Homepage Latest News Archives - Page 34 of 43 - Over The Walter Taylor Bridge

A Glimpse at the Story of Francis Lookout in Corinda

Have you ever wondered where Francis Lookout in Corinda got its name?

One of Corinda’s local landmarks, Francis Lookout is a parkland at the corner of Dewar Terrace and Hilda Street. Its prominent hilltop location offers fantastic panoramic views of Brisbane, especially towards Mt Coot-tha.

If you have already visited the heritage site, you might have noticed a few graves within the park. This is because the park was initially a private cemetery.

History of Francis Lookout

*Panoramic view from Francis Lookout, Corinda, across the Brisbane River towards Mt. Coot-tha, 1931. Photo credit: John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Negative number: 59074*

The Francis Lookout got its name from the Francis family, one of the first families to settle in the Corinda area. In 1862, the family bought 21 acres of land in the area which extended from the Brisbane River to the present location of the park.

The establishment of the burial ground was similar to the story behind God’s Acre Cemetery in Archerfield. The family also established the private cemetery as a memorial for their youngest son, Clement, who died in 1863.

The Francis family dedicated one acre for this purpose since there was no municipal cemetery in the district at the time.

Today, the burial grounds contain memorials from 1863 to1966. The last member of the family to be buried on site in 1937 was Mary Francis. She was the wife of the Francis’ eldest son, Dick.

Apart from the Francis family, other graves of early Corinda residents are also in the cemetery. These include the Jones grave, the Dunlop grave, the Clarkson grave, the Walker grave, the Gray grave, and two unlocated burials.

The Lychgate

*Francis Lookout lychgate from E (2016). Photo credit: Vic Bushing/Queensland Heritage Register*

In 1902, Angela Francis erected the private cemetery’s intricate lychgate for her husband. The ornate barge boards were carved by her friends and a small bronze plaque that reads ‘ERECTED BY ANGELA FRANCIS 1902’ can be seen on the structure.

In 1934, the Brisbane City Council took over the cemetery and carried out several improvements and repairs in the subsequent years.

Francis Lookout Now

The heritage-listed Francis Lookout is currently amongst the significant landmarks in the suburb, currently home to 10 known graves and two unlocated graves.

Francis family graves (2016). Photo credit: Vic Bushing/Queensland Heritage Register
Walker & Gray graves (2016). Photo credit: Vic Bushing/Queensland Heritage Register

The five graves of the Francis family are situated together, surrounded by a white painted fence. Meanwhile, the other graves are randomly scattered to the north of the family’s gravesite.

Francis Lookout in Corinda offers a great picnic spot for those who want to have a quiet time under the shade of eucalyptus trees. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views of the city coupled with a piece of the suburb’s history.

Oxley: Among hottest suburbs in Brisbane for 2019

Oxley and seven other Brisbane south suburbs have surprisingly upstaged blue chips to make the list of hottest suburbs for price growth in 2019.

Eight suburbs from Brisbane’s south have managed to post consistent rise in sales, according to the latest Price Predictor Index from Hotspotting’s Terry Ryder, growing from last report’s five: Oxley, Sunnybank, Corinda, Forest Lake, Mansfield, Mt Gravatt East, Parkinson, and Salisbury.

Over the past 12 months through 31 December 2018, there have been a total of 135 houses sold, spending an average of 52 days on market.This translates to a median sale price of $580,000 and a 3.57 percent annual increase, according to CoreLogic’s propertyvalue.com.au. Still, Oxley’s median house price has been steadily rising from $416,000 in 2012 to $573,750 in 2018, according to realestate.com.au.

Also, seven Brisbane north suburbs have shown steady rising demands according to the report: Newmarket, Alderley, Bald Hills, Brighton, Geebung, Gordon Park, and Stafford Heights.

In all, 33 Brisbane suburbs were found to have sales that are consistently rising, especially in the Moreton Bay region which now ranks second in the country in terms of growth.

Based on sales activity, the Price Predictor Index predicts which suburb will likely see future price growth as well as find out which are showing weakening sales. Markets that have shown consistency in sales growth are likely to remain steady and deliver good price growth.

The latest survey has revealed that more suburbs are showing rising sales activity which is a good indication that the Brisbane housing market is growing stronger in 2019.

Brisbane’s 20th Community Composting Hub Opens in Graceville

Graceville Community Center opened last Sunday, 17^th February 2019, as Brisbane’s 20^th Community Composting Hub.

Brisbane City Council has been working hard to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. Reducing waste to landfill prolongs the life of our landfill site, decreases the cost of waste disposal, and contributes to a cleaner, greener city.

In order to reduce waste, the Council has resorted to setting up waste and recycling facilities.

Food Waste Reduction

But food waste being a big part of what goes into Brisbane’s bins, the Council started the community composting hub initiative in October 2016. The program encourages residents living near community composting hubs to regularly contribute their kitchen scraps to the community garden compost bin.

In just over two years, the Council saw an unbelievable effort from communities to minimise food wastage as more than 4,100 participants and volunteers signed up to be involved at the community composting hub nearest their homes. Brisbane saved an equivalent of about 1000 wheelie bins full of scraps from landfill, which means that more than 245,000 litres of organic waste has been composted since that time.

Graceville Community Composting Hub — *Photo credit: Graceville Community Garden/Facebook*

Graceville’s Community Composting Hub

The Graceville Community Garden was officially established in May 2010. It operates as a shared space, aiming to strengthen communities and grow food.

Last 17th February 2019, it officially joined Brisbane’s growing community composting network. The composting hub is run by volunteers with the support of the Council.

Anyone can get involved by bringing their kitchen scraps to GCG. Composting scraps significantly cut down the amount of trash sent to landfill since the compost can be used as fertilizer in the community garden.

*Photo credit: Graceville Community Garden/Facebook*

With the addition of Graceville Community Garden to the community composting network, we can expect more residents to embrace the scheme to compost kitchen scraps and green waste.

Let us all support GCG and do our part in keeping Brisbane clean, green and sustainable.

For more information, click here.

Queensland Tennis Centre, Tennyson to Host ATP Cup and Brisbane International Beginning 2020

Beginning 2020, the Brisbane International — an annual professional tennis tournament held at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson — will have a new format, as Brisbane secures the rights to the all-new ATP Cup.

The best international players will continue coming back to Brisbane every year and draw local and international fans with the introduction of the new ATP Cup men’s team competition. Featuring teams from 24 countries, the ATP Cup will be played over ten days in the lead to the Australian Open across three cities: Brisbane, Sydney, and a yet to be named third Australian city.

Alongside the ATP Cup men’s team event, the Brisbane International will continue as an elite women’s competition. Brisbane will host key preliminary rounds of the new men’s team competition with the finals to be held in Sydney.

“The iconic Brisbane International attracts tens of thousands of visitors and injects close to $10 million into the state’s economy each year,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

“The ATP Cup will have a bigger international following ensuring we continue to attract tennis fans from around the country and the world to Brisbane to cheer on their favourite players.

“On top of that, the Brisbane International will continue to host the world’s best female players at Tennyson which will be the only women’s tennis event in Australia that week which means we’ll see the best action on court right here in Brisbane,” the Premier said.

The new ATP Cup is expected to attract more high-profile players from around the globe with more prize money and higher ranking points.

“In 2020, the Brisbane International will continue to grow with the world’s best male tennis players beginning their season in Brisbane in the all new ATP Cup which will see the players teaming up to represent their country for a share in 750 ATP Ranking points and $15m USD in prize money,” Tennis Australia Head of Major Events – Cameron Pearson said

The ATP Cup is scheduled to begin in 3 January 2020.

Worries Surface About Possible Disruptions Once Indooroopilly Bikeway Construction Begins

Photo credit: Google Street View

Construction for the Indooroopilly bikeway along Radnor St is anticipated to begin in early 2019.

With that in mind, Councillor Nicole Johnston shared her thoughts on the possible impact and repercussions that the project may have on life in the community.

Cr Johnston is concerned that residents will have to deal with noise disruptions and traffic for a project that will have “little or no benefit” for residents living on the south side.

“The project is a good one but it will not benefit Ambrose Treacy College students, and other cyclists and pedestrians on the southside if it does not connect safely to the Walter Taylor Bridge. My aim here is to make sure the project benefits both northside and southside residents equally,” Cr Johnston wrote in a Facebook post.

The councillor added that it would be a shame if southside residents could see this bikeway but not access it safely and easily.

Referring to the Bikeway Draft Plan released by the Brisbane City Council, Cr Johnston mentioned that it includes an off-road dedicated 5ms wide shared pathway along over the River but does not include a bikeway ramp link to or from the Walter Taylor Bridge.

In response to Cr Johnston’s remarks regarding the project, BCC’s Public and Active Transport chairman Adrian Schrinner said the planned construction works on the south side will be a critical link to the entire bikeway project.

Chairman Schrinner emphasized that there was no suitable location on the north due to “topography,” which leads to the decision of completing construction works on the south side.

He revealed that BCC investigated suitable locations for a temporary jetty and they selected a location at Chelmer because of its close proximity to the works. The Council believes it will reduce potential time and cost impacts and impacts to river traffic that a more distant location would generate.

BCC decided to expand the project into a 6m-wide bikeway and pedestrian path with a design similar to the 900m New Farm Riverwalk which costs around $70 million. The goal of creating the Indooroopilly bikeway is to increase the number of people walking or cycling to work to one-in-five commuters by 2026.

The bikeway project is part of the Council’s Better Bikeways 4 Brisbane program, aiming to create dedicated bikeways and active travel options with a $100 million investment from 2016 to 2020.

Find out more about the Indooroopilly Bikeway project by visiting the Brisbane City Council website.

Woolworths to Anchor Yeerongpilly Green Retail Precinct

The retail precinct development, anchored by Woolworths, at the Yeerongpilly Green urban renewal project has been launched as restoration and refurbishment works of heritage-listed properties — The Institute and The Stables — commences. The recently opened pedestrian walkway provides tennis fans a perfect link from Yeerongpilly Train Station to the Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson.

Acting Premier and Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick announced the official launch of the $250 million development program on 15 January. The 5,000-sqm retail precinct will be anchored by supermarket store chain Woolworths and is expected to generate around 100 jobs once it is completed.

“Woolworths commitment is the catalyst for development of Yeerongpilly Green’s village centre, which will be a major drawcard for prospective purchasers looking to secure a home in the first stage of this vibrant riverfront community,” Mr Dick said.

“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,” he said.

Together with the retail precinct launch, Consolidated Properties also announced the commencement of the $10 million restoration program for the two heritage-listed properties.

“Not only are we announcing Woolworths commitment to anchoring our village, we are also commencing development of one of two Heritage buildings,” Consolidated Properties Executive Chairman Don O’Rorke said

“The $5 million building will be completed mid-2019 and will be used as an experience centre incorporating a sales and display suite ready for our sales launch on 3 August at which our first 91 apartments and 10 townhomes will be formally released,” he said.

Yeerongpilly Green from Scharp Creative Studio on Vimeo.

Yeerongpilly Green’s 10-year construction will generate around 6,600 construction jobs. Once completed, the $850 million Yeerongpilly Green development is set be home to about 3,000 residents providing commercial and retail spaces, boutique hotel, parkland, and open spaces; providing 1,000 full-time long-term jobs.

“The Palaszczuk Government has invested $30 million into the creation of parks, plazas and infrastructure at Yeerongpilly Green, which will benefit residents, Brisbane locals and visitors, and we are extremely proud to have backed this economy-boosting project and the jobs it is generating for Queenslanders.”

“It’s fantastic to see this project evolve and the Palaszczuk Government has ensured the public areas are of an extremely high quality,” Member for Miller Mark Bailey said.

“The local community is excited by the notion that once this great new retail precinct is open, they will be able to enjoy the ease of shopping for groceries or grabbing something to eat or drink at their doorstep,” he said.

Graceville: One of top Brisbane Suburbs to Watch for in 2019

Graceville, along with Indooroopilly and Kippa-Ring, make up the top three Greater Brisbane suburbs to watch for in 2019, according to the latest research.

Brisbane house prices are seen to grow at a faster rate than any other markets, this year, predicts Domain. House prices did not move over the year to December 2018, however, in 2019, prices are expected to rise by four percent and will rise again by about five percent in 2020

After slipping by about six percent in 2018 and dropping by about nine percent from its 2016 peak of $411,000, unit prices are expected to grow by three percent in 2019 and 2020.

Hotspotting’s Price Predictor Index named the 29 Brisbane suburbs which steadily rose in demand in 2018 and should be watched for price growth in 2019. The report tracks increases in sales demand, which usually triggers price growth.

Among the Greater Brisbane regions, Moreton Bay Region tops with seven suburbs, followed by Brisbane-south region with five suburbs in the list. Brisbane-west has three, which include Graceville.

*Photo Credit: J Brew [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)] / via Wikimedia Commons*

The Greater Brisbane Suburbs to Watch in 2019 according to The Price Predictor Index:
(Region / Suburb / Median Price)

Moreton Bay

Albany Creek – $585,000
Banksia Beach – $560,000
Clontarf – $445,000
Eatons Hill – $600,000
Kippa-Ring – $430,000
Redcliffe (Houses) – $440,000
Redcliffe (Units) – $415,000
Burpengary – $465,000

Logan

Bethania Logan – $365,000
Logan Reserve – $410,000

Redland

Alexandra Hills – $470,000
Cleveland – $620,000
Mt Cotton – $550,000
Ormiston – $680,000

Brisbane-south

Annerley – $720,000
Corinda – $745,000
Mansfield – $680,000
Sunnybank Hills – $680,000
Tarragindi – $775,000

Brisbane-north

Bald Hills – $440,000
Geebung – $545,000
Gordon Park – $845,000
Stafford Heights – $605,000

Ipswich

Camira – $407,000
Brisbane-west
Graceville – $905,000
Indooroopilly (Houses) – $905,000
Indooroopilly (Units) – $475,000
Kenmore – $700,000

Brisbane-east

Tingalpa – $555,000
Wakerley – $755,000
Wynnum West – $540,000

Industry experts believe that the Brisbane housing market will rely on its relative housing affordability, rising population, dropping unemployment, infrastructure spending, and tightening supply to stay afloat this 2019.

Stellar Line-up of Grand Slam Champs to Highlight Brisbane International 2019 at Tennyson

It will be a star-studded tennis spectacle in Brisbane as seven Grand Slam champions converge at Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson for Brisbane International 2019.

Leading the pack is world number 2 Rafael Nadal, who is ready to challenge Novak Djokovic for the world number 1 ranking. Nadal first featured in Brisbane International in 2017, with fans filling up the Queensland Tennis Centre.

“I am really looking forward to starting another season in Brisbane. I’m so excited to be coming back in 2019,” said Nadal.

“The field is always strong and the venue is amazing.”

Rafa, who missed the last couple of months of the 2018 season due to injury, is on track to recovery and is currently playing at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship. He will be playing in Brisbane, then travel to Sydney as part of his preparation for the Australian Open in Melbourne.

“I’m looking forward to coming back to Brisbane, it’s such a great tournament and is always played in front of amazing fans,” Nadal added.

Other Grand Slam champs starting their summer in Brisbane are Andy Murray (GBR), Sloane Stephens (USA), Petra Kvitova (CZE), Jelena Ostapeno (LAT) and Sam Stosur (QLD).

Fans are also sure to have their eyes on Naomi Osaka, who made headlines after winning her first Grand Slam when she beat Serena Williams in the controversial 2018 US Open.

Osaka arrived in Australia on Christmas Eve.

Brisbane International Andy Murray Naomi Osaka — Andy Murray and Naomi Osaka all set for Brisbane International 2019 (Photo credit: naomiosakatennis/Instagram)

Defending men’s champion Nick Kyrgios (ACT) will also be coming back to Brisbane to defend his title. Brisbane’s own, and undoubtedly crowd favourite, John Millman will also feature at this year’s Brisbane International.

Official field for the 2019 Brisbane International:

Men – includes world rankings

Rafael Nadal (ESP) – No.2
Andy Murray (GBR) – No.2 ** Entry Protected
Kei Nishikori (JPN) – No.9
Kyle Edmund (GBR) – No.14
Daniil Medvedev (RUS) – No.16
Milos Raonic (CAN) – No.18
Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) – No.19
Alex De Minaur (NSW) – No.31
John Millman (Qld) – No.34
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) – No.34** Entry Protected
Nick Kyrgios (ACT) – No.36
Jeremy Chardy (FRA) – No.40
Taylor Fritz (USA) – No.49
Ryan Harrison (USA) – No.47
Leonardo Mayer (ARG) – No.56
Jan-Lennard Struff (GER) – No.57
Tennys Sandgren (USA) – No.61
Denis Kudla (USA) – No.63
Aljaz Bedene (SLO) – No.67
Mischa Zverev (GER) – No.69
Jordan Thompson (NSW) – No.72

Women – includes world rankings

Elina Svitolina (UKR) – No.4
Naomi Osaka (JPN) – No.5
Sloane Stephens (USA) – No.6
Petra Kvitova (CZE) – No. 7
Karolina Pliskova (CZE) – No.8
Kiki Bertens (NED) – No.9
Daria Kasatkina (RUS) – No.10
Anastasija Sevastova (LAT) – No.12
Elise Mertens (BEL) – No.13
Anna Kontaveit (EST) – No.21
Carla Suarez Navarro (ESP) – No.23
Mihaela Buzarnescu (ROU) – No.24
Camila Giorgi (ITA) – No.26
Lesia Tsurenko (UKR) – No.27
Aliaksandra Sasnovich (BLR) – No.30
Katerina Siniakova (CZE) – No.31
Donna Vekic (CRO) – No.34
Danielle Collins (USA) – No.35
Daria Gavrilova (Vic) – No.36
Johanna Konta (GBR) – No.37
Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) – No.43
Yulia Putintseva (KAZ) – No.45
Samantha Stosur (AUS) – No.73 (WC)

Watching the games at Ticket holders can avail of free transport to and from Queensland Tennis Centre via Queensland Rail train and Brisbane Transport bus services.

Tennis Fans With Pre-purchased Tickets Get to Travel Free to the Brisbane International 2019 to be Held in Tennyson

Tennis fans who have pre-purchased tickets for the Brisbane International 2019 will get to enjoy free rides, to and from the Queensland Tennis Centre in Tennyson.

Pre-purchased ticket holders could travel for free on Queensland Rail city network trains, Transport for Brisbane buses, and dedicated shuttle buses, according to Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey.

“Some of the best players in the world, including seven Grand Slam champions, will be on court and they are certain to draw huge support,” Mr Bailey said.

“I recommend spectators leave the car at home and enjoy a hassle-free visit on public transport.”

“The shuttle buses will run from Corinda train station to the Queensland Tennis Centre at a 20-minute frequency from 45 minutes before gates open until after the last match each night,” he said.

For Gold Coast line trains in both directions, there will be an additional stop at Yeerongpilly train station outside peak times.

“Yeerongpilly train station is less than a 15-minute walk to the Queensland Tennis Centre for customers travelling by train,” Mr Bailey said.

About Brisbane International

The Brisbane International is a professional tennis tournament established in 2009. The tournament is held every year at the Queensland Tennis Centre as part of the Australian Open Series, just before the first of the Grand Slam tournaments.

The Countdown is ON | Brisbane International 2018

Video Credit: Brisbane International / YouTube

The 2018 Brisbane International was held 31 December 2017 – 7 January 2018. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) defeated Ryan Harrison (USA) for the Men’ Singles. Whilst, Elina Svitolina (Ukraine) emerged victorious over Aliaksandra Sasnovich (Belarus) for the Women’s Singles.

Henri Kontinen (Finland) and John Peers (Aus) won the Men’s Doubles against Leonardo Mayer and Horacio Zeballos of Argentina. The Women’s Doubles was won, on the other hand, by Kiki Bertens and Demi Schuurs of The Netherlands against the duo of Andreja Klepač (Slovenia) and María José Martínez Sánchez (Spain)

The Brisbane International 2019 happens on 30 December 2018 – 6 January 2019 at the Queensland Tennis Centre, Tennyson.

For more information about the tournament, you may visit their website.

To plan your trip to the venue, visit the TRANSLink website here.

Queensland Tennis Centre | 190 King Arthur Terrace, Tennyson QLD 4105, Australia

Le Pig Cafe Offers a Unique Cafe Experience in Archerfield Airport

Located at Archerfield airport, Le Pig Cafe’s quirky set up offers a unique cafe experience to customers looking for good food and a quick caffeine fix before or after their flight.

Le Pig Cafe‘s ideal location makes it a great spot for travellers as well as history buffs. Apart from being a part of the Archerfield airport, the cafe also stands right next to God’s Acre cemetery.

The cafe’s French-inspired interior also suits its location with its feature wall showcasing posters of Paris and planes.

Customers may also choose to have a sip of their coffee on the cafe’s outdoor shaded tables with big umbrellas and under leafy trees. The outdoor setting has a great view of the adjacent burial grounds.

Cafe-goers can enjoy a cup of Somerset Artisan coffee which can be paired with the cafe’s banana bread, chocolate brownies, carrot cake, or caramel slice.

For hungry travellers, the cafe also serves sausage rolls, meat pies, and fresh sandwiches. They even have some Vietnamese fare such as rice paper rolls, noodle salads, and banh mi (baguettes).

If you have time to spare, you may also visit the nearby burial grounds of the original owners of the land, the Grennier family.

The Story Behind God’s Acre Cemetery

Photo credit: Kerry Raymond/Wikimedia Commons

In 1855, publican of South Brisbane’s Grenier’s Inn, Thomas Grenier, purchased and built on the land where Archerfield airport is currently located.

Unfortunately, in 1859, he lost his 16-year-old son Volney in a riding accident. It was said that the boy fell from his horse during a fox hunt.

Headstone for Volney Grenier, first burial in the cemetery. Photo credit: Kerry Raymond/Wikimedia Commons

Thomas Grenier and his wife then decided to bury their son on three quarters an acre of their land and called it God’s Acre.

It was subsequently used as burial grounds for members of the Grenier family. A number of local families in the district were also buried onsite.

Listed on the Brisbane heritage register, the cemetery remains to be a part of the Archerfield Airport.