate the classic brunch experience.

In the kitchen, chef Jongil ‘Dan’ Choi whips up mouth-watering Asian-inspired meals fused with Mediterranean-inspired flavours. Some patrons start with the familiar — a selection of Wholly Crumpets with special condiments like Chantilly cream or poached pears with a distinct turmeric taste and the Pretty Great Pancakes with vanilla ice cream, butterscotch syrup and sprinkles of pistachio and pralines.

For an indulgent brunch, the Spiced Lambo — minced lamb with lentil, house-made hummus, and mint, served with garlic tortilla and pomegranate — is emerging as a favourite. The rest of the menu includes signature dishes, such as the Saffron Prawn & Chorizo Risotto or the Pork Belly Salad, and regularly updated specials to give diners more reasons to keep coming back. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian choices are also available.

To cap off one’s dining experience, the restaurant serves Five Senses coffee, Heirloom hot chocolates, HRVST ST juices and house-blended smoothies.

Plentiful’s vibe is warm and casual, matched by the friendly and attentive service of its staff. The cafe seats at least 70 people inside its secluded dining space or at the breezy dog-friendly outdoor area.

Bookings for groups of five or more are required. Email eat@plentiful.cafe or visit their Facebook page for a table reservation or for other enquiries about their food, takeaway options and store hours.

What Diners are Saying

“Delicious food, great atmosphere, thoughtful service. Great menu to indulge in regularly. Thanks Plentiful.”
Anomi Bruynius, Facebook

“My family and I had breakfast here on Saturday morning for my birthday. I can honestly say it was fantastic. The service was friendly and food arrived quickly. Our coffees arrived first which I always appreciate – this also meant that my husband and I could squeeze in another coffee before the end of breakfast. Obviously it was really good as we had 2!!! I had the avo on toast, my husband the eggs and sourdough and my kids the fruit toast and crumpets. Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. We will definitely have breakfast here again soon. Thank you so much for a lovely birthday breakfast.”
Chantal Weimers, Google Reviews

“It’s totally worth trying this new kid on the block. The food is innovative and superb, the atmosphere breezy yet elegant and the staff are young and enthusiastic. Please support these young people having a go, if you can. Especially in these difficult times.”
Garth Reid, Google Reviews

Residents Oppose 3-Storey Development That Will Block Beloved Francis Lookout

A community in Corinda is opposing the planned development of a three-storey house that will stand directly on the west side of one of Brisbane’s oldest and most beloved park, Francis Lookout, essentially blocking its gorgeous views.

The neighbours are asking the Council to reject the development application for 9 Francis St, which has been waiting for approval since August 2019.

They are also asking the State Assessment and Referral Agency to recall its endorsement of the development, citing that the oversized house will affect the state of a heritage-listed site.

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council/PD Online

Francis Lookout was a cemetery built in the 1860s for the pioneers, the Francis family, who used to own 21 acres of the land in the southwest suburb of Corinda.

In 1936, the family’s trustee gifted Francis Lookout to the Council. Since its last burial in 1966, Francis Lookout became a public parkland, offering a place of tranquility for the residents, with its pleasurable views of Mount Coot-tha, the D’Aguilar range and Brisbane CBD.

Photo Credit: Margaret Giebels/Google Maps

There are at least four empty lots next to the Francis Lookout, which was bought by the Mel Investment Group in 2018. The company then filed the development application the following year and made changes to the plans on 10 July 2020.

Meanwhile, the community has been submitting their objections to the development via the Council.

“Our concerns regard the height and bulk of the proposed dwelling, the lack of Traditional Building Character code in the design, and the effect it could have on significant heritage trees in the park,” one resident wrote.

“I believe the building of this development on 9 Francis St Corinda would be a total devastation to the Corinda community. There is history tied to that location, and that is something I value about having a property here,” another local said.

Photo Credit: Justin Giebels/Google Maps

“A 3 storey house would totally ruin a once very well protected view and the overall peaceful and tranquil aesthetic of Corinda. Furthermore, Francis lookout has been a place for friends and family to meet up and watch fireworks for a long time. It’s a very popular spot for disabled people, elderly people.”

Neighbours also said that some movement has been taking place in the lot on Francis St although they know that the Council has yet to make a decision.

Car Thefts Prevention: 4 Important Tips to Not Become a Target

Did you know that 75 percent of car thefts happen because owners leave their vehicles unlocked? In recent weeks, residents of Corinda, Chelmer and Sherwood have had an unusual number of car thefts, which has alarmed law enforcers.

According to the Queensland Police, the risk of vehicles being singled out by opportunistic thieves is higher if the owner doesn’t secure their car. So, here are some useful tips to keep in mind to prevent becoming a target of car thefts:

1. Lock your vehicles.

Aside from the door, other points of access to the car include the window, the sunroof and the boot area. Be sure that these are locked or fully closed if you park your car in a public place. Make it a habit to check the locks and access points before you walk away from the parking area.

2. Don’t keep valuables in your car.

Resist the urge of leaving valuable items unattended inside your car. These could easily catch the eye of would-be thieves. If you need to bring valuable items, keep it out of sight. But don’t put these in the boot in full view of other people as thieves could also break into the trunk and take your stash because they saw you storing it there.

3. Take your keys with you.

If you’re going to be gone for just a few minutes, never leave your keys in the ignition. Turn this off and then take your keys with you. Also, never leave spare keys in your car’s glove box because thieves know where to look. The spare keys must be securely kept in your house.

4. Park in well-lit places.

Thieves may be deterred to target your vehicle if you park this in a well-lit area. If it’s also possible, choose a parking space that may be easily seen by passers-by. Be aware of where you park your car. If you’re wary of people loitering near the parking lot, it might be better to move your car somewhere else safer.

Photo Credit: Public Domain Pictures/Pixabay

Help your community become a safer place. Report suspicious activities in your area to the Queensland Police’s 24-hour online tip line.