The budget and timeline for the ongoing restoration of the Story Bridge in Kangaroo Point have expanded from $80 million to $120 million and from five years to more than 10 years.
Infrastructure chairman Councillor Andrew Wines confirmed in a radio interview that work on the restoration is ongoing around the hotel. Whilst initially pegged as a small-scale painting project, Council made the changes to ensure that the bridge will remain safe for the public’s use for decades.
“This will be a 10-year process. The really extensive and difficult part comes after, which is the structure over the water,” Mr Wines said.
“This is the most important and iconic piece of engineering in the city and we want to make sure that this last the distance. I consider this [project] expensive but also necessary.”
Photo Credit: Kgbo, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
The restoration project will now include strengthening and repairs, upgrades of the footpaths, re-coating of the steel beams, installation of a scaffolding (access) system including a specialised containment system that will work to protect the people from the lead paint of the old bridge, recoating of steel members (blasting and painting), and concrete repair and strengthening works.
“At the moment we are working underneath the bride and on the pillars to work on the metal surfaces of the structure itself, to strip them back, clean them, repair them if necessary and then repaint them.”
Story Bridge is 82 years old. Its full repainting job was announced more than three years ago.
The ongoing work is being delivered in a number of stages, with two stages on the southern approach to minimise impacts on the local community and all bridge users. Stage 1, which started in July 2020, is expected to be completed in June 2022. Stage 2, which started in August 2021, is going to move forward along Holman Street this June and will be completed by 2024.
Per the Council: “A site compound has been established in Captain Burke Park directly beneath the Story Bridge, between the bridge piers. This area has been fenced, with the rest of the park available to the community. This compound will be used as a lay-down area to store equipment and materials for the restoration project and other upcoming maintenance projects planned for the bridge.”
A group of concerned locals has been aiming to gather 10,000 signatures to save Raymond Park in Kangaroo Point from becoming an Olympic training ground.
The petition, created by Melissa Occhipinti of the Friends of Raymond Park, has secured over 2,700 signatures so far. It cites the potential disruption and reduced usability of the green space if Raymond Park is converted into a temporary training ground for the 2023 Brisbane Olympics.
The Kangaroo Point green space was chosen as the temporary warm-up ground for the athletes due to its proximity to The Gabba, one of the central Olympic venues. As it stands, there are not enough green spaces for residents in inner city locations.
If the park becomes an Olympic training ground, the residents said they will lose their off-leash dog park, fitness spaces, basketball and cricket grounds, as well as outdoor recreation sites including children’s parties.
Photo Credit: Friends of Raymond Park/Facebook
“Raymond (Pineapple) Park is a crucial green space and vital to the mental health and wellbeing of the local Kangaroo Point and Woolloongabba community. It is effectively our backyard,” the petition stated.
In a separate interview, Ms Occhipinti said that installing Olympic-ready training tracks will likely remove the dog park, and impact the century-old fig and palm trees, as well as the picnic grounds and community gardens. The residents also believe that there could be a resumption of houses.
Instead, the petition recommends constructing the Olympic training ground at the Coorparoo Giffin Park precinct, located 2.1kms away from The Gabba.
Per Ms Occhipinti, this will create more positive outcomes compared to the Kangaroo Point site since Giffin Park is also the site for many sporting activities from local clubs and schools.
Friends of Raymond Park are also urging locals to email MP Terri Butler to present the concerns of Kangaroo Point residents and oppose the planned training ground in Parliament.
In mid-2021, Lord Mayor Adrian announced a $50-million plan to upgrade parks before the Olympics. Raymond Park will get $287,000 while Giffin Park will receive $750,000. Also receiving upgrades are Emerson Park in Grange ($459,000), and the Chelmer Sports Grounds ($1.2 million).
New sports parks will also be built across the city for a budget of $19 million, whilst the rest of the funding will be used “for maintenance and improvement works at existing sporting clubs.”
Plans to develop a 15-storey residential development beside Shafston House, Brisbane’s third oldest heritage home, have become unpopular with Kangaroo Point locals.
The proposal for the revamp, from Burgundy Group Property Development Pty Ltd, was filed in January 2022 (DA A005933994) but has since been met with hundreds of submissions opposing the plans. The application is not subjected to a public notification since the location of Shafston House is code assessable.
However, residents, including members of the Kangaroo Point and Districts Historical Society have filed their comments in the said application. According to Christa Gerard from the heritage group, the 15-storey plan “would dwarf the beautiful historic house and dominate the site.”
Burgundy Group Property Development Pty Ltd bought Shafston House in one of the biggest auctions in late 2020. The group said it will work with Council to restore the heritage-listed property to its former glory.
Photo Credit: Kangaroo Point and Districts Historical Society
Apart from the 15-storey residential tower, the developer has detailed future uses for the property:
Shaftson House proper as a luxury private residence
Orderlies building as communal recreation facilities
Wards building for residential dwellings
Postal Depot building as ancillary space for the residential dwellings in the estate
Northern riverhomes
Communal recreation area to the north-west of Shafston House proper
“The proposed development ruins the remarkable and historical property. It is hideous and will overshadow Shafston house. The property should not be zoned for development up to 15 stories. The land is heritage protected but the development makes a mockery of that. For one of the oldest and most significant houses in Brisbane to be developed into apartments is embarrassing,” one submission stated.
“Shaftson House is a much-respected and treasured piece of our colonial history. This development would be a shockingly distasteful and irreversible blight on an important landmark, and sets a precedent for more of our city’s heritage to be crammed away into the recesses between buildings such as the one described in this proposal,” another local said.
On 11 April 2022, the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA) notified the developer of a couple of preliminary approvals for Material Change of Use for future Multiple Dwelling on the site of a Heritage Place and Filling and/or Excavation within the Coastal hazard and the waterway corridor overlays.
However, SARA has extended the assessment period for May 2022 for the following requests:
Building work for a Multiple dwelling on the site of a Heritage place and
within the Waterway corridor overlay
Multiple Dwelling on the site of a Heritage Place
Operational work on the site of a Heritage Place involving changes to
landscaping or natural features
Earlier, SARA has also notified the developer that it cannot support the future plans for Shafston House as it “does not clearly articulate the intent or relevant impacts of these proposed uses on the significant natural and built elements across the Queensland heritage place.”
Work on the proposed Kangaroo Point Green Bridge has already started and the project is slated to receive an additional $190.2 million in funds as a priority initiative.
Demolition of the roundabout on Edward and Alice Streets commenced in early 2022. Construction by the river has also started and mooring areas for the sailboats and yachts have been closed off.
The new green bridge is expected to be completed in late 2023.
Photo Credit: Artist’s Impression/BCC
Additional funds for the project will be made available through a newly inked SEQ City Deal worth $1.8 billion.
“The SEQ City Deal will provide the platform for SEQ to become one region that is connected locally and competing globally.
“This connectivity will drive productivity for our businesses, improve the liveability of our communities and lift the global competitiveness of our region.
Photo Credit: Artist’s Impression/BCC
The bridge will be named in honour of the Olympic Games as it has been seen as the element that will define Brisbane prior to the 2032 Olympics.
“When people around the world start considering coming to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, I am sure one of the drawcards will be images of this spectacular pedestrian bridge,” Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said.
“Not only will pictures of the Kangaroo Point Green Bridge help convince people to venture to our corner of the world, but it will also be a critical piece of infrastructure during the games, helping spectators get to the Gabba Stadium.
“For Brisbane residents, this bridge will deliver a link that people have talked about for years while improving connectivity and being a destination in its own right.”
Meanwhile, also included in the landmark SEQ City Deal are the following projects:
Photo Credit: Infrastructure.Gov
The SEQ City Deal will be implemented in late 2022 between the Commonwealth of Australia, the State Government of Queensland, and the Council of Mayors of South East Queensland with connecting infrastructure as the priority.
Interested in a career as an interpreter? About 120 spots will soon be filled following the launch of the interpreter training boost program at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in Kangaroo Point.
This is open for people who want to undertake interpreter training in new and emerging languages and will ultimately provide better communication for Queensland’s multicultural communities. Those who are familiar with in-demand languages such as Arabic, Chin languages, Farsi, Hmong, Karenni, Kinyarwanda/Rwanda, Kirundi/ Nyarwandwa/ Rundi, Kiswahili and Kurdish may become part of the program.
Applications will close by 21 March 2022.
TAFE will conduct a 12-week online Interpreting Skills course endorsed by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI), whilst a 20-week English Language Bridging Course will also be offered to interested participants who may need to complete the next round of Interpreting Skills course.
The Queensland Government has invested $730,000 in these programs, in partnership with TAFE, 2M Language Services and the NAATI, to provide jobs for much-needed interpreters.
“Interpreters are very important for those Queenslanders who are not proficient in English. There is no doubt we need more interpreters, across a wide range of languages and I would encourage anyone considering a career as an interpreter to find out more,” Minister for Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard MP said during the launch at the Queensland Multicultural Centre.
Photo Credit: 2M Language Services/Facebook
“While this training is about jobs, it is also about delivering better services to our multicultural communities and ensuring they have the most up-to-date information as we move through this global pandemic,” she added.
“We need to ensure everyone can access services and information in an equitable and timely manner. We hope to see up to 120 Queenslanders gain jobs as a direct result of undertaking this training.”
“The collaboration between government, private sector, and training organisations are the first of its kind in Australia,” Mark Painting, NAATI CEO, said.
“NAATI looks forward to working with all the stakeholders and hopes to see this type of initiative replicated in other states.”
To apply or to learn more, visit 2M Language Services or email interpreterboost@2m.com.au
Disaster assistance will be extended to victims of the Queensland flooding crisis, including residents of Kangaroo Point and the rest of Brisbane. Affected locals may get more than $1,000 as compensation for losses because of the disaster.
Brisbane and 16 other local governments in Queensland have been covered under the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance (AGDRP), where the adults will be entitled to $1,000 and $400 for children. This is a one-off payment for residents who “have suffered a significant loss, including a severely damaged or destroyed home or serious injury.”
Small businesses, employees, and farmers may also claim for payment Disaster Recovery Allowance (DRA), covering “a maximum of 13 weeks payment from the date you have or will have a loss of income as a direct result of a disaster.” The DRA is taxable and is set at a rate equivalent to Jobseeker Payment or Youth Allowance. Thus, those already receiving other forms of income support from the government are not eligible for DRA.
Photo Credit: APMP/Facebook
Effective 1 March 2022, applications for AGDRP or DRA will open online through Services Australia or locals may also phone 180 22 66 for further assistance. Couples may claim for the payment but will need to apply separately.
Councils, on the other hand, will receive additional assistance through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). The DRFA will be activated by Queensland Government, per Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
“This extension of DRFA assistance to those seven local government authorities will help with their response, clean-up and then reconstruction efforts once floodwaters recede and impact assessments can be undertaken,” Minister for Emergency Management and National Recovery and Resilience, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie said.
“We have seen some devastating scenes across South East Queensland but these affected communities can be assured the Australian and Queensland Governments will work together as we identify what additional assistance will be needed.”
Residents are encouraged to download the Self Recovery App for additional information on grant applications, including Emergency Hardship Assistance. The Self Recovery App is an online portal that also provides referrals for community organisations and other government agencies.
Locals who have poor internet access, on the other hand, may phone Community Recovery Hotline of 1800 173 349 for other resources or 13QGOV (13 74 68) for housing assistance.
Hundreds of jobs are at risk after a dozen of small businesses in Kangaroo Point’s Dockside Marina have been told to vacate the marina berths due to ‘leasing irregularities.’
The eviction notice comes from the State Government, which states that businesses, such as Prawnster, Brisbane Jet Skis, GoBoat and Yot Club only have until 4 March 2022 to find a new location. Otherwise, they could risk closing for good, with around 400 staff losing their jobs.
The Dockside Marina is leased by the Queensland Government to private companies, under an ongoing lease. However, the first condition of the lease is that it would only be used for residential boats, but there is a commercial vessel serving out of the Marina.
Wayne Miller, owner and operator at Aquarius Charters, launched a Change.org petition in hopes of saving the hospitality industry in Brisbane River.
Photo credit: Dockside Marina/Google Maps
“Being evicted with nowhere to go is not something we want to face after surviving the onslaught of Covid. Staff will lose their jobs and personal bankruptcy looms,” Miller stated.
“With the Olympics on our doorstep visitors to Brisbane will be crying out for river venues. Every other city supports their marine hospitality industry except Brisbane and we have the best river in all the cities,” he added.
Shadow Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Pat Weir, who met with small business owners and their staff earlier in February, said Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and her Resources Minister should act now as these businesses are already going through a difficult time.
Photo credit: Greg Van Ryt/Google Maps
“They need to either fix the leasing issue by amending one clause, allowing these operators continuity of trade, like they have done for over 17 years. Or they must find another suitable location for these operators to relocate to,” Mr Weir said.
Gabba Ward councillor Jonathan Sri, whose electorate takes in the marina, highlighted that if commercial activities at the Dockside Marina are formalised, this will likely lead to higher rents being charged for the berths, which in turn would lead to residential boat tenants being displaced in favour of more restaurant and party boats.
Since 2017, Kangaroo Point and other locations in Brisbane have served as the backdrop for the popular Australian TV series, “Harrow,” led by Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd. The show, now in its fourth season, is the first drama production from ABC Studios International and Disney Media Distribution.
The home-grown episodic thriller, seen across the globe through various platforms and on ABC, is a forensic drama revolving around Dr. Daniel Harrow, a forensic pathologist working for the fictional Queensland Institute of Forensic Medicine. His laboratory is supposedly within the heritage-listed Brisbane Dental Hospital and College on Turbot Street in the city.
In the early seasons of “Harrow,” the show depicted the doctor’s character as living in Kangaroo Point in a sailboat moored somewhere along the Kangaroo Point riverwalk. The actual sailboat is actually called Tiamo, owned by Phillip Smart, a businessman from the Sunshine Coast. For over a decade, Mr Smart has kept Tiamo moored in Kangaroo Point because it has the best views in Brisbane and there are plenty of things happening around his deck.
Kangaroo Point is a major location in the series, with the show taking advantage of the Story Bridge in many of its shots. Other familiar local sites include St. Mary’s and the Story Bridge Hotel.
Most Australian crime dramas are usually set in Sydney or Melbourne thus making “Harrow” an exceptional production for picking Brisbane as its location.
“The development and filming of Harrow in Queensland is a great coup for our state and will drive Queensland’s ongoing momentum for making and attracting quality local and international productions,” said Screen Queensland CEO Tracey Vieira after Hoodlum, the Brisbane-based production, secured the series in 2017.
The show has also been filmed in the CBD, New Farm, Bowen Hills, South Bank, Fortitude Valley, Ashgrove, Yeerongpilly, Coorparoo, Yeronga, Annerley, Chelmer, East Brisbane, Hamilton, Indooroopilly, the Gold Coast and several regional Queensland areas.
The Brisbane locations in “Harrow” aren’t the only standouts as the production has also included many local references, from day-to-day life in Brisbane to the flora and fauna of the Queensland wildlife.
“Harrow” is Mr Gruffudd’s longest-running TV show. ABC has yet to confirm the fourth season following its third season run in early 2021. Presumably, the pandemic has delayed the return of production in Brisbane.
The show also stars Ella Newton, Hunter Page-Lochard, Darren Gilshenan, Jolene Anderson, and Damien Garvey.
Around 7,869 parking meters across Brisbane, including Kangaroo Point, have been turned off temporarily so that motorists may take advantage of free parking when they visit various establishments to conduct their businesses.
Two major carparks in the city, specifically the Wickham Terrace and King George Square in the city, are also offering parking at discounted rates.
Council launched the free parking service in Brisbane beginning Wednesday, 9 Feb. 2022, which will be in place indefinitely. The discounted parking rates at Wickham Terrace and King George Square, on the other hand, will be good until the end of February.
This is in addition to the 15-minute free parking rule that applies in car spaces in Brisbane, including Kangaroo Point.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner timed the turning off of parking meters during the re-opening of the new school term to attract more people to Brisbane’s major business and shopping centres. The mayor said that this will ensure establishments can survive and continue to employ staff members, which in turn will help the economy recover from the pandemic.
Mr Schrinner hopes that the people will be encouraged to go out, venture in a bit of retail therapy, or dine at restaurants. However, Cr Andrew Wines of the Infrastructure Committee, said that street parking will continue to have its limits thus motorists cannot overstay and parking officers will be checking these limits.
Per the Council, “In a 2P Meter 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Friday zone, customers can park for a maximum time of up to two hours then must remove their vehicle from the zone. Customers that overstay the parking limit may receive a fine.”
Download the Parking Guide to Brisbane to find useful information about paid parking, parking restrictions, special use parking and other issues.
Proving its mettle as a well-connected, highly desirable investment, the Kangaroo Point property market delivered a red-hot 54 per cent increase in median house price in the 12-month period ending October 2021, standing out in a sea of performers in Brisbane.
Highlights
Kangaroo Point’s median house price experienced an astounding 53.77 per cent growth whilst its median unit price increased by 11.17 per cent from October 2020 to September 2021.
Property listings stayed an average of 97 days and 82 days on market, for houses and units, respectively.
Kangaroo Point Median House Price Growth
According to Property Market Updates, the median house price growth for Kangaroo Point has risen by an astounding 53.77 per cent from October 2020 to September 2021. The increase means that the median is now at $1,660,000 — up from $1,079,500 in the previous period.
There were 29 houses sold in Kangaroo Point for this time period with listings staying at an average of 97 days on market. Whilst buyers jumped at the chance whenever a Kangaroo Point house goes on the tightly-held market, it’s a common trend for final price negotiations to take longer.
In March 2021, after a long search, Broncos chairman Karl Morris and his wife Louis bought a luxury trophy home on Leopard Street, with the most exclusive panoramic views of the city. The empty-nesters have downsized from their riverfront mansion in Tennyson.
A stone’s throw away from the Morris mansion is Lamb House, a six-bedroom Queensland mansion from the clifftops of Kangaroo Point, which has been dilapidated due to years of neglect.
In May 2021, this property hit the market for the very first time after 120 years. Its new owners, Brisbane Racing’s power couple Steve and Jane Wilson, plan to restore the heritage-listed property to its former glory.
Kangaroo Point Median Unit Price Growth
Unit sales also performed well for this period with an 11.17 per cent increase, setting the median unit price growth at $570,000. Kangaroo Point unit investors are mostly enticed by the river views and its positioning in Brisbane’s concrete jungle, thus 664 properties were sold in the market for an average of 82 days on market, according to Property Market Updates.
Some of these units fetched prices comparable to high-end estates in other markets yet buyers are still drawn to circle the Kangaroo Point property market because its multimillion-dollar luxury apartments offer prestige for hunters — mostly downsizers and empty nesters — with millions to splash.
The suburb’s infrastructure, where everything residents need is within reach, is also very appealing to investors thus the market continues to perform well, despite the pandemic disruptions.
About Kangaroo Point
One of Brisbane’s oldest suburbs, Kangaroo Point was a former industrial workers’ hub that has dramatically turned into an urban luxury location following a series of developments.
Known as an adventure destination — thanks to the popular climbs at the Kangaroo Point cliffs and Story Bridge, as well as the kayaking tours along the river — this suburb also offers a great dining experience for city slickers.
Kangaroo Point offers high-density living with a vibrant social scene thus it’s also appealing to established young professionals and independent single individuals who work in the inner city. Some 62 per cent of the residents are renters and nearly 70 percent are without kids to raise, who also prefer a low-maintenance lifestyle.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
With a location that’s hard to match, Kangaroo Point is a high-demand market where people stroll, hop, bike, drive, catch the bus, or take the City Cat or ferry. Soon, a new green bridge will also improve the transport accessibility in and out of this locale.
The suburb is within easy proximity to Fortitude Valley, South Bank and Woolloongabba where more lifestyle spots could be enjoyed, as well as essential services like hospitals.
“You may be lucky enough to afford a nice apartment with views in the kangaroo point if so I’m sure it’s a great view. Although Kangaroo point may not be in the right in the heart or north side or inner city of Brisbane, it is blessed with having unrealistic views. It faces the city directly so and night you get to see everything from the towers to Story Bridge (depending on your view). Great walkways to take the dog or go for an early evening jog.”
Yingnyang
“Definitely one of the best views in Brisbane. Looks great at night too.”
Andy
“Great if you like waterfront apartment living. Surrounded by water and parkland the city is a 5-minute ferry ride or 5 minutes over the bridge by car. Close enough to the city without the hustle and bustle. I have lived in the area for over ten years and have no plans to leave.”
