A new eight-storey boutique apartment building proposal has been submitted for the development planned for 14 and 24 Paton Street. The proposal would build 18 units on a 963-square-metre site overlooking the Brisbane River.
Rodrigues Property Group is behind the project, which acquired the two adjoining lots in 2022 and 2023 for $4.5 million. Designs by HAL Architects show a mix of two- and three-bedroom apartments, with parking for 37 cars and 21 bicycles in the basement.
This new proposal replaces a previous plan for two smaller, five-storey buildings comprising only four apartments each. The developers have stated that the previous design was no longer financially viable due to rising construction costs.
While exceeding the current height limit for the area, the new design is being presented as a performance-based outcome that improves construction efficiency and site planning.
The developers argue that the project aligns with the Kangaroo Point Neighbourhood Plan and the Brisbane Housing Supply Action Plan, encouraging inner-city development to address housing shortages.
Hundreds of dead fish and crustaceans have mysteriously appeared along the banks of the Brisbane River, prompting concerns among residents and fish experts. This unsettling phenomenon was observed at various locations, including Kangaroo Pont, Milton, West End and Indooroopilly, casting a cloud of uncertainty over the river’s health.
Whilst government officials initially suggested alternative causes, renowned fish expert and University of Queensland associate professor Ian Tibbetts has raised concerns of a toxic spill as the more probable culprit.
Despite recent heavy rainfall and subsequent freshwater spillovers, the deceased species, which include mullet, bream, catfish, and even some mud crabs, are known for their resilience to freshwater conditions.
Professor Tibbetts emphasised, however, that this incident is “not directly related to the recent flooding.” This revelation has intensified worries about localised contamination or a toxic event in the area.
Passers-by and residents were the first to encounter this perplexing spectacle on Thursday 1 Feb 2024, as dead fish and crustaceans were found stranded amidst rocks and in the river waters. The incident has been reported to the authorities. The Department of Environment, Science, and Innovation is actively investigating these reports.
They suspect low dissolved oxygen levels due to recent heavy rain, possibly washing organic matter into the Brisbane River, as a potential cause for the deaths. However, the investigation is ongoing, leaving the mystery of the mass deaths unresolved for now.
In light of these events, authorities advise residents and fishers to exercise caution and avoid touching or consuming any of the deceased animals found along the riverbanks.
The construction of the new Kangaroo Point Green Bridge has reached a significant milestone with the successful installation of a 95-metre-high tower mast.
The operation was carried out by Marr’s heavy-duty tower crane, a 330-tonne Favelle Favco M2480D, which was installed on a platform in the middle of the Brisbane River.
The crane, equipped with a 64-metre jib, can lift its maximum capacity at a 15-metre radius, or take 100 tonnes to a 45-metre radius with a hook height of around 130 metres. This impressive lifting capacity enabled it to hoist the 25-metre-high, 180-tonne prefabricated steel masthead to a height of 95 metres.
The mast is the heaviest lift to be undertaken on the project, where the crane has already completed more than 10 major lifts during the first 12 months of the job.
The contract to build the bridge was awarded in 2021 to Connect Brisbane, a Besix Watpac led consortium. The consortium involved Marr at an early stage in the design phase, to develop a lifting strategy that supported their preferred construction methods for the project.
Project director, Rowan Riggall, praised the in-house engineering team for identifying the M2480D as the most suitable crane in the Australian market capable of lifting the fully assembled masthead.
Managing director, Simon Marr, highlighted the benefits of modularised construction with fewer, heavier lifts, stating it not only helps to deliver a safer, more productive site, but also allows the client to share the economic benefit delivered by the project.
The new bridge, an initiative of Brisbane City Council, will be an iconic landmark destination connecting Brisbane’s Central Business District with the eastern suburbs. At a length of 460 metres, the bridge will be among the longest span cable stay pedestrian and cycle bridges in the world. Construction is due to be completed in 2024.
More than 240 metres of the Bridge’s spans have been installed, passing the halfway mark across the Brisbane River. The cost of the project was initially estimated at $190 million but has been revised a few times and is now $299 million.
This project represents a significant achievement in engineering and construction, and is a testament to the innovation and dedication of all parties involved.
Did you know that GoBoat has finally launched its fleet of new eco-friendly picnic boats at Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point? The best part? They’re pet-friendly!
GoBoat, a boating company from Denmark, has finally released its series of Scandinavian-designed picnic boats across the Brisbane River, and now that they’re open to the public, all of Brisbane is invited to come give them a spin — no licence required.
Though construction isn’t finished for their upcoming permanent venue along Breakfast Creek, the company has opened a limited-time pop-up venue at Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point to give Queensland a taste of what the vessels this Danish company has to offer.
Photo credit: Instagram/GoBoat Brisbane
These boats have been designed to be eco-friendly and environmentally sustainable. Their German electric engines do not produce any smog, nor do they make loud and disruptive noises — a combination which makes for a peaceful cruise down the Brisbane River.
Each boat stands 18 feet long, fashioned from recycled materials such as reclaimed wood and PET bottles. Shading will be installed to shield those aboard from the elements.
Photo credit: Instagram/GoBoat Brisbane
Those interested in renting the boats can do so for the price of $109 an hour, $189 for two hours, and $229 for three hours. Food, beer, and other beverages from outside can all be brought aboard these boats, and customers are allowed to bring their pets along for the ride. Up to eight passengers will be able to fit in a single vessel which makes these boats ideal for group picnics.
Photo credit: Instagram/GoBoat Brisbane
Though the official launch of GoBoat Brisbane in their permanent site at Breakfast Creek has yet to be announced, their pop-up placeholder is located at Dockside Marina at 44 Ferry St, Kangaroo Point. For more information, visit their website here. Follow their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and announcements concerning the upcoming picnic boats.
Get ready to make waves at this latest leisure activity in Brisbane! If you’re looking for a fun thing to do or something you’ve never done before then the water bikes for hire at Riverlife will not disappoint.
These water bikes aren’t like the boxy paddle boats that have been popular for a while. They work like standard bicycles, easy to use and navigate at a regular speed of fewer than 20 kilometres per hour or depending on how fast and strong you can pedal.
Because you’re biking on water, the ride is swift and smoother without traffic congestions, potholes and everything else that makes biking on the road so frustrating. You’ll get a full workout, as well as a short trip around Brisbane’s beautiful riverside, within a 30-minute hire.
Photo Credit: Riverlife/Facebook
If you’re not up for getting wet, the water bikes are extremely stable and won’t create a splash…unless you’re up for jumping in the water.
Rest assured, safety precautions will be observed at Riverlife whilst safety briefings will be conducted by well-trained staff before you hop on that bike. Riders will get a personal floatation device and sunscreen as well.
Are you thinking of setting up a race with your friends? Water bike hire sessions are open every Wednesday to Sunday. Booking online in advance is encouraged.
