Hanlon Park has a new electric barbecue for Stones Corner visitors to use and enjoy amidst the phase-out of wood-fired barbecues across many Brisbane parks.
The replacements, however, have drawn complaints from some councillors who said that the removal of wood-fired barbecues could spell the end of an Australian tradition.
Reports cited that at least 300 wood-fired barbecues have been removed from Brisbane parks and replaced with either gas or electric varieties. However, the replacements have not been enough to keep pace with losses.
Cr Nicole Johnston also said that sausage sizzles taste better when grilled on a wood-fired rather than an electric or gas barbecue. She has been waiting for new barbecue equipment for her ward in Fairfield and claimed the request has been on the list for 12 years.
The complaints also cited that barbecue equipment across the parks is down to 288 from 410 in nearly a decade. Whilst Council has been spending for park improvements, barbecue equipment is not a priority on some of the parks.
However, per the Council’s official site, the facilities are available at over 420 parks and reserves but some electric equipment could be temporarily unavailable due to maintenance.
Cr Tracy Davis, the parks chairperson, said that the removal of wood-fired barbecues was asked by the locals who didn’t want to carry logs to the parks or ensure that the fires don’t put out whilst they were still having a barbecue. She also said that some parks also have cooking plates.
Plans for the Stage 2 of the Buranda TOD (transit oriented development) have been revised, with the developers scrapping the aged care facility in favour of another commercial office building.
Initial plans for Stage 2 Buranda TOD included the Garden House, a seven-storey aged care facility on the northern part of the precinct. However, new plans showed it was replaced by a mixed-use office tower.
The Stage 2 of transit oriented development, which is in proximity to Buranda Train Station is being proposed on the eastern precinct of the site.
Photo credit: Woods Bagot
Designed by Woods Bagot, Stage 2 will be divided into four buildings:
Garden House – previously an aged care facility now being proposed as a commercial office
The Pavilion – commercial office
The Canopy – student accommodation
The Terraces – multiple dwelling
Garden House
View of Garden House from Gillingham St (Photo credit: Woods Bagot)
Garden House is an eight-storey mixed-use commercial office tower at the northern part of the site. The building comprises a reception, lobby and retail tenancies at the Upper Ground and Plaza Ground Levels, with commercial offices at the upper levels.
The Pavilion
View of The Pavilion in context to The Terraces and Garden House along Logan Road (Photo credit: Woods Bagot)
The Pavilion is a seven-storey mixed-use commercial tower along Logan Road. The building includes a lobby area and range of retail tenancies at the Lower Ground and Plaza Ground Levels and commercial offices at the upper five levels.
The Canopy
The Canopy (Photo credit: Woods Bagot)
The Canopy provides for a 26-storey purpose-built student accommodation tower, comprising three podium levels and 23 tower levels integrated over two basement levels. This building is located at the south-western part of the site and provides a total of 756 beds and 884sqm of communal open space.
The Terraces
Render of The Terraces from the corner of Logan Road and O’Keefe Street (Photo credit: Woods Bagot)
The Terraces is a 28-storey multiple dwelling tower, comprising one basement level, five podium levels and 23 residential levels. This building is situated at the landmark site on the corner of Logan Road and O’Keefe Street and provides a total of 226 apartments and 1,027sqm of communal open space.
Meanwhile, Stage 1 (western precinct) of Buranda TOD, which involves the construction of two towers to provide a total of 1,611 student units and shops/restaurant tenancies has been completed.
For the project, Brisbane City Council teamed up with local artists Smalls and Tervo, which both agreed that the legal street art walls were a step in the right direction to foster the talents of emerging street artists in Brisbane.
There’s more to come as the city unveils its new program aimed at supporting local art culture and creating vibrant public spaces.
The legal graffiti walls provide public spaces that can be used as a canvas for uncommissioned, legal street art, with the aim of providing opportunities for creative expression and artistic development.
Photo credit: Team Schrinner/Facebook
This means Brisbane can accommodate fantastic street art, in the right places, to add to the city’s attractiveness. Council also reminds the public that street art that is offensive in nature and has the potential to upset, disturb, threaten, or insult people may be removed.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the new program emerged from the annual Brisbane Street Art Festival, which has rapidly grown as one of the largest street arts festivals in Australia since it began in 2016.
Photo credit: Team Schrinner/Facebook
“This new program will identify public spaces where street artists can express their creativity, hone their skills and transform blank canvases into amazing murals for residents and visitors to enjoy,” Cr Schrinner stated.
“I believe Brisbane’s street art can be a unique local tourism drawcard ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games with the potential for city-wide tours and outdoor exhibitions.”
Artist Tervo said it’s a space free from outside intervention that allows artists to push their styles, practice techniques and develop artistically in a safe environment.
Photo credit: Team Schrinner/Facebook
“While there are increasing opportunities for paid commercial murals, these are not places for artists to take risks and develop, nor suitable for beginning artists to start out,” said Tervo.
In 2022, Prof Judith Goh AO and Prof Hannah Krause AO, urogynaecologists from the Greenslopes Private Hospital, successfully operated on 121 women in Uganda as part of a self-funded medical mission.
In 2023, the duo is making another trip to continue their mission of helping underprivileged women who would otherwise not have access to adequate medical services.
In August 2022, Prof. Goh and Prof Krause went to Uganda on a three-week trip to volunteer their time and offer their surgical skills to women with gynaecological issues as well as raise funds to cover their patients’ travel expenses and food. They, however, did pay for their travel costs out of their own pockets.
“Each surgery costs a couple of hundred dollars, and with local women earning an average of less than $2 a day, the cost of surgery is beyond their means,” Prof. Goh said.
“The majority of surgeries we perform are for utero-vaginal prolapse and fistulas. Without these surgeries the women are often ostracised by their husbands and families.
“It’s wonderful to be able to use our skills to help people less fortunate. Thank you to Greenslopes Private Hospital for the ongoing support.”
Prof. Goh and Prof Krause have been doing volunteer work in Asia and Africa since 1995 and during pre-COVID times, they undertook 3-4 self-funded trips per year. In fact, it was not the first time that Prof. Goh and Dr Krause went on a medical mission to Uganda.
In 2018, they, along with , travelled to Uganda to visit the remote region of the Rwenzori Mountains to offer medical services to women needing treatment for conditions such as vaginal fistulas and uterovaginal prolapse.
They are returning to Uganda for another medical mission this March.
“Ekibin Park East, on Ridge Street at Greenslopes will soon have brand new shade sails,” Councillor Fiona Cunningham’s social media post last 22 December 2022 reads.
“It’s part of our promise to ensure every playground in Brisbane has shade in the next 3 years.
In some locations it will be shade sails and in others, where possible, large mature trees,” she said.
In a separate announcement last 11 December, Lord Mayor Schrinner revealed the first 41 playgrounds to be retrofitted with shade covers. He said that the $10 million three-year program to be rolled out over the next three years will ensure that every playground in Brisbane has shade to help protect parents, carers and children.
“Brisbane has an enviable lifestyle as well as a network of more than 2000 fantastic parks that make for great free fun for families,” Cr Schrinner said.
“However, we also live in a state that’s known as one of the world’s skin cancer capitals.
“While we incorporate shade in all our new playgrounds when required, there are unfortunately some that still need to be retrofitted with some form of cover.
“Under our Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program, Council will identify those playgrounds that need cover and ensure they receive it over the next three years.
“This program is in addition to our ongoing investment in new and improved parks and playgrounds throughout Brisbane suburbs.
Three local suppliers and manufacturers were already commissioned to make and install the shade sails at the first package of playgrounds in Alderley, Durack, Heathwood, and Runcorn under the Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program. A further nine playgrounds will also get shade sails under the Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds program.
“Many parents of young children like me would know only too well that playgrounds without shade are off limits for large parts of the day, particularly during Brisbane’s hotter months.
“Our program will be pivotal to ensuring that when the sun is up our parks are cooler for everyone.
“Brisbane is the best place in the world to live and programs like this are helping to make it even better.”
Cancer Council Queensland Chief Executive Officer Mr Andrew Donne said he applauds the Lord Mayor for the project that will create more shady recreational space and that it is a “great step in reducing skin damage and risk of skin cancer for Brisbane kids.
“It is well known that Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, and without sun protection skin damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes,” Mr Donne said.
“What I must convey however, is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.”
Mr Donne added that people can do their part to improve sun safety by slipping on protective clothing, applying SPF 30+ sunscreen, using a broad-brimmed hat, seeking shade and sliding on wraparound sunglasses.
It is estimated that some 150 playgrounds will be upgraded with shade as the program will boost the current average of one new shade at 10 playgrounds each year to about 50 playgrounds per year.
“Where possible, we will also look at investing in planting of mature trees rather than sails,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Trees not only create a cleaner, greener Brisbane but are also a great source of shade.”
Over the next six months, these playgrounds will receive shade under the 2022-23 Sun Safe Suburban Playgrounds Program:
A major restoration is underway for the heritage-listed Broadway Hotel along Logan Road in Woolloongabba and its owners plan to rebuild the iconic building as the Breakfast Creek Hotel of the southeast side.
Broadway Projects Pty Ltd bought the neglected property from Malcolm Nyst in 2021. The site has existing approved plans to demolish the WWII bomb shelter, alongside some of the rear extensions.
The new owners hired Carbone Developments to be involved with the restoration under the guidance of heritage architect Ivan McDonald. Carbone Developments has many projects involving heritage builds.
A spokesperson for the company said that the demolition process will be painstaking as they have to remove the concrete by hand to preserve the other structure and ensure it won’t be knocked down.
Though some locals opposed the removal of the WWII bomb shelter due to its history, Carbone Developments said they had many positive meetings with the Department of Environment and Science to discuss the restoration.
Photo Credit: State Library of Queensland
The company’s long-term plans for the Broadway Hotel include building a 20-storey residential site next to the pub. However, the focus for the moment is to restore the pub, which could take more than a year.
A development application for the residential project has yet to be lodged as the new owners still have to gauge how the venue, once wholly restored, will click with the community.
Broadway Hotel was entered into the Queensland Heritage Register in 1992. Two major fires damaged the three-storey octagonal building, which become a place for vandals after years of neglect.
After ending its run in early December, Musical Bingo nights at the Shady Palms in Stones Corner will be back in the New Year and regular patrons are eagerly awaiting the popular event.
Musical Bingo at Shady Palms had its last game of the year on the 9th of December 2022 but the activity will definitely resume on the 6th of January 2023 at 7:00 p.m. As with the previous events, participants will not have to register to join but they need to come early to secure a spot for a chance to win two $50 Shady Palms vouchers.
But how does one exactly play this game? If it’s your first time, it won’t be hard to follow. There will be no one calling out letters and numbers. Instead, participants will basically listen to a few lyrics of the song and then mark the title on their bingo card until they have completed a row. Sounds easy and fun right? Some participants are even encouraged to sing along, especially if they are having a really great time.
Photo Credit: ShadyPalms/Facebook
Photo Credit: ShadyPalms/Facebook
At times, the games might have some variations, including aiming to blackout every square of the bingo card. Whilst you’re there, grab a bite of Shady Palms fried chicken, tacos and burgers to enjoy with their craft beers or cocktail drinks.
Photo Credit: ShadyPalms/Facebook
Shady Palms is known for its Pan-American dishes, local brews and lively activities. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
“Great atmosphere, convenient location and super friendly staff. My go to for a relaxing night out. The food is amazing, highly reccomend the Karaage Chicken burger. The addition of a piece of a pickled ginger complements the kewpie mayo and chicken patty. Also cannot forget the sliders, love mini burgers. Special shoutout to the Musical Bingo they host every Friday (2022) super fun and free to register and participate.”
Frank
“Stopped in had a beer and the wagu burger Honestly one of the best burgers I’ve had had in Bris and certainly the best in Stones corner. I’ll definitely be back.”
Lou
“Great food, great atmosphere and lovely staff. I’ve been going here almost every week for the last year and it’s part of the reason I have stayed local to Stones Corner. Couldn’t recommend Shady Palms enough.”
Designed by Ellivo Architects, the 10-storey building will deliver 82 new homes, which comprises 50 social and 32 affordable homes.
Plans (Photo credit: BCC/Ellivo Architects)
According to BHC, the affordable housing in Stones Corner will provide critical housing supply for lower income local essential workers who are employed in the nearby retail, health and administrative services precincts as well as the CBD.
The affordable rentals will be provided at a discount to the market rate for properties in the area, assisting local workers to live close to their place of employment.
Social homes, on the other hand, will assist in the delivery of safe, long-term, quality homes for people eligible for social housing, including people at risk of homelessness, women and children in need. Social housing rents are usually set at 30 percent or less of the household’s weekly income.
Photo credit: BCC/Ellivo Architects
Located at 23-27 Cleveland Street, Stones Corner, the units will be a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments.
“The development aims to build a community and foster opportunities for social inclusion, offering residents multiple spaces to meet and connect including an open-air alfresco rooftop and ground floor common space,” BHC said.
The building has also been designed with sustainability in mind, with the property targeting a 7+star NatHERS rating, offering rainwater collection and storage for landscape irrigation, a solar array to power the communal spaces and lifts, and naturally cross ventilated apartments and communal spaces.
Photo credit: BCC/Ellivo Architects
The social and affordable housing in Stones Corner is one of two approved social housing projects by BHC, who also got an approval for a build-to-rent building in Chermside.
“Our new Chermside development is within walking distance of the Prince Charles and St Vincent’s hospitals and the retail hub of Chermside Shopping Centre and will provide much needed accommodation to essential workers in these precincts,” BHC stated.
“Similarly, our Stones Corner development is centrally located close to public transport, retail, parklands, and employment and education opportunities in the inner-city.”
Construction for the Stones Corner building is expected to commence in mid to late 2023 with the first residents welcomed to their new homes in mid-2025.
Did you know that Professor Ashish Gupta from the Greenslopes Private Hospital recently took part in a 36-hour non-stop event which saw leading surgeons from 19 countries perform up to 35 shoulder surgeries streamed live online?
Professor Gupta co-chaired ‘East Meets West,’ consisting of 36 hours of nonstop surgery by leading surgeons from 19 countries. Up to 35 shoulder surgeries were performed for this event, co-chaired by Prof Gupta representing the ‘East’ with Dr. Jean Kany from a Ramsay Health Care hospital in Toulouse representing the West.
The orthopaedic surgeon at Greenslopes Private Hospital performed the surgery on 14 October 2022, and it’s being streamed live online around the world, with more than 1,200 organisations worldwide watching.
For his surgery, Professor Gupta performed a humeral allograft and latarjet for bipolar bone loss for chronic shoulder instability using mixed reality planning by medtech company Akunah.
Other surgeries included advances in total shoulder arthroplasty, rotator cuff repair, superior capsular reconstruction, robotic tendon transfers, and instability procedures.
Dr Ashish Gupta (Photo credit: QLD Ortho Clinic)
“I am proud to be involved in this event. It is a great opportunity to share my technique on a complex shoulder instability case and to show how mixed reality can significantly assist surgeons to become more accurate with their surgeries,” Professor Gupta said.
Professor Gupta was interested to see how surgeons are innovating and pushing the boundaries in other countries, and how they strive to provide better outcomes for the patients.
It was not the first time that Professor Gupta has shared his skills with others for the benefit of surgeons around the world. In the past, he has already supervised many international surgeons awarded fellowships from the Australian Shoulder Research Institute (ASRI).
Professor Gupta mentored surgeons from Nepal, Lebanon, the Netherlands, and Mexico who travelled all the way to Australia to learn from him to learn advanced skills in arthroscopic techniques along with gaining exposure to shoulder arthroplasty, especially revision shoulder arthroplasty.
The Greenslopes stormwater drainage system is set to get an upgrade. The project encompasses streets around the Greenslopes Private Hospital including Denman Street, Hunter Street and Newdegate Street.
Council is undertaking an upgrade of the Greenslopes stormwater drainage which will involve replacing the existing stormwater pipes that run along the centre of Denman, Hunter and Newdegate Streets. The project will also see the upgrading of the gully that connects the stormwater in Hunter Street as well as providing connections to the existing stormwater pipes and drainage.
Sections of the road will be closed to traffic to make way for the construction which is expected to be completed by mid-April 2023.
Details of the construction works which will be conducted Monday to Friday between 7 am and 5 pm are as follows:
Denman Street, between Henry Street and Newdegate Street
This first location will have works starting on Monday 17 October and will require a full road closure. Completion of this part of the project is expected to be by end of November (weather permitting).
Residents will be able to access their property from Henry Street via traffic control during work hours.
Denman Street, between Thomas Street and Newdegate Street
Works on this section will commence in late October and are expected to be completed by early December (weather permitting).
Residents will be able to access their property from Thomas Street via traffic control during work hours.
Newdegate Street, between Denman Street and Hunter Street
Work will begin in this stage in early December 2022 and be completed by late January 2023. Work, however, will pause during the Christmas shutdown period.
This project will require single-lane closures with traffic controllers on site.
Hunter Street, between Newdegate Street and Nicholson Street
This project will start in early February 2023 and be completed by mid-April (weather permitting).
This street will be closed to traffic throughout construction. Residents will be able to access their properties via traffic control.
The Greenslopes stormwater drainage upgrade project is among the Flood Resilience Projects currently being undertaken by Brisbane City Council which has so far completed stormwater drainage upgrades on Ann Street and James Street in Fortitude Valley; Chermside and Helen Streets in Teneriffe; and Ipswich Road in Woolloongabba.
