Police are urgently seeking information from the public about a man who may have been involved in a serious assault that occurred yesterday afternoon at Kangaroo Point.
According to initial investigations, around 4:45 pm on Tuesday, May 14th, a 60-year-old man from Nundah was stopped at a traffic light on Leopard Street in his silver Holden Commodore sedan when his vehicle’s side mirror was struck by a white moped.
A verbal altercation ensued between the two parties. They both then turned right onto Llewellyn Street, where they came to a stop and a physical confrontation occurred.
The victim sustained multiple injuries, including to his head, face, and hand, during the assault.
The moped driveris described as a tall, slim-built man wearing a hi-visibility shirt and a black open-faced helmet at the time of the incident.
Detectives are urging any nearby residents to review any CCTV footage they may have from the area. They are also appealing to any motorists who may have captured the incident on their dashcams to come forward with that footage.
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting or call 131 444.
High atop the cliffs at Kangaroo Point, the Riviere apartments are turning heads and redefining Brisbane’s luxury living scene. Shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 Australian Interior Design Awards, Riviere offers a unique blend of urban resort and timeless elegance.
Designed by Bates Smart, the project seamlessly integrates architecture and interior design, ensuring every element—from the glazed brick exterior mimicking the cliffs to the open floor plan bathed in natural light—contributes to a cohesive vision.
“We wanted to create a relaxed, casual, and liveable space,” says Bates Smart interior design director Brenton Smith. “The focus was on using high-quality materials thoughtfully, not excessively, ensuring the design will endure for decades.”
This philosophy extends beyond aesthetics. Smith emphasises Riviere as an ecosystem fostering a sense of community. “Modern residential buildings are becoming hubs where people connect and build lasting friendships,” he explains.
Riviere isn’t the only Brisbane project vying for national recognition. The residential design category has also shortlisted Louise Walsh Interior Design’s Birdwood House, a contemporary interpretation of the Queensland family home.
Nestled within a state forest canopy, Birdwood House reflects not just the architect’s vision but also the refined tastes of its owners, one of whom is a former stylist and art collector. Polished concrete floors with embedded rocks and a “crazy paving” arrangement of natural stone exemplify the home’s unique character.
“The focus was on using locally sourced materials and creating a home that blends seamlessly with the environment,” says Louise Walsh. A standout feature is a massive granite island bench crafted from a single block of stone shipped from South Australia and meticulously sculpted by a local artisan.
With a record-breaking 222 projects shortlisted, the 2024 Australian Interior Design Awards promise fierce competition.
Brisbane stands out with several strong contenders, including Wilson Architects’ Brisbane Grammar School STEAM Precinct, J.AR Office’s Gerard’s, Melissa Collinson Design’s The Wolf Dining & Bar, and BVN’s UQ Brisbane City. The city is clearly a hotbed for innovative and inspiring design.
Kangaroo Point’s skyline is about to get a significant boost. Aria Property Group, a developer known for its focus on sustainability, has upped the ante on its upcoming Canopy House project.
By acquiring the land next door to the original site, Aria has expanded its footprint to a sizeable 2,300 sq m across 50–62 Leopard Street. This land grab allows them to breathe new life into the project with a revised design that boasts a bigger building, more apartments, and enhanced resident amenities.
The addition of four floors to the previously approved 29-level tower by Rothelowman Architects is the most notable change. This tweak eliminates the building’s original staggered design, resulting in a more streamlined structure. Additionally, the floorplate expands from level 14 upwards, allowing for more spacious three-bedroom apartments.
The number of apartments will jump significantly, from the original 136 to a whopping 196. A 75% increase in two-bedroom units, from 64 to a much more substantial 112 will be the main factor driving this increase. Three-bedroom apartments will also see a healthy increase, rising by 27% from 66 to 84.
Naturally, with a larger building comes a need for more parking. The revised design increases the parking allocation from 226 to 295 spots, ensuring residents have ample space for their vehicles.
But the benefits extend beyond just apartments and parking. The expanded footprint allows for a more generous podium area. This translates to a dedicated resident’s park complete with a barbeque kitchen and alfresco dining, a playground for the young ones, and comfortable seating areas for socialising.
The documents submitted to Brisbane City Council suggest the revised design offers several advantages. Town planner Saunders Havill Group highlights an “improved facade” that provides a more aesthetically pleasing silhouette and a significant boost to the project’s “Green Factor,” likely referring to Aria’s commitment to sustainable practices.
Furthermore, acquiring the neighbouring land unlocks over 130 metres of additional street frontage along Mark Lane, Leopard Street, and Vulture Street. This opens doors for improved pedestrian access and even paves the way for Mark Lane to potentially transform into a vibrant destination laneway, similar to the popular Fish Lane in Brisbane’s inner-city.
The previously isolated dwellings that occupied the acquired land, according to Saunders Havill Group, had limited development potential. By incorporating them into the Canopy House project, Aria unlocks a more cohesive and impactful development for Kangaroo Point.
Construction is slated to begin in August of this year, with the iconic crane gracing the Kangaroo Point skyline by March 2025. Residents can expect to move into their brand new Canopy House apartments by the end of 2027.
The penthouse at Sorano House in Kangaroo Point has secured a record-breaking $14 million off-the-plan sale, underscoring the soaring demand in Brisbane’s luxury residential market.
This sale price translates to an unprecedented $45,000 per square metre, surpassing the previous record of $35,000 per square metre set by Spyre Group’s Moray House project last year.
The luxurious two-storey penthouse at 12 Hamilton Street boasts 180-degree views of the Brisbane River and city skyline. It includes four bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and exclusive amenities such as a private rooftop with a pool, spa, sauna, outdoor dining area, and firepit.
Photo Credit: Ferroarch.com
Sam Sgroi, Managing Director of Trezetto Developments, described the sale as indicative of a “new age” for Brisbane’s luxury residential market, highlighting the Sorano House penthouse’s unique appeal and irreplaceable location.
Photo Credit: Ferroarch.com
Phillip Rand, Project Sales Director at YPM Group, noted that the buyer, a Brisbane local, had been searching for a distinctive riverfront property for over two years. The sale sets a new internal sales rate record for Brisbane and aligns the city’s property values with those in Sydney’s most prestigious waterfront suburbs.
Sorano House was launched to the market in October 2023. Four of the six single-storey apartments have already sold for an average price of $8.6 million. Construction is currently underway and is anticipated to be completed in early 2025.
After more than a decade of planning, the developers behind the Gaia apartments project in Kangaroo Point can finally realise their vision, having secured approval from Brisbane’s local officials.
It was not an easy path to approval for the Gaia development, as the development application received hundreds of submissions from residents who opposed the project due to several reasons, including potential traffic, access and parking impacts.
The developers eventually amended their plans, with two rather than three, 15-storey towers (aligning with surrounding approvals and the maximum height intent of the Neighbourhood Plan), and significant improvements to the ground plane.
Artist’s impression of Gaia (Photo credit: DKO Architecture)
The development by Pikos Group will see two 15-storey residential towers constructed at 108 Lambert Street, comprising 215 luxury apartments oriented to capture sweeping views of the Brisbane city skyline and river.
Gaia, meaning “connected to earth,” aims to provide a holistic wellness precinct grounded in nature, according to Pikos Group CEO Michelle Wooldridge. The riverfront site will feature the city’s largest private parklands along the Brisbane River.
Photo credit: DKO Architecture
The DKO Architecture-designed towers will offer luxury interiors with natural stone, timber flooring and premium appliances. Exclusive resident amenities will include a riverside pool and terrace with plunge pools, an indoor/outdoor gym, BBQ and dining areas, rooftop gardens, yoga lawn, outdoor cinema, private dining room and work lounge.
Communal open space (Photo credit: DKO Architecture)
The developers are also currently in discussions with the Brisbane City Council about extending the riverwalk at the Gaia development site, with the goal of providing a pedestrian promenade along the river that would connect to the city and the Docklands City Cat Ferry Terminal.
Pikos Group founder and Executive Director Pedro Pikos said the vision for the 5,284 sqm riverfront site has been over 10 years in the making, gradually amalgamating eight separate lots.
Mr Pikos stated that Gaia would transform the rare waterfront location into an inner-city sanctuary that embraces its incredible connectivity to the river and city. He also said it would deliver Brisbane’s premier residential address and set a new standard for riverfront living.
The newly inaugurated $17-million ferry terminal at Kangaroo Point has been rendered partially unusable due to a decaying boardwalk leading to the dock. Although the terminal itself is ready for travel, the adjoining boardwalk has been closed since May 2023 for safety reasons, making the terminal less accessible.
The Dockside Ferry Terminal reopens on Tuesday, 2 April 2024, and its regular CityHopper services set to resume on the same day. However, the rotting timber boardwalk between Cairns Street Drydock and Rotherham Street has prompted immediate calls for action and intervention.
The Council has publicly voiced its concerns, highlighting the State Government’s ownership of the boardwalk and the critical need for repairs. A Council spokesperson stated that they have raised the need for urgent repairs to ensure the boardwalk’s accessibility and safety.
In response to the immediate danger posed to commuters, semi-permanent barriers have been erected at the new terminal’s entrance to prevent access to the unsafe sections of the boardwalk.
Photo Credit: CrTrinaMassey/Facebook
The issue has ignited frustration among Kangaroo Point residents, who pride themselves on their scenic riverside locality and the riverwalk, significantly enhancing its appeal. A collective letter from the community accused government agencies of neglect and failure to maintain this vital asset, citing years of ignored warnings about the boardwalk’s deteriorating condition.
The Department of Resources (DOR), after years of resident complaints and increasing injuries due to the boardwalk’s state, has only recently initiated action by issuing a safety notice to the lessee, Ken Allsop of Dockside Marina.
The Minister for the Department of Resources, Scott Stewart, acknowledged the public’s frustration, emphasising the expectation that the lessee adheres to safety obligations and that the department enforces these if compliance still needs to be met. The department has outlined a repair timeline expected to conclude late this year, although specifics remain undisclosed.
Brisbane River Pty Ltd, Allsop’s company, confirmed ongoing consultations with stakeholders, suggesting an ongoing effort to resolve the boardwalk’s safety concerns.
Construction of Eighteen Park above Mowbray Park near the Brisbane River, with a backdrop of the iconic Kangaroo Point, is underway, bringing the developer’s vision to life.
The collaboration between Arden Group and Groupline Constructions signifies a commitment to quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, ensuring that Eighteen Park is a testament to superior construction standards.
Eighteen Park is a unique residential project in East Brisbane. Priced at $1.78 million, it offers 27 three-bedroom apartments adjacent to the protected Mowbray Park at 18 Park Avenue.
Designed by Altis, a renowned architecture firm, Eighteen Park boasts a striking 12-storey residential tower with a curvilinear façade that mirrors the gentle bend of the river. Vertical green spaces ascend towards the sky, adding a touch of natural elegance to the building’s design.
Upon entering Eighteen Park, residents are welcomed by a dramatic lobby featuring soaring four-metre-high ceilings and materials inspired by the adjacent park, creating a warm and inviting ambience. The apartments feature open living and dining areas leading to balconies with stunning views of Mowbray Park and the Brisbane River.
Residents of Eighteen Park will enjoy access to a range of amenities designed for luxurious living. The rooftop oasis features an open-air infinity-edge pool, a covered entertainment area with BBQ facilities, seating pods, a wellness centre with a sauna and yoga deck, and a state-of-the-art gym.
Located steps from the Mowbray Park CityCat, Eighteen Park offers convenient access to Brisbane’s best dining and shopping destinations via the river. Its location ensures residents can enjoy the beauty of nature while remaining connected to vibrant city life.
Photo Credit: Development Directive
With construction progressing steadily, Eighteen Park is on track for completion by 2025.
As one of only two projects currently on the market in East Brisbane, Eighteen Park presents a rare opportunity for those seeking luxury riverside living.
Greens state Member for South Brisbane, Amy MacMahon, 37, has been seriously injured but remains stable at the hospital following a traffic crash in Kangaroo Point.
The collision occurred on Monday, 12 February 2024, at the intersection of Main and Baines Streets in Kangaroo Point, around 6:30 p.m. The crash involved Ms MacMahon’s Toyota Prius and a Hyundai i30, with Ms MacMahon sustaining a serious head injury.
According to police reports, the i30 was turning left from Baines Street at a set of lights when it collided with Ms MacMahon’s Prius, which was travelling south on Main Street. The impact of the collision sent the Prius onto the wrong side of the road, while the i30 skidded 50m up Main Street. Both Ms MacMahon and the occupants of the i30 were treated by paramedics and transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Ms MacMahon remains in a serious condition, whilst the occupants of the i30 are in stable condition. The police Forensic Crash Unit is investigating the incident.
Eyewitnesses described the collision as a loud bang, with patrons and staff at the Pineapple Hotel rushing to assist before emergency services arrived. The driver who struck Ms MacMahon allegedly ran a red light at high speed, as per witness statements.
In a statement from her team, it was noted that Ms MacMahon is in a stable but serious condition and is receiving excellent care in hospital.
Premier Steven Miles and Opposition Leader David Crisafulli have expressed their well-wishes for Ms MacMahon’s recovery. The community has expressed overwhelming support, and further updates on her recovery will be provided in due course.
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 wellness campus project was first lodged under DA A005844698 in 2021 for the four-lot site at 363, 365, 373 and 411 Main Street, Kangaroo Point.
The six-stage, 20-year development will offer a residential precinct and a health, aged-care and education masterplan.
St Vincent’s has had a presence at Kangaroo Point for 70 years and said there was a “changing landscape of aged care” and an increased consumer interest in remote and virtual health services.
Photo Credit: DA A005844698
It operates the St Vincent’s Private Hospital Brisbane on the site, with a range of hospital, palliative care and residential aged-care buildings at the southern end of the site.
Photo Credit: DA A005844698
The healthcare specialist said the 18.8sq m site was a rare, under-developed plot on the Kangaroo Point peninsula.
The five buildings planned for the precinct will be from 15 to 19 storeys.
According to the initial plans, construction will begin at the northern part of the site, which is currently an open-air car park.
Photo Credit: DA A005844698
Photo Credit: DA A005844698
The first stage of the Kangaroo Point Wellness Campus will offer three levels of parking whilst Stage Two comprises the healthcare and residential aged-care accommodation. Once completed and occupied, the buildings on the western side of the site will be demolished.
