Brisbane River Archives - Kangaroo Point News

Brisbane’s Superyacht Squeeze Puts Kangaroo Point Stretch In Focus

Brisbane could have more than 200 international superyachts heading its way around the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but finding somewhere for them to stay is already proving difficult.

Superyacht Australia says the city is turning away luxury vessels because suitable berths are limited. Its answer for 2032 includes six dedicated mooring zones planned along the Brisbane River downstream of the Kangaroo Point Bridge, putting that stretch of water at the centre of preparations for a very different kind of Olympic arrival.

A Premium Spot With Little Room To Spare

A berth close to central Brisbane is likely to be highly sought after by owners wanting direct access to the Games. The scale of the market was on display recently when Clive Palmer’s 56-metre superyacht Australia anchored in the Brisbane River for Riverfire. A vessel of similar size can pay about $20,000 a day for a river berth, while yachts longer than 90 metres are likely to pay more than $35,000 a day.

The difficulty is capacity. Industry representatives say only a couple of Brisbane River berths are currently available for superyachts, leaving planners with six years to work out how a much larger visiting fleet can be accommodated.

Superyacht Australia is pressing for additional berths, including temporary options. Without them, vessels may have to anchor in the river, requiring regular repositioning and potentially affecting waterways.

Not every yacht would necessarily stay in central Brisbane. Tangalooma Island Resort at Moreton Island and Southport Marina on the Gold Coast have been identified as alternatives, with passengers able to reach Olympic events by helicopter or tender boat. Some event venues can also be approached from the water, adding another transport option for passengers travelling from vessels during the Games.

Kangaroo Point superyacht — *Photo Credit:* *Rivergate Marina and Shipyard*/Facebook

The Fleet May Linger Long After The Flame Goes Out

The expected superyacht traffic is not being planned as a two-week rush. Superyacht Australia believes some vessels could remain in Australia and the surrounding region for 12 months or longer, travelling through Queensland, the Pacific Islands and parts of Asia before and after Brisbane 2032.

An economic assessment by AEC Group, commissioned by Superyacht Australia, estimated the visiting fleet could generate $1.8 billion in national business output. Preparing for those arrivals involves more than finding space on the river. The Brisbane 2032 Marine Project also covers environmental assessments, workforce development, logistics, biosecurity and customs support.

BCC and Gold Coast councils have given in-principle support to the broader project, while the Northern Territory Government has provided funding as it seeks to attract vessels travelling to and from Queensland.

Superyacht Australia is now seeking Queensland Government funding for further planning and assessment work. A spokesperson for acting Transport and Main Roads Mr Tim Mander said requests to moor superyachts in the Brisbane River would be dealt with through the usual process.

Published 29-September-2026

Under The Story Bridge: The E-Scooters Hidden In Brisbane River

For people crossing or walking around Kangaroo Point, the Story Bridge is a prominent part of the suburb’s riverside landscape. Beneath it, however, a recent low tide has revealed a less familiar sight, with submerged e-scooters exposed along the Brisbane River.

Read: Kangaroo Point Runners Voice Fears over Rising Street Harassment

The discovery has drawn attention to waste beneath the river’s surface and raised questions about how shared e-scooters are managed once they leave Brisbane’s streets and designated parking areas.

The scooters included models operated by Lime and Neuron, along with older devices from former provider Beam. Some were photographed in varying degrees of decay.

Scooters emerge at low tide

Ocean Crusaders, a Queensland organisation that conducts waterway clean-ups, said it had collected about 150 e-scooters from the Brisbane River near the CBD during the past year.

Its founder, Ian Thomson, said the river contained more rubbish than many people realised and suggested deeper areas could contain additional waste. The figure relates to scooters recovered by Ocean Crusaders near the CBD. It does not establish how many devices have ended up in waterways across Brisbane or how many may remain underwater.

The low tide provided a rare view of the submerged scooters around the Story Bridge, with some showing signs of deterioration. The discoveries are relevant to Kangaroo Point because the Story Bridge connects the suburb with the CBD. The riverfront is also used by pedestrians, cyclists and visitors moving between Kangaroo Point and the CBD.

The submerged devices have also become part of the clean-up work carried out along Brisbane waterways. Operators and clean-up groups may need to locate and recover scooters that enter the river.

Operators say vandalism is uncommon

Lime and Neuron have both said vandalism of their vehicles is uncommon in Brisbane. The operators did not provide tracking information or figures showing how many scooters had been written off. That makes it difficult to determine the overall number of scooters that have ended up in the river or how they got there.

Both companies have pointed to measures designed to discourage inappropriate parking and vandalism, including geofencing and no-parking areas. Their teams also retrieve devices when they are able to locate them.

Neuron has said the overwhelming majority of riders and community members use its service responsibly. Lime has highlighted shared e-scooters as a convenient transport option for getting around Brisbane.

The presence of scooters in the river does not establish that operators or ordinary riders are responsible for individual devices found there. It highlights the issue of managing shared vehicles after they leave normal parking locations.

Read: Riverside Expressway at 50: The Vital Road Beside Kangaroo Point

Brisbane’s official e-mobility information says up to 7,100 shared e-mobility devices are available to hire across the city, with Lime Network and Neuron Mobility providing the shared scheme. Parking hubs and virtual parking zones are also used to help manage where devices are picked up and left.

People who find an illegally dumped hire e-scooter or e-bike are advised to report it directly to the relevant e-mobility provider. The question now is how riders, operators and relevant authorities can prevent more shared devices from ending up in the river.

Published 18-August-2026

Riverside Expressway at 50: The Vital Road Beside Kangaroo Point

Photo Credit: Wikipedia/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported

At the southern tip of Lower River Terrace, a network of walking paths and parklands quietly unfolds beneath the towering concrete belly of the Captain Cook Bridge. Above, thousands of motorists hustle along the M3, crossing the Brisbane River directly into the mouth of the Riverside Expressway.

This specific junction is where the leafy riverside of Kangaroo Point collides with one of Brisbane’s busiest transit corridors.

On 22 July 2026, the Riverside Expressway officially marks its 50th anniversary. While the vast majority of this elevated highway hugs the edges of the CBD, its southern terminus is permanently anchored to Kangaroo Point via the Captain Cook Bridge.

For residents, cyclists, and pedestrians, this massive infrastructure isn’t a distant freeway; it is a towering neighbor built right alongside their riverfront boardwalks, parks, and apartment complexes.

The Motorway Meets the Suburb

The Captain Cook Bridge serves as the critical link, carrying the Pacific Motorway over the water and depositing it straight onto the Riverside Expressway. While the bridge opened first in 1972, the completion of the expressway four years later forged an unbroken highway system across the city’s edge.

This physical footprint roots Kangaroo Point firmly in the expressway’s 50-year history. The infrastructure doesn’t just affect local commuters; it actively reshapes the suburb’s landscape. The Kangaroo Point Bikeway snakes from Thornton Street right up to the bridge, where it meets the popular Cliffs Boardwalk winding from the Riverlife Adventure Centre.

This tight wedge of land on Lower River Terrace is a masterclass in shared urban space. It serves as the northern launchpad for Veloway 1 (V1)—the major dedicated bicycle highway running south—meaning that within just a few square meters, a major interstate motorway, dense residential apartments, and vital recreational corridors all coexist.

A Radical Plan to Beat 1960s Gridlock

By the mid-1960s, Brisbane’s narrow inner-city streets were choking under a growing volume of automobiles. To solve the crisis, American consulting engineering firm Wilbur Smith and Associates drafted the groundbreaking 1965 Brisbane Transportation Study. Their solution was to bypass the inner-city grid entirely by building an elevated expressway right over the Brisbane River.

Construction kicked off in 1968, a massive engineering feat that slowly draped concrete spans along the northern riverbank. On 22 July 1976, Queensland Governor Sir Colin Hannah officially opened the final 1.4-kilometre leg to a crowd of 300 guests.

The ambitious $37 million project wasn’t without controversy. During the opening ceremony, a small band of conservationists staged a protest from the riverbank below. According to State Library of Queensland records, a Main Roads truck was deliberately parked in front of the demonstrators to block their signs from view—prompting the protesters to simply pick up their banners and march to a more visible spot.

The 2006 Closure: When the City Stooped to a Halt

Because Kangaroo Point shares such intimate space with the corridor, any hiccup on the expressway instantly reverberates through the suburb’s local streets. This vulnerability was starkly exposed during an emergency shutdown in October 2006.

During routine maintenance, inspectors discovered misaligned deck sections and a hairline 0.04-millimeter crack on the Ann and Alice Street ramps. Erring on the side of caution, authorities immediately shuttered the expressway between Elizabeth and Hale streets. While the main lanes reopened three days later once engineers deemed the structure underneath safe, the brief closure triggered an absolute gridlock:

Local Bottlenecks: A subsequent network analysis report revealed that traffic skyrocketed by 19 per cent at the intersection of River Terrace and Main Street in Kangaroo Point as drivers scrambled for alternative routes.
The Wider Ripple: Gridlock bled across the city onto Coronation Drive, Bowen Bridge Road, and various river crossings, while traffic on the Pacific Motorway itself plummeted as drivers actively avoided the city.
Mass Commuter Detours: An estimated 41,000 commuters had to alter their daily routines. Drivers delayed, staggered, or cancelled trips entirely, while thousands abandoned their cars to walk, cycle, or catch trains and buses.

Astonishingly, 40 per cent of those caught in the chaos didn’t even plan on crossing the river. The crisis proved that when the expressway goes down, local suburban streets bear the brunt of a gridlocked city.

*Photo Credit: Wikipedia/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International*

Fifty Years of Coexistence

The sheer volume of traffic highlights the corridor’s immense role in Brisbane’s daily life. State data from 2019 indicated that the Captain Cook Bridge was already carrying over 120,000 vehicles every single weekday, cementing it as one of the state’s busiest structures—a number that has only climbed as Brisbane approaches the late 2020s.

As Brisbane celebrates 50 years of the Riverside Expressway on 22 July 2026, the anniversary carries a unique meaning for Kangaroo Point. It isn’t just a celebration of civil engineering or commuter convenience; it marks a half-century of a suburb intimately sharing its borders, its air, and its riverfront with the beating heart of Brisbane’s transit network.

Published 14-July-2026

A Brisbane Landmark Is About to Begin Its Biggest Transformation in 174 Years

Wikipedia

A heritage estate that has defined the Kangaroo Point bend of the Brisbane River for more than 174 years is entering its most ambitious chapter yet, with Capella Hotel Group and Brisbane developer Verso Projects partnering to transform the Shafston House estate into a luxury residential precinct slated for completion in 2029.

The project will become the first branded residence of any kind in Brisbane, and only the third Capella Residences development in the world, joining Seoul and Bangkok.

A site shaped by more than 170 years of Brisbane history

Shafston House began as a single-storey cottage in 1851, one of Brisbane’s earliest private estates, set on a prominent Kangaroo Point bend overlooking New Farm and the river.

The property passed through several notable eras: it served as an Anzac Hostel for servicemen during World War I, was later used as a base for the Royal Australian Air Force, and most recently housed Shafston International College until the site was sold in 2020.

Prominent Queensland architect Robin Dods designed the estate’s 1904 additions, building on a legacy that includes Red Hill’s St Brigid’s Church and upgrades to the Brisbane General Hospital.

Taking the site into the future, Kerry Hill Architects will spearhead the design of the new residential tower, drawing on a celebrated Asia-Pacific portfolio of high-end hospitality and luxury residential projects.

Inside the new Shafston precinct

The precinct will restore the historic Shafston House and integrate it with a new residential tower rising 28 storeys, with 51 dwelling units across the development.

Two exclusive River Homes will be constructed along the riverbank, complemented by a private marina, porte cochère, and private basement parking.

Residents will have access to six swimming pools, landscaped gardens, wellness and recreation facilities, and Capella’s signature Living Room — a hospitality-inspired communal space designed to deliver the service standard of a luxury hotel within a private residential setting.

The concept positions the precinct as one where residents are effectively the only guests.

Capella’s track record in Australia

The Singapore-based Capella Hotel Group is already present in Australia through Capella Sydney, its five-star property in the former Department of Education building in the CBD, which has collected international acclaim since opening in 2023.

The Shafston project marks the group’s first residential offering in Australia and extends its philosophy of restoring culturally and historically significant sites.

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Verso Projects brings an $8.5 billion development portfolio and more than 6,000 dwellings in its pipeline to the collaboration. Chief Executive Steve Laffey said the partnership was built around a shared commitment to doing justice to the site’s significance.

“We feel honoured to be restoring Shafston Estate to its former glory, elevating it to new heights of luxury and excellence,” Laffey said. “By partnering with Capella — globally recognised for its refined approach to luxury hospitality and deep respect for cultural and historical context — we will elevate this project beyond a residential offering into a world-class destination.”

Capella Hotel Group President Roland Fasel said Brisbane was poised for something significant. “Brisbane is sitting on the cusp of something remarkable,” Fasel said, “and Capella Residences is our commitment to being part of that story.”

Timeline and contact

Private appointments are open now with enquiries via carly@shafstonestate.com.au. A display suite is expected to open in late 2026 ahead of the planned 2029 completion.

Published 8-July-2026

Kangaroo Point Riverfront Sites Open for New Business Proposals

Wikipedia

The pontoon at Kangaroo Point’s heritage-listed Naval Stores is among eleven riverfront sites now open to commercial expressions of interest, with operators invited to propose new experiences at designated sites along the Brisbane River ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

From floating restaurants and wellness hubs to water sports and river tours, the call for proposals marks the most significant push to activate Brisbane’s river in decades. The pontoon at the heritage-listed Naval Stores is one of three inner-city floating sites added to the process following a market sounding late last year, which drew 16 submissions from operators in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

For Kangaroo Point residents who look out at one of the most storied stretches of Brisbane’s waterfront every day, the question now is what form that activation will take.

A Waterfront With a Long Memory

The Naval Stores site at 34 Amesbury Street is already steeped in history. The original complex comprised a pair of two-storeyed iron-clad stud-framed buildings and a wharf, constructed between 1886 and 1888, built at the height of colonial Queensland’s anxieties about Russian naval power in the Pacific. The complex served as the base of the Queensland Navy until the formation of the Royal Australian Navy after Federation, and radio communication history was made in 1903 when the first Australian ship to use wireless telegraphy, HMAS Gayundah, sent signals from Moreton Bay to the Stores.

Brisbane river — *Photo Credit: SLQ Richard Stringer*

Added to the Queensland Heritage Register in October 1992, the site has been home to adventure company Riverlife since 2005, offering kayaking tours, rock climbing and equipment hire along the famous cliffs. The new push invites operators to bring additional experiences to the water itself, with the three inner-city pontoons described as operational but potentially open to future upgrades depending on what proposals come forward.

What the River Could Become

BCC opened the expressions of interest process on 2 April 2026, with submissions closing at noon on 15 May. The process covers eleven sites across the River Access Network, spanning from Northshore Hamilton to Riverhills. The network includes two major river hubs at New Farm Park and the City Botanic Gardens, capable of handling larger vessels and opening opportunities for dining cruises and expanded tour boat operations, six recreation hubs designed primarily for kayaks and canoes that have remained largely under-utilised, and the three pontoons at Mowbray Park, Newstead Park and Kangaroo Point’s Naval Stores.

The river has long been treated as a backdrop rather than a destination, despite being one of Brisbane’s greatest assets. There is now a clear push to bring more life and activity onto the water, with calls for bold ideas that can turn the river into a stronger drawcard for the city.

The ambition draws on two historical precedents. Expo ’88 fundamentally shifted how Brisbane related to its waterfront, transforming it from a working waterway into a gathering place. Barcelona’s waterfront transformation ahead of the 1992 Olympic Games produced a precinct that became central to the city’s global identity. With 2032 approaching, the vision is for the Brisbane River to follow a similar arc.

The Numbers Behind the Push

Brisbane’s visitor economy reached a record $17 billion in 2025, according to Brisbane Economic Development Agency CEO Anthony Ryan, driven by visitors staying longer and spending more. Ryan said activating the river directly supported that momentum. “Visitors here for holidays or events already love hopping on a 50-cent CityCat to explore our riverfront precincts,” he said. “As we head towards Brisbane 2032, this will create more to discover at every stop, supporting local jobs, businesses and billions in economic activity.”

Committee for Brisbane CEO Jen Williams identified complexity as the key historical barrier. “The Brisbane River is central to our identity and relaxed, outdoor lifestyle, but due to the complexity of the approvals and authorising environment and the cost to deliver new infrastructure, it has long been under-utilised,” she said. The plan’s use of existing infrastructure, she argued, removes the major barriers that have long stalled waterfront activation.

Approval will be required before commercial operators can begin on any of the sites.

How to Get Involved

Operators interested in submitting a proposal must register through the SAP Ariba supplier portal and request an invitation to participate through the River Access Network tender process. Expressions of interest close at 12 noon on 15 May 2026. Full details can be viewed here.

Published 17-April-2026

Children’s Hospital Injury Data Puts Green Bridge E-Scooter Risks in Focus

Photo Credit: Wikimedia/Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International

New children’s hospital data from South Brisbane showing a sharp rise in serious e-scooter injuries has renewed safety concerns in Kangaroo Point, where residents say busy Green Bridge paths are becoming one of the city’s most dangerous pinch points for riders and pedestrians alike.

Doctors at Queensland Children’s Hospital in South Brisbane had recorded a steep increase in children admitted with serious e-scooter injuries, including head trauma and fractures requiring surgery or intensive care. While the study focused on hospital admissions, clinicians warned the injuries reflect how e-scooters are being used across Brisbane, particularly in high-traffic shared spaces.

Doctors involved in the hospital research said many injured children were riding without helmets or using devices not suited to their age. The injuries they reported were often consistent with high-speed impacts rather than low-level falls, raising broader concerns about how scooters interact with pedestrians in crowded areas.

Green Bridge identified as a local risk area

Those concerns have already surfaced in Kangaroo Point. In June 2025, a Queensland Police data and a parliamentary inquiry into personal mobility devices referenced a submission that specifically mentioned the Green Bridge and the surrounding Kangaroo Point paths. The submission raised issues about fast-moving scooters, limited space on shared paths and devices being left in ways that obstruct walkways.

The Green Bridge has become a key link for commuters, walkers and cyclists, increasing the volume of traffic through narrow riverside paths. Residents say the mix of pedestrians, families and riders travelling at different speeds has heightened the risk of serious crashes.

Injury trend continues despite existing rules

In 2024, emergency department presentations linked to e-scooters were rising across Queensland, even after safety rules were introduced. Doctors warned that falls at speed can cause life-changing injuries, particularly when riders are not wearing helmets or riding in crowded areas.

Police data included in that coverage showed thousands of infringement notices issued for offences such as riding without helmets and carrying passengers. Health experts said enforcement alone has not yet reduced the number of serious injuries presenting at hospitals.

National reporting has echoed concerns that hospital and police data may understate the true scale of e-scooter injuries because not all crashes result in formal treatment or reporting. Doctors believe incidents go unrecorded, particularly near busy urban corridors.

For Kangaroo Point residents, the combination of rising hospital admissions and local warnings about the Green Bridge has sharpened calls for safer behaviour on shared paths. Community members say slowing down in crowded areas, wearing helmets, and keeping footpaths clear would go a long way toward reducing risk before more riders end up in the hospital.

Published 3-Feb-2026

Kangaroo Point Berths Turn Into Homes as Brisbane Rents Stay High

Photo Credit: Dockside Marina/Facebook

About a third of the boats tied up at Dockside Marina in Kangaroo Point are now lived in full-time, according to the marina’s manager, as some Brisbane residents look beyond apartments for a place they can afford close to the city.

Dockside Marina manager Ken Allsop has seen more people living at the marina in recent years, and he estimates around one-third of the docked boats are now used as permanent homes. Reports cited that residents are making use of shared marina facilities such as bathrooms, showers and laundry, which can help make long-term stays workable in small cabins.

Dockside Marina promotes its berths as an inner-city option at Kangaroo Point. One resident was described as moving from a house to an apartment, then onto a 1966 boat after deciding unit living did not suit him. His monthly marina fees included basics such as power and water. However, there are practical limits to boat life, including cramped space, low headroom, tight storage, and ongoing maintenance issues that can interrupt day-to-day routines.

Rents and Prices Remain High

New figures help explain why some people are exploring unusual housing choices. Domain’s Rental Report for the December 2025 quarter put Brisbane’s median rent at $670 a week for houses and $650 a week for units, with quarterly rises in both categories.

Cotality’s national rental analysis has also pointed to tight conditions, including low vacancy and strong rent growth over five years. While those figures are national, they reflect the broader strain many renters feel in high-demand markets.

Buying a home has not become an easy alternative for many households. Reports stated that Queensland’s housing market continued rising into December, with Brisbane values increasing while affordability stayed a challenge.

*Photo Credit: Dockside Marina/Facebook*

Boat Life Has Limits

Living aboard can reduce some weekly housing costs, but it can also bring extra work and unexpected expenses. Full-time boat living has its trade-offs, balancing potential savings with ongoing upkeep, including maintenance demands that can be heavier on older vessels.

In Kangaroo Point, boat living can be both practical and personal. Residents who saw the move as a lifestyle change as well as a way to manage costs, while also acknowledging the limits of space and the reality of repairs.

Living aboard is not the same everywhere. Some marinas set conditions and require approval for liveaboards, covering issues such as safety and the use of facilities.

Published 28-Jan-2026

Remembering the Gustnado on the Brisbane River One Year On

Photo Credit: Brisbane Live/YouTube screengrab

A swirling column of wind twisted briefly above the Brisbane River, capturing the attention of onlookers and weather watchers as a violent storm swept across the city. What many believed was a “mini tornado” turned out to be a small but complex weather event. It sparked debate among meteorologists and highlighted the power and unpredictability of Queensland’s storm season.

The dramatic scene unfolded on 1 November 2024, around 4:00 p.m., when a powerful supercell thunderstorm moved across South East Queensland, unleashing hailstones up to seven centimetres wide, uprooting trees, and injuring at least one person.

Amid intense rain and strong winds, a vortex appeared over the river near Kangaroo Point, twisting above the water as cameras captured the spectacle from multiple vantage points.

Storm Over Brisbane: A Violent Afternoon

The weather system responsible for the event was fuelled by a moist and unstable airmass, combined with a southeasterly wind change pushing up the coast. This created the conditions for a supercell thunderstorm, a type of storm with a rotating core that can generate some of the most severe weather in Australia.

By the time it reached Brisbane, the system had already produced 99 millimetres of rain in Cooroy in just 24 hours and caused damage across parts of the southeast.

As it swept into the city, strong winds felled trees and scattered debris. A man was injured when a falling tree struck him near the riverfront. Yet it was the swirling column of air over the Brisbane River that captured the city’s attention, prompting debate over what exactly had formed above the water.

Gustnado or Tornado? The Debate

While many observers initially believed they had witnessed a tornado, meteorologists at the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) concluded that the feature was most likely a gustnado, or a short-lived whirlwind generated by turbulent winds along the gust front of a thunderstorm.

According to BoM meteorologist Angus Hines, tornadoes develop when rotation inside the storm extends downward from the cloud base. At the same time, gustnados originate near the ground and are not directly connected to the storm’s main updraft. They tend to be brief and weaker than tornadoes but can still cause localised damage, as seen at Kangaroo Point.

However, some weather enthusiasts analysing footage of the event questioned whether it might have been a weak, anticyclonic tornado — a rare type that spins in the opposite direction to most Southern Hemisphere storms. They pointed to signs of rotation within the cloud base. They noted that the vortex appeared to form behind the rear flank downdraft (RFD) gust front, where tornadoes often develop, rather than on the leading edge, where gustnados typically occur.

Further complicating the picture was the storm’s structure. The supercell’s core rotated cyclonically (clockwise), but the vortex spun anticlockwise. This rotation pattern aligns with gustnado dynamics but has also been documented in rare tornado cases. Research from the NOAA confirms that anticyclonic vortices can occur in cyclonically rotating supercells, though they are uncommon.

A Reminder of Queensland’s Storm Season

Whether gustnado or rare tornado, the Brisbane River vortex underscored the volatility of Queensland’s storm season and the need for awareness as the region moves deeper into spring and summer. Gustnados, while typically less intense than tornadoes, can form suddenly and without warning, posing risks to people and property.

Although Queensland is better known for tropical cyclones, supercell thunderstorms, and the dramatic phenomena they sometimes produce, are not unusual in the region.

Residents who saw the swirling column above the river said this was a striking reminder of nature’s power. Lasting only moments, it nevertheless became part of the city’s shared memory — a fleeting event that left scientists, storm chasers, and the community alike talking long after the skies had cleared.

Published 13-Oct-2025

Brisbane Couple Turns to Dockside Marina Living to Beat Rising Rents

Photo Credit: Dockside Marina/Facebook

During a conversation with Nat and Shirvo on Sunrise on Tuesday, Grant and Louise Cause recounted how they have found a way to sidestep the housing crisis by swapping a traditional apartment for life on a $250,000 houseboat, cutting their weekly housing costs by hundreds of dollars while enjoying river views and a close-knit community.

From Rising Rents to River Living

About 18 months ago, the couple moved onto a houseboat at the Dockside Marina, after rent increases across Queensland made city living too costly. They wanted a long-term solution that fit their budget and lifestyle.

After researching options, they decided to buy a houseboat as an affordable asset. Docked at Dockside Marina, they pay about $500 a week in mooring fees )which include electricity and water), plus maintenance and insurance. A comparable apartment nearby costs around $700 a week, giving them an annual saving of about $10,400.

Living on the Water

The Causes describe their houseboat as a two-bedroom home with modern amenities and laundry facilities. They said they have settled easily into life on the river and enjoy its peaceful rhythm.

The move has given them better access to public transport and city activities. Louise Cause said the marina community has been one of the best parts of their new lifestyle. They have formed friendships with neighbours who share the same appreciation for river living.

A Housing Market Under Pressure

The couple’s move comes as housing prices across Australia continue to rise. Property data shows national home values grew by 0.6 per cent in July, marking six straight months of increases. The median home price now sits at about $927,000 in capital cities and $689,000 in regional areas.

With recent rate cuts from the Reserve Bank, experts expect further price growth. In this climate, options like houseboats, tiny homes, and shared living are attracting more Brisbane residents seeking affordable housing.

Life at Dockside Marina

Dockside Marina sits on the Brisbane River and provides permanent berths with power, water, and waste services. Residents describe it as peaceful and convenient, with easy access to the CBD and Kangaroo Point.

For the Causes, living there has become more than a short-term fix. They plan to stay long-term, valuing the financial relief and strong community connection.

Source: 7NEWS. Click to find the original article here: ‘Brisbane couple reveal the creative way they save $10,000 a year in rent amid Australia’s housing crisis. (7-October-2025)’

Published 9-October-2025

Public Divided Over Kangaroo Point Flying Fox Proposal

Photo Credit: Vertigo

Public opinion is divided over a proposal to build a wheelchair-accessible flying fox across the Brisbane River, linking Kangaroo Point with the CBD.

Public Reaction and Background

The concept of a flying fox at Kangaroo Point is not new. Brisbane tourism operator John “Sharpey” Sharpe first floated the idea in 2004 and has continued to pursue it as part of the city’s tourism offerings. The plan has now been revived through the Destination 2045 Tourism Icons Investment Fund, which has $80 million set aside for approved projects.

The attraction would involve participants being harnessed to a dual-line system for a glide from the Kangaroo Point cliffs to the city, with the return trip via the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge, which opened on 15 December 2024. Sharpe has described it as the world’s first flying fox designed from the outset for wheelchair users, drawing on earlier adaptive systems used in his Vertigo dining experience.

While the proposal has been under development for years, the announcement that it could be ready ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games has reignited debate. Supporters welcomed the concept as a step toward positioning Brisbane as a leading adventure destination, while critics voiced concerns about its practicality and relevance.

flying fox proposal — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Community Sentiment

Supporters have praised the project as an exciting addition that would showcase inclusivity and create a unique tourism experience. Some online comments described it as “cool” and “awesome,” while others said they hoped it would go ahead.

Critics raised safety concerns, questioning what would happen in the event of a fall and pointing to the condition of the Brisbane River, with references to debris, water quality, and wildlife. Others said the proposal was unnecessary, arguing funds should instead be directed to infrastructure improvements such as roads and bridges.

Questions were also raised about why the idea, first proposed in 2004, had not been realised sooner.

Kangaroo Point flying fox — *Photo Credit: Space4cyclingbne/Facebook*

Accessibility and Engineering

Accessibility is central to the design, with features intended to allow wheelchair users to take part safely and comfortably. The plan builds on the success of adaptive systems developed for the Vertigo restaurant at Brisbane Powerhouse, where a liftable wheelchair was created to give mobility-impaired guests access to the suspended dining platforms.

Early engineering work has already been undertaken, including assessments to avoid vegetation removal along the Kangaroo Point cliffs. Sharpe has also outlined additional ideas for the precinct, including a climbing “sky ladder” and a high ropes course.

Timeline and Next Steps

The flying fox proposal will require consultation, environmental assessment, and statutory approvals before it can proceed. Sharpe has indicated he wants the attraction operating years ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Games, to ensure adequate preparation and operational experience.

Published 30-Sep-2025