Graceville Archives - Page 4 of 6 - Over The Walter Taylor Bridge

Graceville Community Stands United Against Gym Development

Graceville residents are strongly opposed to a proposed multi-level gym complex on Graceville Avenue, fearing it will cause significant traffic and parking chaos.

The community is dissatisfied due to a potential gym centre that only offers 37% of the required parking spaces as per City Plan 2014 guidelines.

This lack of parking spaces implies that most gym-goers will have to park on the surrounding streets, resulting in traffic congestion and inconvenience for residents and passers-by.

This issue was brought to light following a Council pre-lodgement advice dated 7 September 2022, which seemingly overlooked the need for sufficient parking for a gym of this scale.

Total Fusion Graceville gym development — *Photo Credit: DA A006237386*

The advice permitted a mere 150 parking spaces, starkly contrasted with the over 400 spaces required under the council’s policies for indoor sport and recreation facilities.

In March 2023, developers of the gym, Total Fusion, filed DA A006237386, which has been under assessment with the city planners. The DA has since received more than 770 submissions from the locals.

Voices from the Community

The residents of Graceville are not only concerned about parking but also about their quality of life, safety, and preserving the character of their neighbourhood. Local forums and submissions to the Council reflect a deep-seated fear that the gym’s presence will exacerbate traffic congestion, reduce safety for cyclists and pedestrians, and strain already burdened infrastructure such as Oxley Road and the Walter Taylor Bridge.

Sally Symonds, a resident, believes that the gym is unsuitable for the area’s existing infrastructure and community fabric.

“It’s clear the proposed development does not fit into the space available, and the city does not have the infrastructure to support a facility of this size in this area,” Ms Symonds said.

“It is a destination business that needs to attract patrons from many suburbs away to compete in the area’s already saturated health and wellness market. Traffic and congestion will be a nightmare for everyone. “

A Call for Rethinking Development

Beyond traffic and congestion, residents point out that the development raises significant concerns about housing, environmental sustainability, and community well-being.

“Graceville boasts a unique character with over 48% of its properties designated as residential and character residential. The introduction of a destination business of this magnitude threatens to disrupt the essence of our suburb,” another local said in the DA submissions.

“Approving such an expansive project sets a worrying precedent for larger and taller structures within our community. Historical trends have shown that such precedents tend to escalate over time. Our neighbourhood lacks robust public transportation infrastructure, compounding our concerns.”

Locals are urging Council to reconsider the development given the scale and scope of the property.

Published 20-March-2024

Safeguarding Chelmer: Residents Take Charge Against Youth Crime

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.

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 stats — 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.

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.

Published 20-Feb-2024

Bus Wedged Under Bridge in Graceville

Photo Credit: Pixabay / doctor-a

A Translink bus became wedged under a bridge in Graceville causing traffic disruptions and train delays on Tuesday afternoon.

May be an image of 3 people, train and text — Photo Credit: Facebook / Paul Tully Media

The incident occurred on Graceville Oxley Road at approximately 3:20 pm. There were no passengers on board as the bus was not in service, ensuring that no one was injured or trapped in the vehicle.

Authorities responded quickly to the scene, with emergency crews on-site to assist in freeing the bus. An exclusion zone was established, affecting several streets in the area. Motorists were urged to avoid the region due to the ongoing operation.

The situation lasted for nearly three hours, but by 6:10 pm, the bus was successfully dislodged from under the bridge, and the scene was cleared. Train services, which were initially disrupted, were gradually returning to normal operations.

Despite the resolution of the incident, residual train delays persisted, impacting commuters on the Airport, Beenleigh, and Gold Coast lines. Delays of up to 30 minutes longer than usual were experienced.

This unusual occurrence has prompted questions regarding safety measures and protocols for oversized vehicles in the area, as well as the potential impact on public transportation services in the region. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to prevent similar situations in the future.

The Graceville bridge incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and safety regulations in the transport sector, as well as the need for efficient traffic management and coordination during such emergencies.

Published 4-November-2023

Ardo’s Wine Bar Expands to Graceville

Photo Credit: Instagram/Ardoswine

Did you know that hybrid micro-cellar and bar Ardo’s, from the City Winery team, with its carefully curated line-up of exceptional wines and pintxos-style eats, is now in Graceville?

Ardo’s has been winning hearts since its inception in Newstead in early 2023. Now, with the opening of Ardo’s Graceville, the City Winery team continues to foster and create wine-loving communities throughout Brisbane.

The Graceville site retains the unique character of its sister venue, with an Australian and minimal intervention-focused wine list that showcases local winemakers alongside City Winery’s core collection.

The venue itself, with seating for 35 guests and a cocktail-style setup for 50, boasts an open and green-hued ambience that perfectly reflects the suburb’s vibe.

Careful attention was given to designing the space, highlighting a stunning tree that now serves as the centrepiece of the dining area.

Ardo's Gracevile — Photo Credit: Instagram/Ardoswine

Committed to championing local producers who prioritize minimal intervention practices, Ardo’s Graceville offers a premium selection of high-end drops, ensuring that there’s a perfect sip for every special occasion.

The venue also introduces an expanded menu that includes delectable snacks like prosciutto-wrapped scallops in harissa butter, while still staying true to its original concept of pintxos-style snacks.

Guests can order these snacks by the piece and pair them with their favourite wine. Additionally, provisions such as cheeses, charcuterie, and other accoutrements are available, allowing patrons to assemble their own palate-pleasing platters.

For those eager to deepen their wine knowledge, Ardo’s offers more than just a delightful dining experience. The Ardo’s team will introduce cheese and wine as well as food and wine matching workshops at the Graceville site in addition to their well-liked Wineslam events. These classes aim to create an inclusive and down-to-earth environment for wine enthusiasts to learn and explore without any pretentiousness.

Request Function Packages

While Ardo’s Graceville has already opened its doors to eager patrons, the City Winery team has more exciting plans in the works. Talks are circulating about a third Ardo’s location currently under construction, with an anticipated opening date set for the end of the financial year.

Published 9-June-2023

Hungry For Fish And Chips? Get Your Cravings Fixed At Three Girls Fishing In Graceville

Three Girls Fishing is a fish and chips shop in Graceville best known for their prawn cutlets, Cod, grilled snapper, and barramundi.

Read: Inside Ceylon Inn, One of Brisbane’s Few Sri Lankan Restaurants

Founded by Caroline Jones in 2021, the restaurant makes everything in-house and sources their fish from the waters of Australia and New Zealand.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Ms Jones also owns the Three Girls Skipping cafe, also based in Graceville and specialises in cakes, baked goodies, and comfort food, such as chicken and corn soup and beef and mushroom pie.

Photo credit: three girls fishing/Facebook

The cabinet at Three Girls Fishing is always stocked with salads and fresh fish. There are burgers, sides, and sauces, in addition to seafood which are also available for takeaway.

Specials include Red Emperor, known for its firm flesh and delicate flavour that’s best grilled to match their soba Noodle salad with roasted sesame dressing.

They have brought back their Taco Tuesdays in 2023, delighting fans of their special fish tacos. Oysters are now also available from the store every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Leave room for dessert, including their soft serve which comes in vanilla bean flavour and panna cotta, with flavours like milk chocolate panna cotta with choc crumble; cereal milk; and Cadbury creme egg.

Photo credit: Terry Anderson/Google Maps

The restaurant features a no frills interior, with a few tables outside for those who prefer al fresco dining. BYO is allowed, though you can choose from their impressive selection of drinks which include milkshakes and thickshakes.

Read: Graceville Home Values Pass the Million-Dollar Mark; Chelmer Shows Double-Digit Growth

Three Girls Fishing is open from Tuesday to Saturday at Shop 4, 409 Honour Avenue Graceville. Follow them on Facebook for updates.

One of the best fish and chip establishment’s in all of Brisbane! Certainly around the Graceville Indooroopilly area. Purchased the 4 cod family meal and the quality and quantity was exceptional!! So blessed to call this place my local.
Shane Dalupan

My husband is coeliac and has waited a long time to be able to have fish and chips again. The gluten free crumbed fish is so good, I even have it by choice (I am not coeliac!). The staff are always friendly as well. We are so lucky to have this restaurant in our area.
L V

Published 21-March-2023

Normanby Hounds Lodges Plans for a Stylish, Modern Clubhouse in Graceville

Photo Credit: DA A006114269/BCC

The Normanby Hounds, one of the oldest rugby leagues in Brisbane, could soon have a new clubhouse. Designs have been submitted to update the existing Graceville clubhouse into a stylish and modern building with updated amenities.

Plans have been lodged with Council to transform the outdated facility into a new two-storey building with restaurants or bars, private function rooms, offices and meeting rooms, broadcast and camera areas, as well as better changing rooms for the home and away teams.

There will also be plenty of outdoor and indoor viewing with inviting large windows and balconies included in the design.

According to DA A006114269, the rebuild will remove and replace the existing clubhouse. The new facility will take up a 1,052-sqm gross floor area whilst the car parking spaces will remain the same.

Mode Design did the plans for the Normanby United Sports Club, which wants the new space to support the sports and recreational uses of the clubhouse.

Normandy Hounds — *Photo Credit: DA A006114269/BCC*

“Despite the proposed development providing for extensions which result in a new built form replacing the current clubhouse structure, the proposal does not result in any adverse negative impacts on the surrounding built form and premises. The development does not alter the existing access and car parking arrangement, or the infrastructure and servicing provided to the site,” the development application stated.

Normanby Hounds, also known as the Normanby Rugby League Football Club, is one of the oldest rugby leagues in Brisbane. Formed in 1947, the club used to be based at the Normanby Hotel. The team competes at the Brisbane Rugby League and the Brisbane Second Division Rugby League.

New Flood Information Online Tool Goes Live

Photo Credit: Screengrabbed from Flood Information Online Tool

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.

Your Input Needed on the Planned Bus Network Services Changes

Photo Credit: Dave Brown/Flickr

Important route changes to combine and simplify Brisbane’s bus network services will soon be adopted to meet future demands and improve the experience of commuters, including those in Graceville and the nearby suburbs.

However, before making these changes, a series of community information sessions will be conducted until the 14th of December 2022 across different suburbs so residents may be able to share their ideas and suggestions.

For residents in and around Graceville, the community information session will be held on Saturday, the 12th of November 2022, at the Pamphlett-Tennyson Sea Scout Den on 284 Graceville Ave.

Locals may also participate by completing the online survey.

Civic Cabinet Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy is encouraging locals to participate in these drop-in sessions to help the Council map out a solid new bus network services plan.

“By 2041 our population will increase by almost 25 per cent and it is important the bus network evolves as our city grows,” Mr Murphy said.

“At peak times there are currently more than 385 buses jamming up the Cultural Centre Station, which is a result of our current over-reliance on direct bus journeys from the suburbs to the CBD.

“As part of the changes, a number of routes will be combined to simplify the network and some routes with extremely low patronage will be removed.

Brisbane bus network services changes — Photo Credit: BCC

“This allows us to make better use of our resources to give high frequency services to more streets, introduce new routes and deliver more reliable services from the suburbs to the city.

“The improvements being delivered through the Brisbane Metro will help to significantly ease bottlenecks in the current network and prevent future problems as we grow.

“Brisbane’s New Bus Network redesigns services to connect customers to the two high-frequency Metro lines between Eight Mile Plains and Roma Street and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and the University of Queensland.

“There is also significant scope to expand the Metro further into Brisbane’s north and east through investment into the dedicated bus network.

“We want residents to join the conversation and provide their feedback to help us create the best possible transport network.”

After the community information sessions, Council will work with Translink and release the new network plan. The bus network services changes will be adopted in late 2024.

Honour Ave Cellars: Tiny Graceville Wine Bar/Bottle Shop Offers Huge Selection of Obscure Wines

With over 150 labels on offer and 2,500 wine bottles stored in a 28-sqm space, Honour Ave Cellars in Graceville might seem tiny, but the lack of space has certainly not cramped their style as one of Brisbane’s well-stocked watering holes.

Sommelier Chris Siktars carefully planned out what he really wanted for his wine bar/bottle shop hybrid before opening the shop in October 2021. He made sure to have a good number of Eastern European wines, including those that come from his family’s vineyards in Hungary, which might be unheard of in the Southern Hemisphere.

Some of the bottles at Honour Ave Cellars are obscure, rare vintages that won’t likely be restocked once it’s sold, which is why Chris has also set up his shop to sell wine by the glass to give wine lovers a chance to sample his unique discoveries.

To elevate the experience, the venue also offers food to pair with the wine chosen from an uncomplicated menu that includes salumi (cured meats), varieties of cheese, handmade potato gnocchi, slow-cooked Nduja ragu, crumbed Noosa swordfish, Stracciatella and four cheese Arancini.

Customers of Honour Ave Cellars may nibble a few bites at the table set up the middle of the shop whilst a few steps away, Chris stands by the counter, pouring a glass of vino or slicing the cured meats. The store’s entrance also has seats al fresco.

*Photo Credit: Honour Ave Cellars/Facebook*

The chic concept of this wine bar/bottle shop hybrid, a commonplace in Europe, will make guests feel like the place is someone’s private and intimate cellar. So, if you’re looking for intimate drinking and dining place, head down to this shop in Graceville.

Follow Honours Ave Cellars on Facebook for updates.

“A hidden gem in the burbs with a fantastic selection of fine wine, exquisite food and friendly staff who will go above and beyond. Thank you for a wonderful dining experience, I will be back.”
Ngaire Abberton

“Great food, wine and service. I can’t believe they had Turkish wine, it taste’s nice. Had an awesome time. My wife and I will be returning. Thank you.”
Tony Alkan

“Every once in a while you come across a little gem of a place that punches well above its weight, and Honour Ave Cellars is one of those. The quality of food they produce from their little kitchen is simply outstanding. Couple this with amazing wines and friendly, knowledgeable staff and you’re on a real winner. I cannot recommend this place enough. Do yourself a favour and settle in here for a sunny afternoon of bliss.”
Alan Duffield

Graceville’s Western Suburbs Bulldogs Makes Strong Start in Sci-Fleet Motors First Grade Premiership

Having won last season’s Sci-Fleet Motors First Grade Premiership, the Western Suburbs Bulldogs started off their defence of the Cam Battersby Cup with a win.

Read: Australian Pearls Rugby Captain coming to St Aidan’s Sports Awards

Sam Truloff led the way last season in the two-day comp, with an extraordinary average of 111.6 across the 13 matches.

His knock of 114 (his highest score of the season so far) in the first innings against Souths proved a matchwinner for the Western Suburbs and got the defending champions off to a great start.

The match at Norman Gray Oval in Yeronga ended in a win for Wests by 1 wicket.

Western Suburbs Bulldogs - Cricket Score

Skipper Paddy Dooley chipped in with a very handy 49 and 4 for 38 with the ball. He is currently the season’s top wicket-taker for Wests in 1st Grade, averaging a wicket every 5 overs at 23.28 runs.

Many remember Chris Sabburg as the man who caught Kevin Pietersen when on as a sub for Ryan Harris in the 2013 Ashes. Chris proved to be the season’s main strike bowler so far, with a wicket every 10 balls at 11.53, although those figures are based on his performance in the KFC T20 Max Competition, in which Wests went down to Souths in the Semi-Final.

Read: Weemalla House In Corinda Stands As Symbol Of Brisbane’s Elite In The Early 20th Century

The 29-year-old Truloff recently top-scored with 49 for QLD against South Australia in the Marsh Cup, amongst a strong batting line-up that included Usman Khawaja and Matt Renshaw, having made his List A debut for the Bulls last season.

see the FUll scorecard