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New Pedestrian & Cycle Underpass to be Built in Kangaroo Point

Plans have been announced to build a new pedestrian and cycling underpass passing through openings cut into both sidewalls of the Story Bridge, to link Main Street and Deakin Street in Kangaroo Point.

The underpass will form part of the larger Kangaroo Point Green Bridge project that aims to enhance active transportation options in the area.

The underpass will feature separate paths for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as an accessible viewing area. The walls of the underpass will showcase illustrative panels depicting the rich history of the Story Bridge, adding an educational element to the project.

“To deliver this new connection we have cut openings into both sidewalls of the Story Bridge, with the walls delicately removed piece by piece. We now have daylight streaming through both sides of the underpass, lighting up a space that has never previously been accessible to the public,” LM Adrian Schrinner shared.

To make way for the underpass, certain modifications will also be carried out, including the relocation of utility services, floor drainage, surface levelling, and the installation of a partition wall to separate the existing council depot. It is crucial to note that the underpass will be created without compromising the integrity of the Story Bridge structure.

Kangaroo Point underpass — Photo Credit: BCC

“This underpass is a critical project that will connect the Kangaroo Pointt Green Bridge landing at Scott Street to the wider active transport network in Kangaroo Point and the eastern suburbs,” LM Schrinner said. “It also represents a connection between Brisbane’s most iconic landmark of the last century and the future world-class landmark linking the city centre and Kangaroo Point Peninsula.”

The underpass is expected to significantly improve pedestrian, cycling, and e-mobility movements in the area. The council’s planners and engineers have identified the gap in the bridge as an ideal location for the new link, ensuring a convenient and accessible connection for residents and visitors alike.

The importance of sustainable construction practices was further highlighted in the proposed project, with approximately 95% of the concrete sections removed from the bridge to be recycled and repurposed within other areas of the city, reducing waste and promoting environmental stewardship.

“With the Olympics and Paralympic Games on the horizon, there is a need for a convenient ongoing connection that would be able to link walkers and riders heading from The Gabba to the CBD,” he added.

The underpass is projected to become a popular route, with an estimated 2,800 daily trips expected to pass through it by 2041. This will provide a much-needed alternative to the existing underpass at Thornton Street, which is not accessible due to the presence of stairs.

The underpass project is currently in the planning phase, with detailed information and images available on the Brisbane City Council website for interested individuals to review and provide feedback.

Published 13-June-2023

Frida Kahlo’s Summer House Closes Abruptly

With a heavy heart, Kangaroo Point says goodbye to a suburb favourite, as Frida Kahlo’s Summer House closes its doors, another casualty of the increasing troubles that have plagued the hospitality industry.

In the face of rising expenses and after what seemed like a relentless struggle against lockdowns, staff shortages, and a sluggish economy, Frida Kahlo’s Summer House can take no more.

In 2022, even the nearby Medley cafe/restaurant had to close temporarily due to its inability to fill crucial staff positions.

Owner Diego Rodriguez says he has poured his heart and soul into the business for over two years. But the burden of mounting debt and soaring Covid-related challenges became overwhelming.

Sky-high food prices and outrageous wages further compounded the struggle. Despite the restaurant’s efforts to attract customers, there just wasn’t enough resources to stay afloat.

To loyal patrons, the Summer House was more than just a place to eat. It was a vibrant sanctuary where locals found respite and indulgence.

Photo Credit: Frida Kahlo’s Summer House/Facebook

The restaurant’s bold and bright decor paid homage to Frida Kahlo’s iconic artwork and her legendary “La Casa Azul” in Mexico City. It was a slice of cultural paradise nestled between the tranquil riverwalk and the magnificent Story Bridge.

Published 28-May-2023

Kangaroo Point Dockside Marina Restaurant Lodges Court Action Versus the State

The Prawnster, a Dockside Marina restaurant in Kangaroo Point, has launched a legal battle to save the business from eviction. Owner Martin Brennan acknowledges his uphill challenge as a David against Goliath.

The lawsuit against the State Government marks the latest development in a protracted saga that spans over three years. The Prawnster‘s two boats have remained the sole commercial operators at Dockside Marina, despite being instructed to vacate the premises this May 2023.

The eviction notice came after marina lessee Ken Allsop lost his final bid to alter lease conditions.

Mr Brennan questions why his establishment cannot be relocated to the State Government’s pontoons outside the cultural centre in South Bank. He points out that two other commercial cruise boats made the move at the start of the pandemic and have been successfully operating there ever since.

The Prawnster Dockside Marina — Photo Credit: The Prawnster/Facebook

Frustrated by the lack of options, he has taken the matter to the Supreme Court, fully aware of the substantial costs involved. He believes that Mr Allsop’s application to amend the seabed lease conditions would have likely been approved had he not expanded his operations at Dockside.

He claims that the expansion to two boats has had minimal impact on the residents of Dockside apartments. Admittedly, The Prawnster faced regular visits from the water police following a complaint about incorrect boat mooring. Additionally, the establishment endured multiple inspections and other complaints.

Mr Brennan, however, said his operation has never been an issue for the government. With a dozen employees and glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, The Prawnster is a well-regarded establishment.

Meanwhile, Mr Allsop has been engaged in a separate battle, trying to appeal the Department of Resources’ directive to remove commercial operators from the marina. The Department insists that the facility was intended solely for recreational boat users.

The Department of Resources spokesperson acknowledges the value of tourism operators on the Brisbane River but emphasizes that lessees must adhere to the conditions of their leases. While the government recognises the need for alternative mooring options, it remains committed to ensuring compliance with the lease conditions.

The expansion of commercial operators in recent years, including jetski and electric boat rentals, prompted complaints from residents of nearby Dockside unit towers. The grievances include noise disturbances from customers, odours emanating from rubbish, and alleged safety concerns due to golf buggies transporting supplies across a public boardwalk.

In February of last year, the Department of Resources ordered all businesses to vacate the marina by April, leading to threats of a floating blockade. However, a moratorium was offered after the marina suffered severe damage during the 2022 floods.

Despite Mr Allsop’s request for an internal review of the eviction notice, the Department upheld its decision in June, issuing a final notice to vacate earlier this year. Unfortunately for the affected businesses, the promised CBD marina, which was expected to provide a new home for them, will not be constructed.

As a result, The Prawnster and other businesses are left without viable options, placing their livelihoods in jeopardy. While some operators, such as Brisvegas and Jetski Brisbane, have managed to secure temporary alternatives, the increased costs and inconveniences associated with the new locations pose significant challenges.

Published 24-May-2023

Hibiscus Room: Where Nostalgia Meets Contemporary Chic

Photo Credit: Hibiscus Room / hibiscusroom.com

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the vibrant charm of Hibiscus Room, a hidden gem nestled on the fourth level of the iconic Hyatt Regency Brisbane.

Read: Get A Sneak Peek Of The Restaurant And Cafe Set To Open On the Green Bridge at Kangaroo Point

Hibiscus Room Where Nostalgia Meets Contemporary Chic — *Photo Credit: Hibiscus_Room / hibiscusroom.com*

Steeped in a captivating history that traces its roots back to 1884, this rooftop bar and restaurant honours Brisbane’s storied past while embracing the city’s dynamic and lively spirit.

The venue, which used to be on levels 25 and 26, was the epitome of elegance and entertainment, welcoming notable visitors such as Alexander Graham Bell, The Beatles, and even President Lyndon B. Johnson. It has now been resurrected as a trendy destination that combines nostalgia and new flair.

Prepare to be greeted as you ascend to the fourth level by a mesmerising establishment that summons you to indulge in the joys of traditional Australian food, expertly made cocktails, and a tranquil setting that beckons absolute relaxation.

The outdoor patio is decorated with Tait’s famous Australian-designed furniture, exuding a relaxed and breezy resort atmosphere. Whether you opt to unwind on the Breeze sofas, dine on the Volley chairs, or sip drinks at the Seam Bar Stools, the surroundings will transport you to a tropical paradise.

Indulge in the delectable dishes carefully crafted to please every palate at Hibiscus Room’s restaurant, from the grilled pita bread with sundried tomato dip and beetroot hummus to the savoury lamb rump with potato terrine and river mint. The seafood platters, overflowing with sand crab, local bugs, cooked Australian prawns, and more, will satisfy seafood enthusiasts.

Read: New Residential Development Proposed For Main Street in Kangaroo Point

For those seeking a nostalgic escape combined with contemporary elegance, Hibiscus Room is the ultimate destination. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely weekend retreat or a memorable night out, this rooftop haven promises an immersive experience that captures the essence of Queensland’s vibrant lifestyle.

Come and revel in the magic of Hibiscus Room, where the past and present harmoniously blend to create an unforgettable journey through time.

To book, click here

Published 18-May-2023

Get A Sneak Peek Of The Restaurant And Cafe Set To Open On the Green Bridge at Kangaroo Point

The green bridge at Kangaroo Point, set to open its doors in 2024, is expected to provide a seamless pedestrian and bicycle connection, as well as an unforgettable dining experience at its strategically located restaurant and cafe.

Read: Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Project Commences, Receives Additional Funding Support

Tassis, the renowned hospitality group behind restaurants like Yamas, Massimo, and Fatcow has won the tender and will introduce Bombora, an overwater restaurant and bar, along with Mulga Bill’s cafe on the city landing.

Bombora

Green Bridge at Kangaroo Point — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Flickr

Perched above the majestic Brisbane River, Bombora promises an elegant and modern celebration of Australia’s land and sea.

The eatery derives its name from the Indigenous phrase that describes immense oceanic waves crashing upon hidden reefs or sandy banks, a fitting appellation for an establishment that presents a culinary journey as splendid as its surroundings.

As guests enjoy the delicious food, they will be amazed by the stunning views of the Brisbane River, CBD, Story Bridge, and Kangaroo Point cliffs. The menu is yet to be revealed, but it will be inspired by the surrounding flowing waters.

Mulga Bill’s

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council/Flickr

Situated in the vibrant new urban plaza at the corner of Edward and Alice streets, Mulga Bill’s is the perfect stopover spot for bridge users seeking a respite from their journey.

Inspired by Banjo Patterson’s famous poem Mulga Bill’s Bicycle, this casual all-day dining cafe will feature a bicycle-themed decor, paying homage to the many cyclists who will pass by the bridge.

With an enticing array of wood-fired pizzas, succulent steaks, and fresh seafood, Mulga Bill’s ensures that every palate is satisfied. In addition, the cafe will offer delectable pastries and convenient picnic boxes for those looking for a quick and delicious bite on the go.

A Green Bridge for the Future

The Kangaroo Point green bridge will be exclusively accessible to pedestrians and cyclists, fostering a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transport.

With an estimated 6,000 pedestrians, cyclists, and e-mobility riders projected to use the bridge daily by 2036, this landmark infrastructure promises to transform commuting into an enjoyable experience.

Read: Kangaroo Point Green Bridge Project Reaches Important Milestone

Whether it’s a leisurely stroll, an invigorating bike ride, or a picturesque picnic by the riverside, the green bridge would offer a gateway to explore the beauty of Brisbane whilst minimising the carbon footprint.

Published 1-May-2023

New Residential Development Proposed For Main Street in Kangaroo Point

Did you know that plans have been lodged for the construction of a 50-unit residential block on Main Street in Kangaroo Point?

Read: Duke Street, Kangaroo Point Soon to Be Home of New 86-Unit Apartment Development

The proposed residential building is expected to have a height ranging between five to eight storeys. The units will consist of 21 one-bedroom and 29 two-bedroom apartments.

The proposed development at 619 Main Street, Kangaroo Point is considered a challenging undertaking due to the presence of several protected buildings on the site. As a result, the project has been split into two separate applications.

Artist’s impression of proposed residential building (Photo credit: Red Door Architecture)

At present, the site comprises five lots, each featuring a residential building. Among these buildings, one has been recognised as a commercial building with significant historical value, and will be preserved and restored as part of the development plan.

Additionally, two of the buildings were constructed prior to 1911, further adding to their historical significance.

“It is proposed to retain the pre-1911 components of these buildings as part of the development, with each of the buildings to be marginally shifted with respect to their setback from Main Street,” planners at Urban Strategies stated.

The proposed works for the existing character building on the site include:

Removal of non-original and unsympathetic extensions,
Installation of extra windows on the ground level of the Bell Street façade to improve casual surveillance of the street,
Creation of a more visually appealing extension on the building’s southern side to blend in with the rest of the development,
Restoration of external features, and
Demolition of internal walls to allow for a flexible fit-out of the interior by a future tenant.

Designed by Red Door Architecture, the project aims to utilise the western part of the site for residential purposes, featuring a design that is considered to be of meritorious quality, and provides a strong response to the relevant planning objectives for the site.

Read: Eagle Street Pier Complex Nearing Demolition After Court Allows Waterfront Brisbane

The plan includes a podium and basement level car park, offering a total of 62 car spaces and 58 bike spaces. In addition, there will be communal open spaces located on both the podium and rooftop levels of the building.

Published 19-April-2023

Final Notice: Dockside Marina Commercial Boat Operator Told to Leave

Photo credit: Dockside Marina / docksidemarina.com.au

Hundreds are about to lose jobs after commercial boat operators at Dockside Marina were given final notices to leave and find more suitable moorings.

Dockside Marina lessee Ken Allsop has been unsuccessful in convincing the State to amend his lease conditions, resulting in a directive for commercial operators including Prawnster, Brisbane Jet Skis, GoBoat, and Yot Club to vacate the Kangaroo Point premises.

“Well the axe has fallen and all commercial ventures operating at the Dockside Marina have been told to leave as of April the 5th. No mention as to where we were expected to go as the promised commercial marina has never been constructed,” Wayne Miller wrote in his update to their online petition against the eviction.

“This was a state promise back in 2016. Billions of dollars are being thrown around for the building of infrastructure for the 2032 Olympic Games, but no mention or consideration for the Charter Boat industry who will benefit the tourists and locals alike.”

In 2022, the Department of Resources (DoR) issued a notice to remove commercial operators from the Dockside Marina by 4 March 2022, stating that the lease was meant only for recreational boat users.

The Department said that the lease allowed only private vessels to moor either permanently or temporarily.

The decision was put on hold after the marina suffered flood damage in February. Allsop sought to appeal the decision but was rejected in June 2022. The operators were then notified recently that they had to leave by early April.

The facility has seen an increase in commercial operators over the years, including a floating seafood restaurant, jetski and electric boat hire, which prompted complaints from residents of the adjacent Dockside unit towers due to noise, rubbish smells, and safety concerns.

A DoR spokesperson noted that whilst the department recognizes the value of the tourism operators on the Brisbane River, lessees on government property must adhere to their lease conditions.

They added that the department is seeking alternative mooring for the businesses operating from the marina.

As an interim solution, Charter boat operators Aquarius Charters and Brisvegas relocated a few weeks ago after opportunities to move opened at Rivergate Marina.They said, however, that this would add to their fuel cost and staff hours as well as their maintenance cost, not to mention that it is far from their customers.

Meanwhile, small electric hire vessels operator, GoBoat, has moved to Breakfast Creek near the Mercedes Benz headquarters, although they too prefer a location closer to the CBD.

Published 5-April-2023

Approved: 15-Storey Apartment Tower Next to Heritage-Listed Shafston House

Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

A controversial 15-level luxury apartment tower next to the heritage-listed Shafston House has been approved after development plans were suitably revised.

The approval follows a State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) decision in January 2023, giving the proposed development the green light after the developer revised its plans. The Burgundy Group proposes a 15-storey tower comprising 37 luxury three- and four-bedroom apartment units on the grounds of the home at 23 Castlebar Street in Kangaroo Point.

Approved: 15-Storey Apartment Tower Next to Heritage-Listed Shafston House — Photo credit: Brisbane City Council / developmenti.brisbane.qld.gov.au/

The State Assessment and Referral Agency initially told the developers to amend its original plans and reconsider the location, scale, bulk, form and architectural details of the proposed tower that they want to build next to the heritage house, among other reasons.

According to the revised plans, the proposed apartment building will be located further from the heritage-listed Shafston House and the height reduced by 5.3 metres as well as the use of a lighter colour scheme.

The two riverside homes on the northern edge of the site have been scrapped whilst the two terrace homes on the southern edge have been reduced in scale.

Shafston House

Initially built in 1851 by Rev Robert Creyke, the heritage-listed Shafston House is one of the oldest homes in Brisbane. From being a private residence, the site became an Anzac Hostel (1919-69) and also served as an accommodation for the Royal Australian Air Force (1969-87) before it was redeveloped as part of the Shafston International College (1995-96). The single-storey cottage had several owners and had also undergone several stages of construction, renovations and extension.

The proposal attracted 200 submissions with a majority opposing the plans due to several issues including its impact on traffic, loss of community open green space, overshadowing of neighbouring buildings, and that it is undermining the heritage importance of Shafston House.

Published 28-March-2023

Kangaroo Point Playground and Dog Park Closed Following Lead Discovery

Kangaroo Point’s C.T. White Park and James Warner Park have been temporarily closed to the public, after routine soil testing yielded traces of lead on park grounds.

Following a routine soil testing tied to the preparations for the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge project nearby, the two sites were quietly closed for remediation in February 2023. The playground and dog park are expected to re-open by April 2023.

There were no signages explaining the temporary closure to the locals who frequent the parks, per Cr Jonathan Sriranganathan. After asking Council, Cr Sriranganathan was told that the level of contaminated soil on C.T. White Park and James Warner Park necessitated the temporary closure.

“Elevated lead levels have been detected in parts of the two parks. Areas where soil is exposed, as in the DOLA, can increase the risk of exposure for users of the parks and therefore Council’s immediate response is to close these areas while an interim solution is implemented,” a Council spokesperson said.

Kangaroo Point CT White Park — Photo Credits: Google Maps screengrab

The spokesperson further stated that C.T. White Park and James Warner Park are not on the list of Queensland’s Environmental Management Register for contaminated land. But based on the historic information, these parks were a shipyard in the 1800s and an industrial site before the 1940s. The Kangaroo Point parks were not developed until after 1946 thus the contamination likely happened more than 80 years ago.

“Council is working to put in place measures to allow the facilities to reopen while a longer term solution is planned,” the spokesperson said.

In 2021, James Warner Park was transformed into an off-leash dog park despite some objections from the locals who said that Kangaroo Point residents can continue to walk their dogs whilst leashed.

A public health expert, however, said that there is no need to panic about possible contamination to lead.

“You have to consider how much time you spent in the location where this lead is, the routes [of ingestion] and amount of lead that is present,” University of Queensland School of Public Health Associate Professor Nicholas Osborne said.

“It might not be a worry at all, it might be three feet under a very secure amount of dirt which means that humans don’t get any exposure.”

Published 25 March 2023

Proposed Climate Transition Plan: No New Coal and Gas Approvals, Wind Down Fossil Fuel Industry by 2030

Photo credit: PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

A proposal to ban new coal and gas approvals and phase out fossil fuel exports by 2030 has been formally introduced in the house.

On Wednesday morning, 15 March 2023, protesters carrying a 4.5 metre-tall “zombie koala” shut down Brisbane’s CBD as the Greens are set to introduce a new bill in the house that seeks to ban new coal and gas approvals and to wind down the fossil fuel industry this decade.

An independent Queensland Climate Transition Authority will be created for the purpose of overseeing the targets and developing a fair transition plan that will replace coal and gas jobs with alternative job opportunities by 2030.

Greens MP Michael Berkman said that Queensland is also a major contributor to the climate crisis and has also seen some of its worst impacts which call for a climate action plan that will cut emissions in the coming decade.

Climate science, he said, calls for getting rid of fossil fuels completely which is why the new bill would seek to ban new coal and gas approvals and phase out fossil fuel exports by 2030.

An International Energy Agency report on the global energy sector’s roadmap to net-zero emissions by 2050, suggested that governments should already stop investing in “new fossil fuel supply projects” and there should be “no further final investment decisions for new unabated coal plants.”

Currently, Queensland’s emissions reduction targets are a 30 per cent reduction by 2030 and a net zero by 2050. However, he said that independent modelling shows that these reduction targets do not comply with the Paris Agreement objective of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

To meet these objectives, emissions should be reduced by approximately 74 per cent on 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net zero by the mid-2030s.

“I’m introducing a bill for a climate action plan that is consistent with the science and will help build Queensland’s future beyond coal and gas,” he said.

“If we don’t make these changes Queenslanders will see more floods, fires and heatwaves, higher grocery prices, skyrocketing insurance premiums and sudden job losses.

“One way or another, coal and gas are on the way out.

The Queensland Climate Transition Bill at a glance:

Bans new coal, oil and gas approvals
Sets stronger emission reduction targets of 75% by 2030 and net zero by 2035
Creates an independent Queensland Climate Transition Authority to oversee the targets and develop a plan to phase out coal, oil and gas exports by 2030

Published 19-March-2023