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Queensland Health Unveils $8 Billion Hospital Expansion Plan, Including Princess Alexandra Hospital

Photo Credit: Shiftchange, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Princess Alexandra Hospital is among the key healthcare facilities selected for major expansion as part of Queensland Health’s $8 billion worth of new hospitals and upgrades under the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan.

A total of 12 construction companies have been shortlisted as potential tenderers for three new hospitals and nine major hospital expansions, representing a staggering total value of over $8 billion in capital works. With the objective of providing an additional 1,980 beds across Queensland within the next six years, these ambitious projects align with the State Government’s plan to deliver a total of 3,378 additional beds during the same period.

The scope of these projects extends to both regional and South East Queensland, with new hospitals constructed in Bundaberg and Toowoomba, alongside major expansions of Townsville, Cairns, and Mackay hospitals.

In the South East, new hospitals are planned in Coomera and six major expansions for Redcliffe, Ipswich, Logan, QEII, Princess Alexandra, and Prince Charles hospitals.

Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Yvette D’Ath, expressed her enthusiasm for the progress of these new hospitals and expansion projects, stating that they are moving full steam ahead. The shortlisted contractors have been carefully selected based on a rigorous expression of interest process and extensive engagement between Queensland Health and the construction industry.

“This engagement has meant the tender process to-date has been efficient, transparent and ultimately, competitive and fair,” the Minister said.

To ensure high-quality outcomes, Queensland Health has set stringent standards for the contractors, emphasising design principles that prioritise people, place, value-add, and technology. Successful tenderers will need to meet these standards as they work closely with the newly established Health Capital Division in the Department of Health, as well as the local Hospital and Health Services.

“A level of standardisation across all hospital projects will not only ensure we have contemporary health facilities, but also aim to make the design, construction and operational stages more efficient.

“I look forward to working together to deliver better health services for all Queenslanders.

“The construction of these three new hospitals and nine major hospital expansions will also provide a significant economic boost and support local businesses, creating around 19,947 construction jobs.”

In addition to the hospitals and expansions, the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan also encompasses the construction of the state-of-the-art Queensland Cancer Centre, expansions of the Hervey Bay and Robina hospitals, the Accelerated Infrastructure Delivery Program focusing on additional beds in 2023 and 2024, and the Building Rural and Remote Health Program.

Queensland Health has called for tender submissions from the shortlisted construction companies for the contracts on these projects:

Project name	Additional beds	Investment	Completion	Construction jobs
New Toowoomba Hospital	118	$1.3 billion	Second half of 2027	3,127
New Coomera Hospital	404	$1.3 billion	Second half of 2027	3,158
New Bundaberg Hospital	121	$1.2 billion	Second half of 2027	2,887
Redcliffe Hospital Expansion	204	$1.06 billion	Second half of 2028	2,573
Ipswich Hospital Expansion Stage 2	200	$710 million	Second half of 2027	1,713
Logan Hospital Expansion Stage 2	112	$530 million	Second half of 2026	1,290
Townsville University Hospital Expansion	143	$530 million	Second half of 2026	1,276
QEII Hospital Expansion	112	$465 million	Second half of 2027	1,120
PA Hospital Expansion	249	$350 million	Second half of 2026	854
Prince Charles Hospital Expansion	93	$300 million	Second half of 2027	728
Cairns Hospital Expansion	96	$250 million	First half of 2026	611
Mackay Hospital Expansion	128	$250 million	Second half of 2026	610

More information about the Queensland Health and Hospitals Plan can be found here.

Published 27-May-2023

Residents Object to Planned 24-Hour Greenslopes McDonald’s

Photo Credit: DA A006025123

Plans to build a 24-hour Greenslopes McDonald’s outlet have been met with strong objections from locals who believe that a fast food outlet will have an adverse impact on their neighbourhood.

DA A006025123, lodged in May 2022, proposes the construction of a fast food outlet along the corner of Logan Road and Plimsoll Street. The site is near the Greenslopes Mall and also close to other convenient fast food chains like KFC, Subway, Dominos and Pizza Hut.

According to Cr Krista Adams, the location of Greenslopes McDonald’s is within the District Centre (Corridor) Zone, essentially allowing a food and drink outlet, retail, supermarket or service stations. The site has been part of CityPlan 2000’s higher-level multipurpose zone. Based on this, the DA is Code Assessable and does not require a community consultation for residents to raise their concerns, objections or appeals.

Cr Adams also said that the Council’s planners have raised issues with the developer during the assessment period. The developer made changes to the designs after previous meetings with Council in 2021.

Despite this, locals have lodged more than 50 submissions to the development. Dr Dragan Talic, the owner of Greenslopes Family Practice (GFP) on Plimsoll Street, said that the McDonald’s plan is a major concern as it surrounds their property on three sides.

“If the application is approved, not only will this have a significant impact of my business, and the ability of our practice to provide medical care to the community, it will also restrict my ability to develop the site in the future.”

Dr Talic added that their clinic will become “an island among McDonald’s” and will also affect their elderly and disabled patients.

The “Don’t Let McDonald’s Trash our Neighbourhood Coalition” has also been campaigning against Greenslopes McDonald’s. Mr Bob Carnegie, the group’s spokesperson, said that proposal is not compliant with the code and their objections were initially dismissed by Council.

“It’s interesting that the removal of pre-1911 house on Logan Road would only benefit McDonald’s and there has been no regard for the ‘greater good’. It appears that character or heritage listings only matter when they don’t get in the way of developers and international big business,” Mr Carnegie said.

“There are MANY McDonald’s within a short drive of this development site,” said Kathryn Heyworth of the Greenslopes Neighbours Coalition. “McDonalds Australia has a plan to have EVERY house in a city within 3 minutes of Mcdonald’s! Looks like it is already a reality for 7 minute.”

Most of the objections also cite traffic concerns given its location near the shopping centre. However, Greenslopes McDonald’s proposal includes 26 carparks and a space for 10 cars queued in the drive-through. The DA has an attached traffic study indicating that the road network will not have any disruptions coming from the fast food chain, even during peak hours.

Published 14 March 2023

What Lies Ahead for Vacant Greenslopes Bowls Club Site?

Local residents are eagerly looking forward to the fate of the recently vacated Greenslopes Bowls Club site, as speculation arises over the potential sale of the venue.

Read: Luxury Developer Commits $60M to Transform Prime Woolloongabba Sites

Also known as Club Greenslopes, the bowls club continued to host social bowling events, live music performances, and functions until late 2022. Despite the conclusion of competitive bowling at the venue in late 2021, the club managed to sustain its operations.

However, Club Greenslopes, operating on a month-to-month lease, recently notified the Brisbane City Council of their intention to vacate the premises, leaving the site unoccupied.

Greenslopes Bowls Club — Photo credit: Club Greenslopes/Google Maps

Situated at 131 Ridge Street, Greenslopes, this expansive 98,456 sqm site boasts an array of impressive amenities. Among its standout features is a dedicated function room capable of accommodating up to 200 guests, making it an ideal choice for special events and gatherings.

In addition, the site offers an inviting outdoor beer garden, a charming courtyard, and a balcony conveniently positioned adjacent to the green, providing a delightful space for relaxation and enjoyment.

A spokesperson for the club expressed the financial challenges faced by small sporting clubs, particularly in maintaining operations for niche sports like lawn bowls. The closure of numerous similar bowls clubs in recent months has further highlighted the difficulties faced by these establishments.

Meanwhile, concerns have been mounting among neighbouring residents regarding the current state of the site. The council-owned building last underwent minor refurbishment in 2013, focusing primarily on revitalising its exteriors and improving accessibility. The interiors of the building also received special attention and were equipped with a cutting-edge sound and stage system.

Additionally, there are concerns that the Council might opt to sell the old building, potentially paving the way for redevelopment.

Read: Remediation Works Start At The Former Red Cross Hall In Greenslopes

In response to these concerns, the Council has strongly denied any intention to sell the site. Instead, they have announced plans to initiate a tender process in the near future to seek a new community lessee for the Greenslopes Bowls Club site.

Published 16-May-2023

Luxury Developer Commits $60M to Transform Prime Woolloongabba Sites

A prominent luxury apartment developer has recently allocated a whopping $60 million towards the acquisition of prime sites in Woolloongabba, with a vision of constructing residential buildings that will accommodate thousands of residents.

Read: This Woolloongabba Redevelopment Will Add a New Hyatt Place With Striking Rooftop ‘Nest’

Sarazin, currently based at Chifley Square in Sydney, currently controls a parcel of land spanning nearly 1.4 hectares along a stretch of Wellington Rd. Situated between Overend and Hampton streets, it’s considered as one of Woolloongabba’s prime sites.

The developer has submitted a development application for two 20-storey residential towers at 6-18 Wellington Rd, which will offer a total of 368 apartments. Designed by Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects, the ground floors of each building will provide space for seven retail tenancies.

Woolloongabba's prime sites — Photo credit: Hayes Anderson Lynch Architects

The properties, which are included in the Woolloongabba Centre neighbourhood plan, enjoy the advantage of having dual street frontage along Wellington Rd and Nile St, providing convenient access to important road networks.

Then, as part of a $7 billion funding agreement between the Queensland and Federal governments, Sarazin is also undertaking a three-stage apartment project situated across from the Gabba. The existing structure will be completely demolished and rebuilt.

In 2022, the first stage of the project, called “Silk,” was successfully completed on a 6,381 sqm site located on Stanley Street.

A real estate agent noted that the resurgence of large-scale apartment projects is a direct response to the current supply and demand dynamics, highlighting that there is a pressing rental crisis in the city and people require suitable housing options.

The Gabba, in particular, is highly desirable due to the upcoming Olympics and related infrastructure developments.

Read: 3-Hour Street Parking Limit, Resident Parking Permits Could be Adopted in Greenslopes

A significant redevelopment project is underway at the Gabba Stadium, which will undergo a complete demolition and subsequent reconstruction in preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

Published 11-May-2023

Greenslopes Mall Evacuated Following a Car Fire in the Parking Area

A car caught fire in the underground parking area of Brisbane’s Greenslopes Mall, forcing the evacuation of shoppers. Approximately 40 minutes after the incident started, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) personnel arrived on the scene.

On 20th April 2020, two QFES crews were sent to the retail centre, they managed to put out the fire by 9:50 a.m. The Fire Investigation Unit was also notified of the incident.

Peter Shaer, who was at the mall at the time of the fire, recalled that people were running to get their cars away from the “horrible” smoke and odours from the fire.

The shopper criticised the mall’s response to the situation as Mr Shaer claimed that “the shopping center reacted very slowly.” He didn’t not notice the sprinklers working and the lift was still operating “even in the den’s smog.”

Crews from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) were also on the scene. A short while later, it was said that the mall was once again accessible to shoppers.

Greenslopes Mall’s Center Management was unavailable for comment.

Published 20-April-2023

Experience The Best Of Brisbane At Stones Corner Festival 2023: Top Aussie Artists, Craft Beer, Food Trucks, And More!

Did you know that the highly anticipated Stones Corner Festival is back for its eighth year this April? This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with an impressive lineup of talented Aussie artists that will have the locals dancing in the street. Here’s what to look forward to as it returns in 2023.

Read: First Look At Brisbane’s First Street Art Wall At Ekibin Park

Performances

Leading the star-studded lineup of the 2023 Stones Corner Festival is the Australian dance-punk and electro-pop sensation, Art vs Science. The talented trio, renowned for their chart-topping hits like Flippers, Magic Fountain, and Parlez Vous Francais, will undoubtedly set the stage ablaze with their high-energy performance.

Joining them are several other sought-after artists, including Resin Dogs, Yacht Rock Revival, Good Will Remedy, Jem Cassar-Daly, John Hanley & The Hurricanes, Dusty, and Andy Martin.

Food and Drinks

Photo credit: Stones Corner Festival/Facebook

Grab a bite from one of the numerous food trucks that will be lined up along Stoneham St. Whether you’re in the mood for classic burgers and fries, savoury paella, tasty tacos, or flavorful pizza, there will be an option for everyone in the family to savour.

Make sure to pause for a moment and indulge in the mouth-watering libations from over 20 breweries that will be present at the event.

You can expect to be tantalised by the delicious offerings of renowned breweries such as Your Mates Brewing Co, Heads of Noosa, Better Beer, 4Pines, Slipstream, Balter, Brookvale Union, Stone & Wood, Burleigh Brewing, Newstead Brewing, Young Henrys, and Green Beacon, who will be serving up an array of refreshing beverages, including exciting new flavours that are sure to please your taste buds.

Market Stalls

Show your support for the local community by visiting The Market Folk, a top Brisbane marketplace that specialises in pre-loved, hand-crafted, sustainable, and creative products. You’ll find their stalls scattered throughout the street at the festival.

If you’re in the mood for some browsing and shopping, make sure to stop by and pick up a unique knick-knack to commemorate your visit to the most epic street party of the year.

Supporting a Good Cause

Whilst the Stones Corner Festival is all about having a great time, it’s also about supporting a good cause.

The festival’s roots are deeply connected to the MND and Me Foundation, which raises funds for Queenslanders living with Motor Neurone Disease and supports ongoing research. All funds collected on the day will be distributed towards this important cause.

Therefore, gold coin donations are encouraged, and there will be plenty of opportunities to win a variety of raffles.

Read: Remediation Works Start At The Former Red Cross Hall In Greenslopes

Mark your calendar for 30 April 2023, from 10:00 a.m! Stones Corner Festival is a community-driven festival with FREE entry and a chance to support a meaningful cause.

Published 13-April-2023

Vaxxas: Pioneering Needle-Free Skin Patch Vaccine Technology

Photo credit: Vaxxas / vaxxas.com

Vaxxas, a Woolloongabba-based biotechnology company is working on developing new technology that could potentially deliver a needle-free skin patch for vaccine delivery by 2026.

With this, an exciting potential world-first vaccine innovation has emerged which could potentially replace the need for needles entirely.

The biotech company is in the process of developing the technology which involves using a patch with thousands of vaccine-coated micro projections that creates a surface similar to sandpaper.

Promising human clinical studies are currently underway. If successful, the potential benefits could forever change the way vaccines are administered.

The technology offers a simplified approach to vaccine administration and eliminates the need for cold chain storage. This breakthrough innovation could significantly lower distribution costs and make vaccinations more accessible, particularly during pandemics.

Vaxxas’ President and CEO, David Hoey, said the technology could have a revolutionary benefit in lower and middle-income countries, where vaccines could be administered without the need for refrigeration, and a skilled health worker could avoid going to difficult-to-reach areas.

Additionally, this work could help extend the reach of vaccines into areas where resources and logistics are limited, which is essential for disease eradication, where widespread vaccination is necessary.

He likewise highlighted the significant public health benefits that this innovative patch technology could bring to high-income countries.

The technology produces a faster and higher immune response, and even a smaller amount of vaccine on the patch could achieve comparable results.

He said he believes that this could be an appealing prospect for vaccine manufacturers and patients alike, and in the future, all vaccines could be administered through skin patches.

In February 2023, the University of Queensland (UQ) was granted Federal funding to work alongside Vaxxas in advancing the development and clinical testing of the world’s first COVID-19 vaccine delivered via a needle-free skin patch.

The technology’s potential to revolutionize vaccine administration and delivery could have far-reaching implications for global public health.

Provided that the trials are successful, Vaxxas may commence manufacturing by 2026.

Published 13-April-2023

Brisbane Tigers To Reopen Newly Revamped Langlands Park Stadium

After more than a year of work, the revamped Totally Workwear Stadium at Langlands Park, the home of Brisbane Tigers, will finally reopen soon.

Read: Remediation Works Start At The Former Red Cross Hall In Greenslopes

The newly transformed boutique stadium, which will be able to seat up to 4,000 spectators will reopen in April 2023.

The historic venue has been given a $10 million revamp as part of the rugby club’s plans to earn an NRL licence in the near future. The team was disappointed after failing to secure the 17th team licence. Still, they have high hopes to become the 18th NRL team.

With the new Totally Workwear Stadium, the Brisbane Tigers will be given an opportunity to train and play on a first-class playing surface whilst utilising their back-of-house facilities. Meanwhile, guests including their sponsors will be able to comfortably watch the matches.

Works for Langlands Park also involved relocating the 1933 pavilion on the site and building a two-storey building with modern facilities such as a 45-seat theatre, corporate suites, media rooms and administration offices.

The 1933 pavilion, which is on the heritage list and was once the change rooms for the Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club, has been moved between the heritage grandstand and the current scoreboard.

“The provision of a first-class training and playing facilities at Totally Workwear Stadium will complement the Langlands Park sporting precinct, which will include swimming pools and a 24-7 commercial gymnasium,” the Brisbane Tigers stated in its website.

“The redevelopment of the grounds is extremely important for the club and the community. The current change rooms were constructed in the 1960’s and 1980’s and have served the community well for over 60 years but are now needing of an upgrade to state and national level competition standard.”

Read: Broadway Hotel: Neglected Heritage Landmark Up for Restoration

Beyond the sports facilities, guests can expect a new canteen, an espresso bar, and a merchandise shop located on the new single-story building on the western side of the grounds.

Totally Workwear Stadium is anticipated to become a great facility not just for rugby league but also for competition games throughout Queensland, school competitions and carnivals, local games and finals, and other sports and events of the community.

Published 27-March-2023

Remediation Works Start At The Former Red Cross Hall In Greenslopes

After years of planning, the remediation works for the former Red Cross Hall in Greenslopes has finally started, which would prepare the property before it will be transformed into a public park.

Read: New Community Park Planned at Former Red Cross Site in Greenslopes

Red Cross Hall, located on the corner of Newdegate Street and Headfort Street in Greenslopes has been closed since 2013 due to the presence of asbestos.

The decision to sell the property is believed to be a more cost-effective solution, rather than retaining or renovating it, which is expected to cost the government anywhere between $5.4 million and $7.5 million.

The remediated site will then be sold to the Brisbane City Council for the purpose of constructing a public park and Legacy House.

Local officials will work with the Department of Veterans Affairs for a heritage strategy in designing the new public space, to allow them to preserve most of the building’s heritage-listed elements.

Consisting of a large timber hall and smaller neighbouring building built circa 1945, the former Red Cross Hall was constructed to provide recreation services to the military personnel who were patients at the 112th Australian Military Hospital.

At the time, hundreds of soldiers were taken to the hospital for medical examinations before and after active service. Many of them were treated for medical, surgical or other conditions.

Councillor for Coorparoo Ward Fiona Cunningham earlier announced that locals wanted to see a public park on the site, given that there are no playgrounds or family recreational facilities nearby.

“While it is sad to see the buildings go, I believe it is important to provide certainty to residents about the future of the site. I am also pleased that we will be able to provide new parkland for local families and community use that will honour the site’s history,” Cr Cunningham said in a social media post.

Read: Broadway Hotel: Neglected Heritage Landmark Up for Restoration

Council would also sell a portion of the land to Legacy Queensland who will use the space to continue support for local veteran families.

Legacy QLD is a non-profit organisation currently based in South Brisbane, which supports thousands of family members of fallen and injured veterans across South-East, Central and Western Queensland.

Published 23-March-2023

Greenslopes Coles Team Member Eoin Gibson: Thriving with Down Syndrome

Always cheerful and ready to help, Eoin Gibson has Down Syndrome and is a familiar sight at the bakery and the fruit and vegetable section of Greenslopes Coles where he is popular among customers and fellow team members.

“It started, I’ll never forget it, with a high five as his introduction,” Coles Store Manager Darren Watt fondly recalled, saying that Eoin turned up one day and asked to see him at the service desk looking for a job.

“Straight away I could tell that there was something about Eoin that this business needed,” Mr Watt said, adding that he knew that Eoin was going to make Coles a better place, thanks to his energy and confidence.

When Eoin isn’t hard at work sorting and arranging the produce, he can be seen making cookies, or checking the stocks on the shelves. He says Coles is like a second home.

Having Down syndrome has not prevented Eoin from growing and thriving. In fact, working in an environment like Coles has helped him develop new skills, gain confidence around people, and achieve economic independence.

Eoin Greenslopes Coles Down Syndrome employee — Photo Credit: Screen capture from YouTube / Down Syndrome Australia

Seeing him at succeeding at work has also helped shine a light on people with Down Syndrome as capable contributors to society.

As part of Coles’ ongoing commitment to attract and employ people that represent the communities in which they operate and in celebration of World Down Syndrome Day (March 22, 2023), Coles is honouring its incredible team members like Eoin who help make Coles a safe and inclusive place to work.

What started as an introductory high-five during the interview has now blossomed into a four-year career for Eoin with Coles, providing his one-of-a-kind five-star service in his roles across fresh produce and the bakery.

“It is always important for people with Down Syndrome to get a job,” Eoin says, adding that working keeps him going and helps “to works your brain.” He said it is important for people with Down Syndrome to get a job and feel that they belong to a community.

Like everyone else, Eoin says he has good days and bad days. When he first started, Eoin’s challenge was building rapport with the team, mastering the everyday skills needed for his job, and learning safe work practices.

He worked very hard and was soon happy with his improvement. “We always have to keep moving on,” he says.

Through the support of his Store Manager Michael Edser, and the team at Coles Greenslopes, he is proud to be doing just that, moving forward and building his career in a supportive and inclusive environment.

“I love this team. I want to work here forever, actually,” Eoin shares.

In FY22, Coles ranked #1 for accessible Recruitment and Selections and was ranked #3 in the Access and Inclusion Index (see here for more information). Coles is also committed to providing a safe and accessible shopping experience, with 414 stores offering Quite Hour nationally.