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Story Bridge Restoration: City Hall Savior Takes on New Challenge

Nigel Chamier, the project manager who successfully led the massive three-year restoration of Brisbane City Hall, has been tapped to spearhead efforts to extend the life of the Story Bridge.

Read: Calls for the Restoration of Story Bridge Faces as Centenary Approaches

This appointment comes as the landmark structure nears the end of its design lifespan, prompting concerns about its future viability.

City hall — Photo credit: Peter Bowring/Google Maps

The Story Bridge, built from 1935 to 1940, was engineered to last a century – a standard approach for Australian bridges built during that period. With just 16 years left until it reaches its centennial, city leaders now face the complex task of prolonging its functionality beyond its initial design specifications.

Cr Adrian Schrinner announced Mr Chamier’s appointment last week, revealing that he had reached out to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to seek federal financial backing for the initiative. Cr Schrinner emphasised that the scope of the project necessitates cooperation from all levels of government, as it exceeds the city’s current resources.

Mr Chamier, a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2008 for his contributions to the property industry, brings extensive experience to the role.

His portfolio includes overseeing the $215 million restoration of Brisbane City Hall from 2010 to 2013 and managing the refurbishment of Anzac Square in the CBD in 2019. He has also held prominent positions such as Chair of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation and the Games Infrastructure Authority.

The Lord Mayor stressed the significance of the Story Bridge to the city’s infrastructure, noting that its restoration would not only preserve a nationally recognised landmark but also ensure continued smooth traffic flow. He expressed hope that the project would extend the bridge’s service life by another century.

Mr Chamier conveyed his enthusiasm for the project, indicating his intention to explore all possible avenues for preserving the longevity of this national icon.

Read: Kangaroo Point Bridge Reaches 90% Completion, Newest Landmark Takes Shape in Brisbane

The restoration is expected to be a substantial undertaking, comparable in scale to the City Hall project. As the Story Bridge has been a defining feature of the city’s skyline for over seven decades, this initiative aims to secure its place for future generations.

Published 19-August-2024

Howard Smith Wharves Gears Up for Biggest Riverfire Celebration Yet

Howard Smith Wharves is set to host its largest-ever Riverfire event, offering prime viewing spots for the spectacular fireworks display beneath the Story Bridge.

The annual celebration, scheduled for 31 August, marks the beginning of the Brisbane Festival. CEO of Howard Smith Wharves, Luke Fraser, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming event, highlighting the diverse range of experiences available across the precinct’s venues.

Event Details

Visitors can enjoy the festivities from various locations within Howard Smith Wharves. The Main Lawn will open at 12:00 p.m., featuring a pop-up bar serving antipasti, pasta, pizza, and drinks. Walk-in spaces will be available outdoors at Felons Brewing Co and Felons Barrel Hall, as well as on the Main Lawn and Rivergarden.

Riverfire Howard Smith Wharves, Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point — *Photo Credit: Supplied*

Venue Offerings

Several venues are offering special packages for the event:

Ciao Papi: A share-style menu including oysters, prosciutto pizzetta, and Wagyu sirloin steak, with a children’s menu available.

Stanley: A three-course banquet curated by Head Chef Louis Tikaram, featuring oysters, lobster and truffle dumplings, and stir-fried black Angus.

Felons Barrel Hall: Live music and DJ sets until late, with walk-ins welcome in outdoor spaces.

Mr Percival’s: Cocktails and music from 4:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m., with bookings available for the main event.

Felons Brewing Co: An $85 set menu with craft beers on tap and live DJ entertainment.

Greca: Two packages offering Greek feasts with selected beverages and prime fireworks viewing.

Yoko: Japanese cuisine with lunch and dinner options, including prime seats for the fireworks.

Book Your Table

Community Impact

Fraser emphasised the significance of Riverfire in kicking off the Brisbane Festival, praising the event’s role in showcasing talent, art, and culture while engaging the community. The diverse offerings across Howard Smith Wharves aim to cater to families and individuals alike, providing a range of experiences to suit different preferences and budgets.

Visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure their preferred viewing spots for this popular annual event that brings the Brisbane community together in celebration.

Published 19-Aug-2024

Kangaroo Point Tower Proposal Soars Higher with Upscaled Plans

Photo Credit: DA A006583679

Kangaroo Point is set to see a significant increase in the height of an approved apartment tower project. Revised plans have been submitted, proposing a seven-storey increase to the building earmarked for 51 Darragh Street, raising its height from 15 to 22 storeys.

This substantial addition would significantly boost the tower’s residential capacity, expanding the number of apartments from 49 to 65. The developer emphasises that these additional units will primarily consist of three—and four-bedroom apartments, aiming to address a perceived gap in the local housing market.

The change application, lodged by a Brisbane-based entity associated with urologist Wesley Hii, comes a year after the original plans received approval from the Brisbane City Council. Supporting documents assert that the proposed building height aligns with other structures in the immediate area. Furthermore, the application highlights that aside from the increased height, the overall size and scale of the development will remain largely unchanged from the initial approval.

Designed by Queensland architect Peddle Thorp, the scheme is intended to capitalise on the impressive river and city views. The building’s shape and positioning have been carefully considered to optimise these vistas while preserving existing sightlines for neighbouring buildings. The design also incorporates a substantial open space on the northern side of the site, enhancing the outlook for surrounding properties.

The development is committed to providing ample recreational and landscaped areas, with over 73% of the site dedicated to such spaces. Ground-level amenities include two tennis courts (one covered), offering multi-use event space for residents and occasional community events. A 25-metre lap pool and a shaded lawn area will also be accessible to the building’s residents and those in the broader Dockside Precinct.

Additional facilities encompass a coffee shop with outdoor seating, a covered poolside bar area overlooking the tennis court, a public walkway providing access to the tennis court, and a gym. The tower’s rooftop will feature an expansive 600-square-metre communal recreation area with a large swimming pool, a sunset lounge with city views, a covered barbeque area, and exercise/play lawns.

Regarding the revised plan, parking provisions have increased from 109 to 115 car spaces and 74 to 111 bicycle spaces. The development aims to strike a balance between high-density residential living and providing quality open spaces and amenities, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the Kangaroo Point Peninsula.

Published Date 13-August-2024

Calls for the Restoration of Story Bridge Faces as Centenary Approaches

The Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point, a beloved landmark and crucial artery in Brisbane’s transportation network, is facing a pivotal moment in its 84-year history. Recent revelations about its urgent need for restoration have sparked concern among Brisbane residents and officials alike.

Read: Progress Continues on Kangaroo Point Underpass Beneath Story Bridge

Story Bridge History

Constructed between 1935 and 1940, the Story Bridge was initially built as a toll bridge.

Named after prominent public servant John Douglas Story, it was transferred to the City Council in 1947 and has since become an integral part of Brisbane’s infrastructure, carrying an impressive 100,000 vehicles daily.

However, the bridge was designed with a 100-year lifespan in mind, a common practice for Australian bridges of its era. As it approaches its centenary, city officials are grappling with the challenge of extending its life beyond its original design parameters.

Toll booth, 1941 (Photo credit: Queensland State Archives, Digital Image ID 4053 ID label: 1249600)

Cr Adrian Schrinner has confirmed the need for a major restoration project. “A full restoration of the iconic Story Bridge will mean a whole new century of life for this critical piece of infrastructure,” Cr Schrinner stated, calling for support from all levels of government to protect this Brisbane icon.

Current Restoration Efforts

The Council has not been idle in maintaining the structure. Since 2020, restoration work has been ongoing on the southern approach to the bridge.

The current Stage 2 works, which began in mid-August 2021, focus on the below-deck steel between Wharf Street and Holman Street at Kangaroo Point. These efforts include the installation of scaffolding and encapsulation systems, recoating of steel members, and concrete repair and strengthening works.

However, the most significant and costly part of the restoration lies ahead – the sections spanning the Brisbane River. This presents a complex engineering challenge that will require substantial resources and expertise.

The Story Bridge’s importance extends beyond its practical function. Listed on the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992, it represents a significant piece of the city’s history and identity. Its distinctive silhouette against the Brisbane skyline has become synonymous with the city itself.

As Brisbane continues to grow and evolve, the fate of the Story Bridge stands as a testament to the challenges faced by ageing infrastructure in rapidly developing urban centres. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether this iconic structure can indeed be granted a new lease on life, ensuring it continues to serve and inspire Brisbane for generations to come.

Read: Kangaroo Point Bridge Reaches 90% Completion, Newest Landmark Takes Shape in Brisbane

The restoration project not only highlights the engineering challenges of maintaining such a structure but also underscores the emotional and cultural significance of the bridge to Brisbane’s residents. As the city rallies to support this ambitious restoration, the Story Bridge saga serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing dialogue between a city’s past, present, and future.

Published 12-August-2024

Kangaroo Point Bridge Reaches 90% Completion, Newest Landmark Takes Shape in Brisbane

Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/ Facebook

The highly anticipated Kangaroo Point Bridge has reached a significant milestone. The final piece of concrete decking has been laid, bringing the project to 90% completion.

Monumental Project, Local Impact

This considerable achievement paves the way for pedestrians to traverse Brisbane’s newest bridge soon, soaring 13 metres above the Brisbane River. The project has already substantially impacted the local community, with over 646,000 hours of labour invested, generating 1,400 jobs and providing valuable training for over 50 apprentices.

Key structural elements of the bridge are now complete, following the installation of the final connecting span and viewing platform in early June and the subsequent pouring of the concrete deck. Removing temporary structures, including the world’s strongest tower crane used to erect the bridge’s 95-metre mast and cable stay system, marks a significant step towards finalisation.

Final Touches and Enhanced Access in Kangaroo Point Bridge

Work will now focus on preparing the bridge entrances in Kangaroo Point and the CBD. Over 500 metres of balustrading, furniture, seating, and solar panels will be installed along the covered walkway. New signalised pedestrian crossings have been completed at the CBD landing, improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists accessing the bridge.

In addition, a new Story Bridge underpass has recently opened, connecting the Kangaroo Point Bridge to Brisbane’s eastern suburbs.

City Deal Success and Future Benefits of the Bridge

The completion of the Kangaroo Point Bridge follows the successful opening of the Breakfast Creek/Yowoggera Bridge in February this year. The bridge accommodates over 700 daily bike trips and 2,400 pedestrian and e-mobility journeys.

The Kangaroo Point Bridge is expected to significantly enhance travel times, reducing commutes between Brisbane’s eastern suburbs and the CBD by up to 15 minutes for vehicles and up to 30 minutes for pedestrians travelling from Kangaroo Point and the Gabba.

This $299 million project, a joint venture between the Australian Government and Brisbane City Council, is one of the first to be delivered under the landmark South East Queensland City Deal.

Ministerial and Council Endorsement

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government Catherine King highlighted the Australian Government’s commitment to collaborating with state and local governments to deliver impactful projects that benefit the communities of South East Queensland.

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Senator for Queensland Anthony Chisholm emphasised the long-awaited nature of the connection between Kangaroo Point and the CBD, acknowledging the positive impact on local employment and the importance of partnerships between all levels of government in delivering essential infrastructure.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner hailed the Kangaroo Point Bridge as a future landmark and a crucial element in keeping Brisbane moving, reducing traffic congestion, and providing alternative transportation options.

Brisbane City Chair for Transport Ryan Murphy celebrated the project’s historical significance, fulfilling a long-held aspiration for a bridge linking Kangaroo Point to the CBD. He emphasised the bridge’s contribution to active transport infrastructure, reducing congestion and promoting sustainable transportation options.

The Kangaroo Point Bridge is expected to open to the public in late 2024.

Published Date 29-July-2024

St Mary’s Anglican Church to Offer 3D Virtual Tours After Securing Heritage Grant

Did you know that St Mary’s Anglican Church, a 150-year-old heritage-listed in Kangaroo Point, will soon go high tech? The church, an excellent example of Victorian Gothic architecture, will soon have an interactive 3D virtual reality tour for visitors and other technology upgrades.

Read: Salvation Army Acquires Land for Social Housing in Kangaroo Point

The Corporation of the Synod of the Diocese of Brisbane has been awarded $9,128 as part of the latest round of Community Sustainability Action (CSA) Grants for Community Heritage.

Built in 1873 by Alfred Grant, St Mary’s is one of only two existing church buildings in Queensland designed by architect Richard George Suter. The church’s history dates back to 1847 when the Parish of Kangaroo Point was established. The current building was consecrated on 5 November 1873, by the then Governor of Queensland, His Excellency the Marquis of Normanby.

St Mary’s is one of 26 recipients sharing in more than $840,000 allocated to heritage-listed places across Queensland in this round of CSA grants.

St Mary’s Anglican Church, which was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992, stands as a testament to the state’s commitment to preserving its architectural and cultural legacy.

The grant will fund the development of an interactive 3D virtual reality tour of the church’s interior and exterior, as well as the installation of LED signage and access to other digital media. The project aims to enhance the visitor and tourist experience at the historic site.

The CSA grants program supports the conservation of Queensland’s heritage-listed places, ensuring that historically significant sites continue to be protected and enjoyed by future generations.

Min for the Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Leanne Linard, emphasised the importance of preserving Queensland’s rich history.

“Queensland has a vibrant history, with almost 1800 diverse places on the Queensland Heritage Register,” Min Linard stated. “We will continue to work closely with community groups, local councils and place owners to conserve our heritage-listed places, and to identify potential new places to add to the register.”

Read: Inside Lamb House: Owners Share Story Behind Multi-Million Dollar Restoration

With this grant, visitors to St Mary’s will soon be able to experience the church’s rich history and stunning architecture through cutting-edge virtual reality technology, bringing the past into the digital age.

Published 29-July-2024

Salvation Army Acquires Land for Social Housing in Kangaroo Point

The Salvation Army has taken a significant step towards addressing homelessness in Brisbane, acquiring land at Kangaroo Point for future social housing development.

Read: High Vacancy Rate in Kangaroo Point Amid Queensland’s Housing Crisis

The property, located at 619-633 Main Street, marks the organisation’s first investment in inner-Brisbane social housing since the sale of its “Pindari” property in Spring Hill in 2022.

Aaron Pimlott, State Manager for Homelessness at The Salvation Army, emphasised the importance of this acquisition. “People who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of becoming homeless need sustainable housing that is affordable, inclusive of support to sustain their tenancies. That’s how we end homelessness,” Mr Pimlott stated.

The purchase aligns with The Salvation Army’s post-pandemic shift towards a “Housing First” approach. This strategy focuses on long-term and permanent social housing solutions with tailored support, moving away from crisis and short-term accommodation options.

Housing First is an approach aimed at individuals with a history of chronic or repeated homelessness who haven’t succeeded in traditional supported housing programs. It offers tailored assistance to those requiring more specialized interventions.

While the land has been secured, the project still requires additional funding. “Further capital funding still needs to be sought to construct at least 60 social dwellings,” Mr Pimlott explained, expressing confidence in securing the necessary resources to begin construction in the near future.

This development is part of a larger initiative by The Salvation Army to increase social housing across Queensland. The organisation has ambitious plans to build hundreds of new social housing units statewide, with projects underway or in planning stages in Cairns, Rockhampton, Bundaberg, Toowoomba, and the Gold Coast.

Read: Landmark Queenslander Fetches $6.6 Million at Auction

The Kangaroo Point project represents a crucial step in The Salvation Army’s mission to provide sustainable housing solutions for vulnerable individuals and families in Brisbane’s inner city, addressing the ongoing challenge of homelessness in the region.

Published 25-July-2024

Kangaroo Point Joins Brisbane’s Top 10 Parking Fine Hotspots

Did you know that recent data indicates that Kangaroo Point is among the Brisbane’s suburbs with the most number of parking infringements based on the number of parking fines issued?

In the 2023-24 financial year, Kangaroo Point ranked 10th among Brisbane suburbs for the number of parking fines issued. This places it alongside more central areas like the CBD, Fortitude Valley, and South Brisbane in terms of parking enforcement activity.

The council’s report revealed that 170,677 parking fines were issued across Brisbane during this period, amounting to $34.35 million in penalties. While specific numbers for Kangaroo Point were not provided, its presence in the top 10 list indicates a substantial number of infractions in the area.

Street Parking Challenges

Kangaroo Point’s popularity among visitors and its proximity to the CBD contribute to its parking challenges. The suburb’s narrow streets and high demand for parking spaces create a situation where residents and visitors alike may need help finding legal parking options.

Common offences across Brisbane included failing to comply with fixed-hour parking zones, stopping contrary to no-stopping signs, and parking on roads with yellow edge lines. These infractions likely account for many of the fines in Kangaroo Point.

Kangaroo Point parking issues — *Photo Credit: BCC*

Impact on Residents and Visitors

The high number of fines suggests that both residents and visitors to Kangaroo Point need help navigating the area’s parking regulations. With limited off-street parking in many parts of the suburb, competition for street parking can be fierce, especially during peak times or events.

Sarah Hutton, the civic cabinet chair for city standards, emphasised that parking rules are in place to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow. She noted that the council received approximately 40,000 reports of illegal parking during the financial year, indicating ongoing issues across the city.

Kangaroo Point’s parking challenges reflect a citywide trend. Brisbane now has the highest parking rates in Australia, with CBD casual rates reaching $79.83 per day. While Kangaroo Point’s street parking doesn’t incur such high fees, the scarcity of spaces and strict enforcement contribute to the parking difficulties. The council has implemented measures to address parking issues, including a 15-minute free parking offer in some areas.

Published 20-July-2024

Man Hospitalised After 10-Meter Fall at Kangaroo Point Cliffs

Photo Credit: Google Maps / John Sicoli

In the early hours of July 12, 2024, a man was rushed to hospital following a fall at the popular Kangaroo Point Cliffs. The incident, described by sources as a “misadventure,” occurred around 4:20 AM on River Terrace.

According to reports, the individual, who is not believed to be a rock climber, fell approximately 10 meters. Despite the significant height of the fall at Kangaroo Point Cliffs, the man reportedly sustained only minor injuries.

Emergency services responded promptly to the scene. The injured man was subsequently transported to the Princess Alexandra Hospital, where he is currently in stable condition.

The Kangaroo Point cliffs, known for their scenic views and popular with rock climbers, have been the site of accidents in the past.

Published 12-July-2024

Patients of St Vincent Private Hospital Network in Kangaroo Point Could Pay More as Funding Talks with NIB Collapse

Photo Credit: St Vincent’s Private Hospital/ Facebook

Patients at the Kangaroo Point campus of St Vincent’s Private Hospital, along with thousands across Australia may soon face increased out-of-pocket expenses for their healthcare.

This comes after a breakdown in negotiations between St Vincent’s Health Australia, the nation’s largest not-for-profit healthcare provider, and private health insurer NIB.

*Photo Credit:* *St Vincent’s Private Hospital/ Facebook*

On Thursday, 4 July 2024, St Vincent’s served notice to NIB, indicating their intention to terminate their existing contract within 65 business days unless a revised funding agreement can be reached. The potential fallout of this stalemate would see NIB-insured patients shouldering a larger portion of their medical bills when seeking treatment at any of St Vincent’s ten private hospitals across NSW, Victoria, and Queensland.

St Vincent’s CEO, Chris Blake, stressed the gravity of the decision, stating it was a first in the institution’s 167-year history. Despite their best efforts, Blake asserted that NIB had not presented a fair offer that adequately addressed the escalating costs associated with providing private hospital care.

Inflationary pressures on wages, food, energy, personal protective equipment, IT services, and even basic maintenance have significantly increased the financial burden on hospitals. Blake cited St Vincent’s electricity costs as a prime example, expected to nearly double from $6.5 million in 2023 to $12 million this year.

While St Vincent’s successfully negotiated new agreements with other major health funds like Medibank, HCF, and the Alliance group in recent months, talks with NIB have stalled. NIB’s CEO, Mark Fitzgibbon, expressed disappointment with St Vincent’s public stance, maintaining that their offer was fair and reasonable. He assured continued discussions, highlighting the remaining months of their partnership.

The stalemate has drawn concern from the Australian Medical Association (AMA), with President Prof Steve Robson urging both parties to resume negotiations to protect patients’ interests. Robson warned that the dispute could erode public trust in private health insurance, especially amidst rising premiums and cost-of-living pressures.

Dr Katharine Bassett, representing Catholic Health Australia, echoed these concerns, accusing insurers of prioritising profits over patient welfare and hospital sustainability. She pointed to NIB’s substantial premium increase and relatively low return to policyholders as evidence of this trend.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s (ACCC) recent report on private health insurance revealed a significant surge in industry profits. This, coupled with the closure of 71 private hospital services due to financial strain in the past year, underscores the escalating crisis in private healthcare, as Blake emphasised.

Both St Vincent’s and the CHA are advocating for reforms to address these systemic issues. They propose changes to the annual premium round process and a new funding model to better reflect the actual costs incurred by hospitals. The AMA is also calling for the establishment of an independent regulatory body to ensure the sector’s proper governance and patient value.

As the October 3rd deadline looms, the fate of thousands of patients’ healthcare costs hangs in the balance. Whether a resolution can be reached that satisfies both St Vincent’s and NIB, while safeguarding patient interests, remains to be seen.

Published Date 11-July-2024