The shutdown, announced with only one month’s notice, is scheduled to begin at 9:00 p.m. on September 13 and continue until 5:00 a.m. on 30 September 2024. This closure is part of essential maintenance work on the 90-year-old structure.
About the Walter Taylor Bridge Road Resurfacing
The maintenance project is comprehensive, involving full removal and replacement of road asphalt, concrete repairs to the bridge deck, waterproofing, and steel node maintenance. The work will require the use of heavy machinery and power tools, which is likely to cause noise, dust, and increased vehicle movements in the area.
Photo credit: Andrew Foley/Google Maps
The heritage-listed bridge, which serves over 35,000 users daily, plays a critical role in Brisbane’s traffic flow. Its closure is expected to cause significant disruption, forcing motorists to take substantial detours or switch to public transportation. The only vehicles permitted to cross during this period will be emergency vehicles under six tonnes and those no wider than 2m, using the adjacent Jack Pesch cycle and pedestrian link.
Local road closures
Road detour map – Walter Taylor Bridge resurfacing works (Photo credit: Brisbane City Council)
Local road closures will accompany the bridge shutdown. In Chelmer, Wharf Street between Rosebury Terrace and Honour Avenue will be closed, as will the northbound lane of Honour Avenue from Bridge Street onwards. The official detour route will direct traffic via Oxley Road, Seventeen Mile Rocks Road, and Centenary Highway.
Brisbane City Council has assured residents that measures will be in place to manage the changed traffic conditions, including police presence, traffic control, and signage. However, the short notice and extensive nature of the closure have raised concerns among local residents and businesses about potential disruptions.
Commuters are advised to plan their journeys in advance using the QLDTraffic app or website, or by calling 13 19 40 for up-to-date information. While the closure will undoubtedly cause inconvenience, the maintenance work is crucial for ensuring the longevity and safety of this important piece of Brisbane’s infrastructure.
As the Walter Taylor Bridge approaches its centenary, this maintenance project underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining ageing infrastructure in growing urban areas. The temporary pain of closure is balanced against the long-term gain of preserving a vital transport link for future generations of Brisbane residents.
Construction came to an abrupt halt in April when an unrecorded tip site was unearthed during the demolition of the old playground. While posing no health risk, the discovery prevents building on the site, as remediation costs are prohibitive.
This setback comes on the heels of budget cuts that removed funding for a separate remediation project at Gordon Thompson Oval, exacerbating the lack of available recreational spaces in the area.
In a bid to salvage the project, council officers are exploring the feasibility of relocating the ninja warrior course to Graceville Memorial Park, less than a kilometre away. This central location would serve both Chelmer and Graceville residents, maintaining the project’s accessibility.
While the old playground site will be grassed over and the swings will remain in place, the discovery has added the site to the contaminated land register.
Despite the disappointment, the project remains on track with sufficient funding allocated for installation at Graceville Memorial Park, pending heritage approvals. This unexpected turn of events highlights the challenges of urban development and the importance of thorough site assessments, but local authorities remain committed to delivering a new recreational facility to the community.
The 2024 International Women’s Day Fun Run was a resounding success, with a tidal wave of support sweeping across Brisbane and numerous regional communities in Queensland. This remarkable event rallied thousands of participants, united in their mission to combat breast cancer, raising an astonishing $1.78 million for the cause.
The streets of Brisbane’s CBD were awash with a “Sea of Pink” on March 10 as runners, walkers, and supporters donned pink outfits and accessories for the inspiring 5km and 10km events.
Thousands more joined in at 14 “virtual” fun run locations from Bowen to the Sunshine Coast organised by Mater Foundation.
Photo credit: Mater QLD/Instagram
Among the pink-clad masses were two incredibly inspiring women – Anna Finlayson and Anna Holland – both breast cancer survivors who embodied the event’s message of resilience, hope, and celebrating life.
Chelmer mother-of-two Ms Finlayson rallied her community from The Outdoor Club Graceville after receiving a shocking breast cancer diagnosis last year. Despite undergoing three surgeries including a mastectomy, her courage spurred them all to join the fun run.
Ms Holland, a teacher from Jamboree Heights State School, beamed with joy as she celebrated an incredible milestone – five years of being cancer-free after battling stage two HER2-positive breast cancer.
Photo credit: Mater QLD/Instagram
Her presence at this year’s Fun Run was a powerful testament to resilience in the face of adversity. Despite enduring a double mastectomy, gruelling rounds of chemotherapy, and radiation treatment, Ms Holland emerged as a true warrior, her spirit unbroken.
The record-smashing number of participants this year resulted in the event selling out within 25 days, despite organisers increasing the capacity by 3,000 spots to meet overwhelming demand.
Mater Foundation’s Chief Executive Andrew Thomas proclaimed this year’s International Women’s Day Fun Run as the largest in the event’s 33-year history.
Photo credit: Mater QLD/Instagram
“Queenslanders have supported this year’s fun run like never before – and we cannot thank them enough,” he said.
“Our supporters created a pink street party that stretched from South Bank to the Botanic Gardens – and beyond.
“It’s been a day of laughter and great memories – and a few tears too.
The $1.78 million raised through the fun run will bolster Mater’s efforts against breast cancer through funding critical medical research, procuring cutting-edge equipment, and offering more personalised patient services.
Residents in the affluent Brisbane suburb of Chelmer, along with neighbouring suburbs like Graceville and Sherwood, have resorted to drastic measures to combat rising youth crime rates. They’ve employed the services of a private security guard and his highly-trained dogs, spending thousands of dollars weekly in their bid to protect their community.
Frustrated with what they perceive as a lacklustre response from the government and courts regarding youth crime, residents have initiated community efforts to enhance safety.
One local, a young father, spearheaded these actions after a disturbing incident involving juveniles allegedly armed with machetes breaking into a mother’s home in Sherwood. He expressed discontent with government inaction and emphasised the urgency of addressing the escalating problem.
Patrols and Surveillance
Under the guidance of ex-army reservist Dan Walker, Walker Security conducts patrols equipped with highly visible vehicles and trained protection dogs. Daily reports from these patrols keep residents informed of any suspicious activities.
Photo Credit: Walker Security/Facebook
The visible presence of security personnel and their vigilant monitoring have significantly deterred criminal activities, contributing to a notable decrease in reported offences, particularly in Chelmer, where property values are high.
When the locals took matters into their own hands in November 2023, the residents claimed that crime rates plummeted by as much as 80 per cent in their area.
Chelmer Crime Statistics Feb 2023 to Feb 2024 Photo Credit: QPS
Based on the Queensland Police Services statistics, the number of offences like robbery, unlawful entry, and theft have decreased in the suburbs.
Chelmer Offences (Robbery, Unlawful Entry, Theft) – Aug 2023 to Feb 2024 Photo Credit: QPS
Chelmer Offences (Robbery, Unlawful Entry, Theft) – Nov 2023 to Feb 2024 Photo Credit: QPS
Police Response and Strategies for 2024
While community-led initiatives strive to mitigate immediate concerns, law enforcement agencies still grapple with long-term solutions.
Queensland’s Acting Assistant Commissioner for Youth Crime, Andrew Massingham, outlines police strategies for 2024, emphasising the need for swift action against violent youth offenders. With a focus on early intervention and prevention, police aim to address the root causes of youth crime while utilising technologies such as GPS trackers to monitor offenders.
Amidst these efforts, academic voices like Associate Professor Troy Allard from Griffith University, advocate for a systemic rethink in approaching youth justice.
Criticising the current emphasis on deterrence, Dr Allard suggests a shift towards prevention-focused interventions, highlighting the need for holistic support systems involving therapy and family supervision. Such initiatives, he argues, could yield more meaningful and sustainable outcomes in addressing youth crime.
Police Commissioner Steps Down
Amidst growing tensions within police ranks and criticisms over the handling of recent incidents, Police Commisioner Katarina Carroll announced her decision to step down during a meeting with Police Minister Mark Ryan at Brisbane Airport on 20 February 2024. Her resignation follows heightened speculation and comes in the wake of concerns over the state’s response to youth crime.
Despite Premier Steven Miles’ previous support, Carroll emphasised the need to “clear the air” and allow the Queensland Police Service to focus on addressing critical issues. As discussions swirl around her departure, attention turns to the future leadership of the force and the ongoing challenges in tackling youth offending.
Commissioner Carroll’s last day will be on 1 March 2024, months out from when her contract was due to finish. She was appointed to the role in 2019, becoming the first woman in the position after serving as commissioner of the Queensland Fire and Emergency Service.
The Chelmer real estate market has made headlines with a breathtaking sale. Within mere days of being listed, a riverfront mansion at 116 Queenscroft St, Chelmer, has fetched an astounding $8.45 million, smashing records and setting a new real estate record for the suburb.
The sale now stands as the second-largest residential transaction in the history of Chelmer, showcasing the undeniable appeal of this picturesque riverside community.
Dramatic entryway to the property Photo Credit: Properstar
The property, a spacious family home nestled on a sprawling 1923-square-meter parcel of land, has been part of Chelmer’s landscape since its acquisition in July 2010 for $5.35 million by the previous owners. Their decision to downsize has sparked this incredible sale, which underscores the vibrancy of Chelmer’s real estate market.
One of the 5 bedrooms inside the property Photo Credit: Properstar
Local real estate agents Heath Williams and Ann-Karyn Fraser collaborated to market this property, and the results were nothing short of astonishing. A local family from the Chelmer area emerged as the successful buyer, securing the property just 12 hours after it was listed. Such swift action underscores the intense competition in the market, as two eager buyers submitted offers within days.
The luxurious living room overlooking the view of a lake Photo Credit: Properstar
What makes this mansion truly exceptional are its features—a luxurious five-bedroom, five-bathroom layout, complete with an inviting infinity pool and lounge deck, a private pontoon, a wine cellar, and roomy garaging for four vehicles. Its north-facing orientation, immunity to flooding, and idyllic riverfront location undoubtedly contributed to its allure.
View of the relaxing infinity pool and lounge deck Photo Credit: Properstar
According to Heath Williams, the limited availability of comparable properties in Chelmer, coupled with economic stability and stagnant interest rates, has motivated buyers to seize opportunities. “There’s limited stock, and I think everyone’s gotten tired of waiting for the world to collapse and are just getting on with it. There’s a lot of activity suddenly. Interest rates have been on hold for a while now, so people are seeing it as safe to wade back into the water.”
The infinity pool and lounge deck at daytime overlooking the Brisbane River Photo Credit: Properstar
This record-breaking sale follows Mr. Williams’ previous success in the Chelmer market when he brokered the $8.8 million sale of 37 Morley Street two years ago. Additionally, a historic home at 44 Moreton St, New Farm, recently sold for a sum higher than its asking price of over $4.1 million.
Floor plan of the whole property Photo Credit: Properstar
The ongoing success of Chelmer’s property market continues to captivate its residents and reaffirms the enduring appeal of this charming riverside community.
To build or not to build a new bridge from Chelmer to Indooroopilly: the question has been the subject of much discussion and debate since the idea was floated and particularly in recent months.
Earlier this year, Brisbane City Council presented six options for a potential new bridge aimed at alleviating severe congestion on the existing Walter Taylor Bridge. Here are the potential solutions:
A four-lane downstream bridge and overpass near the rail line
A four-lane downstream bridge with a short under rail tunnel on Coonan St
A new four-lane bridge going upstream
Shifting Walter Taylor Bridge to two lanes northbound, whilst building another two-lane southbound bridge
Shifting Walter Taylor Bridge to two lanes southbound and then adding a new two-lane bridge northbound
No action despite the severe congestion at Walter Taylor Bridge
Community Feedback
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Although most residents agree something must be done to address congestion around the Walter Taylor Bridge, some have presented their own ideas for improving transportation in the area that don’t involve constructing another bridge.
BCC has summarised the insights identified through community consultation, based on data gathered from the pre-feasibility study conducted:
There is a high level of community support for infrastructure solutions, with 85% of respondents suggesting a need for infrastructure upgrade and a want to see improvements to the district and river crossing.
More than 70% of respondents suggested upgrading infrastructure by building another bridge or increasing capacity of the existing Walter Taylor Bridge, by making traffic improvements north and south of the river to reduce congestion and improve travel time reliability of road users.
63% of respondents cross the river three or more days in a week and 79% of respondents said congestion, travel time or reliability are the main challenges when crossing the river.
18% of respondents outlined a need for direct and more frequent bus and train services, including more connections servicing the northern and southern suburbs and better access to parking in and around the train stations.
12% of respondents wanted more active transport links to local paths and cycleways.
Meanwhile Cr Nicole Johnston (Tennyson Ward) argues that a new bridge will simply dump more cars onto already congested roads like Coonan Street and turn residential streets into thoroughfares. She advocates for improving public transportation as a preferable alternative.
Photo credit: Brisbane City Council
Cr Johnston suggested making public transport for students free during school and university terms. She also called for more local bus loops connecting to train stations, extending the CityCat network, building new bike paths where they were lacking, and upgrading problematic intersections.
The opponents of a new bridge from Chelmer to Indro argue proper investigation is needed to determine the optimal location for improved river crossings in Brisbane’s western suburbs. They contend projects improving transportation options apart from private vehicles deserve priority consideration.
The debate seems guaranteed to continue as officials weigh the costs and benefits of relieving congestion on the bridge so vital for connectivity between Brisbane’s inner west and southwest. For now, the outcome remains uncertain.
Imagine a school where students come from over 41 different countries, many of them refugees from war-torn regions or children of migrants, all of them speaking languages other than English. These children are the reasons why Milpera State High School in Chelmer came into being.
Named after the Aboriginal word meaning “a meeting place of brothers and sisters,”Milpera State School brings hope and opportunity to children and youth who have moved to Australia from all over the world under challenging, mostly disadvantaged, circumstances.
“Milpera is an intensive English-language school, and our kids come from more than 41 different countries to learn English to prepare them to go on to high schools, or…to TAFE.”
Julie Peel, Principal of Milpera State High School
With a commitment to maximising the full potential of every student within a socially just and culturally inclusive environment, Milpera State High School is a rarity among schools in the country as they aim to address the needs of young people who need to assimilate into a new country and learn a new language whilst getting a good education.
Established in 1979, this special-purpose state high school has been providing intensive English language education and settlement services to empower its diverse student population to flourish in their new lives in Australia.
Milpera was originally based on the grounds of Corinda State High School, close to the migrant hostel in Wacol, which shut down in 1987. Around that same period, the facility outgrew its site and relocated to its present address along Parker St in Chelmer.
Its name was changed from Corinda Special School to Milpera State High School to reflect its vision and mission for being. The school also took in students from Darra, aside from Corinda, Wacol and Chelmer.
Before the 1970s, the need for a school like Milpera was minimal. Back then, Australia’s policy favoured migration from specific European countries, resulting in fewer challenges for non-English speaking students.
However, as times changed, the school encountered various waves of migrant groups, influenced by geopolitical conflicts and changing migration policies of the government.
As a result, Milpera acted as a proactive barometer that adapted to the circumstances that required constant flexibility. The school adjusted its multilingual, multinational teacher aides to align with the changing language requirements of its students.
Because of the rich cultural diversity and linguistic backgrounds of its students, Milpera has comprehensive educational and settlement services that are tailored to meet the specific needs of each learner and their family, ensuring the best outcomes.
Highly-Skilled Teachers
At Milpera, the teaching team and staff understand the challenges faced by their students, who often hail from low socioeconomic backgrounds and experience upheaval.
The school’s support system is robust, providing essential guidance to help students navigate these obstacles.
English is taught through language, literacy, and literature, as well as humanities topics, mathematics, science, and health and physical education. Additionally, students enjoy the therapeutic benefits of art and develop valuable coding skills.
The school also has a program called “Milpera Live” to deliver lessons online, a robust tool that enables educators to reach students in unconventional ways.
The principal, Julie Peel, talks about Milpera Live.
The educators at the school possess formal qualifications in teaching English as an Additional Language and employ innovative approaches to impart the right skills across various subjects.
“…we have a new student in one of our classrooms who’s using an iPad to communicate with us… they use (the technology) as a tool to learn. So it absolutely does speed up and enhance their experience of being a bit more joy in the classroom.”
Abdul Le Ibrahimi, Teacher Aide
A Sense of Belonging
Today, the school welcomes both permanent residents and those with temporary or bridging visas, with all students approved by the Minister for Education to attend school in Australia.
Beyond academics, Milpera fosters good settlement and a strong sense of belonging through carefully curated learning experiences and an extensive extra-curricular program.
At the school, conflicts and divisions from students’ home countries are left behind, allowing Muslim and Christian students, as well as individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, to coexist peacefully.
Students from the same regions often find more common ground than divisions, sharing similar interests in food, art, music, and sports.
Central to the school’s mission is equipping students with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an Australian classroom and beyond. The student-centered curriculum is designed to offer highly contextualised language learning experiences, ensuring that students develop the English language proficiency necessary for their future academic and career pathways.
“It’s an extremely rewarding school to work in because we do get ot observe that great distance travelled.”
Julie Peel, Principal of Milpera State High School
Despite the many challenges faced by its students, Milpera State High School has achieved exceptional outcomes. The school’s holistic approach to education, which encompasses not only language acquisition but also settlement skills and values such as gender equality, contributes to the students’ overall success.
Brisbane has a new flood information online tool that will help people find and verify information easier, including the history of past floodings that devastatingly impacted suburbs like Oxley, Graceville, Chelmer and Sherwood.
The new online tool aims to help Brisbane residents become more flood-resilient and better prepared for severe weather disturbances. The tool was developed after over a thousand ground surveys and hydrology or hydraulic models to generate updated maps. Inspections were also undertaken at 550 sites across 90 vital locations.
The map has shown that flood-prone sites over the Walter Taylor Bridge were far more impacted during the 2011 flooding compared to 2022 whilst the overland flow in the northern suburbs was significantly bigger during the recent floods compared to a decade ago.
“We’ve rolled out new, interactive flood maps and updated our FloodWise Property Reports to help you better understand your flood risk and how it could impact your home and local area,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.
“We’ve used the best tools and technology available to create user-friendly maps, which display information with clearer navigation, simpler language, and improved functionality across devices.
We can’t stop severe weather, but we can be better prepared and the new Flood Information Online tool is available 24/7.”
To complement the online tool, Council is also encouraging residents to download the free Brisbane Severe Weather Alerts.
“More than 11,750 residents have signed up for the free alerts since the February flood event, but it remains important if you’re not registered to sign up so you can be prepared,” the mayor said.
Meanwhile, for Oxley, Chelmer, Graceville and Sherwood residents who were affected by the February flooding, a series of community information sessions about the Resilient Homes Fund are still ongoing, per Cr Nicole Johnston of the Tennyson Ward.
Staverton Kindergarten, the only kindergarten in the Chelmer-Graceville-Sherwood area, has received the highest rating set by the National Quality Standard (NQS) for children’s education.
Following a rigorous assessment, the school has exceeded in all seven quality areas of the NQS, such as educational program and practice, children’s health and safety, physical environment, staffing arrangements, relationships with children, and collaborative partnerships with families and communities, and governance and leadership.
The NQF for early childhood education and care was agreed by all Australian governments to get better education and development outcomes for children using education and care services. Its implementation is guided by the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority (ACECQA).
“An overall rating of Exceeding NQS is given to services that go above and beyond the requirements of the NQS in at least four of the seven quality areas,” President Anastasia Kostellar of Staverton Kindergarten said.
“To have received the exceeding standard in each of the seven quality areas is a wonderful achievement that reflects the commitment and capabilities of the educators and management, along with families and our local community, to provide an outstanding kindergarten experience to the children in our care,” she added.
“Our strong emphasis on child-led play-based learning, our genuinely caring staff, our attention to detail, our fantastic educational program, and our relationships with families and the community were highlighted as being exceptional,” Carrie Grassick, Nominated Supervisor at Staverton said.
The great news comes as Staverton Kindergarten is set to undergo major improvements to its outdoor play area in mid-2022.
“Staverton’s large, shaded and secure outdoor space is a fantastic resource for the children to play, learn and explore nature. We are so excited about the new playground and seeing the children enjoy their new environment,” said Kristy Coombs, Educational Leader at Staverton Kindergarten.
The Graceville property market exhibited a remarkable 36% growth, bringing the median house price up to over a million, whilst properties in Chelmer continued their steady upward trend, showing 10% growth and fast movement for the 12-month period ending September 2021.
Highlights
Chelmer’s property market rose by 10.42 per cent, setting the median house price at $1,325,000.
Graceville’s property market is up by an astonishing 35.50 per cent, pulling the median house price to the million-dollar mark at $1,255,000.
Buyer activity in both suburbs was steady and brisk, with average days on the market of 61 days for Chelmer and 32 days for Graceville.
House Price Growth in Chelmer
Over the Walter Taylor Bridge is Chelmer, the suburb seating on the south side of the river bend, where house price growth has scaled up by 10.42 per cent between October 2020 to September 2021. Per figures from Property Market Updates, the current median price for this period is now at a cushy $1,325,000.
Buyer activity in this lovely suburb 20 minutes away from the CBD has generated 76 sales within an average of 61 days on the market. Properties with four or five bedrooms were more favoured by established professionals with children, who are on to their second or third homes.
A luxury five-bedroom riverfront house on the Jacaranda-lined streets of Longman Terrace sold the highest price for $8,000,000. Just 600 metres away from the train station and a short walk to the Indooroopilly Shoppingtown, this house has easy access to Brisbane Boy’s College, St Aidan’s, and the University of Queensland.
House Price Growth in Graceville
Chelmer’s neighbour, Graceville, offers a similar vibe for families who want schools, parks, and shops so close to home. In the last decade, many Queenslanders in this suburb have been turned into dining spots with a mix of old and modern interiors. The increasing improvements have added to Graceville’s charm and appeal as a family-friendly location and it has also driven house prices up by an outstanding 35.50 per cent.
From October 2020 to September 2021, Graceville’s median house price has crossed over the million-dollar mark at $1,255,00 from $925,000 in the previous year, per figures from Property Market Updates. A total of 86 houses were sold during this period with an average listing of just 32 days on the market.
The historic Molonga estate along Molonga Terrace, which was built at the turn of the 20th century alongside Graceville’s very exclusive high side, sold the highest price at $3,680,000 for this period. The house, with plenty of spacious and elegant living spaces, is minutes away from some of the best schools in the state like the Graceville State School, St Peter’s Lutheran College, and St Aidan’s Girls’ School.
About Chelmer
The relaxing lifestyle in Chelmer has definitely risen up from the devastating 2011 Brisbane flooding that has had such a significant effect on the properties. However, in the last few years, buyers have seen value in the Chelmer property market as evidenced in the yearly increase of its house median prices.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Invariably, investors look to Chelmer because it has some of the most beautiful Queenslanders in the city, characterised by its verandahs and wide staircases, which could be rebuilt or renovated into their dream homes. In fact, some of the houses have been modernised into brick builts and other urban architecture but Chelmer is still primarily zoned as a low-density residential area.
The most appealing properties are on Laurel Avenue, which is lined by 100-year-old Camphor Laurel trees. Honour Avenue, on the other hand, is Chelmer’s busiest precinct since it is close to the train line. On the weekends, families can be seen spending their downtimes with nature at the Taylor Bridge Reserve or Gordon Thomson Park.
“A lovely leafy suburb with residents who take pride in maintaining their properties. It is perfect if you want to be close to town, with great transport, but not in the city itself. A mix of old Queenslanders and new builds. Lots of green park spaces, sporting facilities including netball courts, and close to Graceville shops and shopping centre of Indooroopilly. Great walking and biking too. We are new to Brisbane and were instantly attracted to the area, and purchased here. Loving it”
Melanie
About Graceville
A major drawcard for those who live in Graceville is its reliable transport system, with two train lines running through the suburb, which brings kids to school or their part-time jobs and parents to their place of work.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Since it is one of Brisbane’s oldest suburb, buyers can find plenty of Queenslanders and post-war homes in this area. However, Graceville has had some gentrification and renovation in the last decade with commercial centres and small businesses thriving near the transport hubs. Modern homes have also replaced some of the old houses, which have driven the house median house prices up.
Graceville is a quiet neighbourhood close to the CBD. In the mornings, it’s common to find early risers strolling along the river or the park or going for their coffee run on Honour Avenue.
“Situated under 8km from the Brisbane CBD, Graceville is a quiet, leafy residential suburb bordering the Brisbane River. One of the city’s older suburbs, Graceville has some fine old Colonials, Queenslanders, post-war, and grand modern homes with many opportunities for renovation and growth. With its own train station situated along the city line, along with a great bus system, transportation to the rest of Brisbane is fast and convenient.”
