70-Year-Old Stones Corner Library All Set for $600,000 Makeover

Stones Corner Library, one of the busiest libraries in the city, is about to receive some necessary upgrades, thanks to a $600,000 funding from the Brisbane City Council.

Part of the works will give the historic library a brighter and more modern look, including:

  • Reconfigured floor plan to create more space
  • Additional children’s library
  • Small reading lounge
  • Wi-Fi bench overlooking the garden
  • New windows for natural light and sound attenuation
  • Additional toilet amenities

Councillor for Coorparoo Fiona Cunningham said the refurbishments to the library are part of the Council’s wider commitment to creating more to see and do in Brisbane.

Works for the Stones Corner Library will begin in September 2019 and are expected to be completed before the year ends. The library will still be open to the public throughout the refurbishment project.

Stones Corner Library, located at 280 Logan Road, is one of the Council libraries accessible to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Wednesdays to Saturdays. It’s closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Sundays and on public holidays.



Stones Corner Library History

Photo Credit: brisbane.qld.gov.au

During the Second World War, the library building was used by American officers as a mess hall. It was originally located in Victoria Park but relocated to the Stones Corner site when it was acquired by BCC in June 1947. The facility opened as a library in 1950.  The last time it underwent a major refurbishment was back in 1996. 

Over the last seven decades, the library has provided services to residents and was the first Council library to provide a free children’s area and reference materials for educational use.



Why Lady Marmalade Cafe and Bar is a Favourite Hangout in Greenslopes and Stones Corner

Nearly a decade ago, Lady Marmalade Cafe and Bar opened its doors at 299 Logan Road, Stones Corner, amidst a row of offices. The cafe, which was once a record store and a canary house, initially seemed out of place but the fact that it’s still thriving since 2010 is proof of its success and popularity in the Stones Corner and Greenslopes area.

Lady Marmalade Cafe and Bar is packed with people most days that its owners, Howard and Sonja Searle, decided to renovate and expand the once small corner cafe into 110-seating capacity. Still, the restaurant can get pretty busy because it has become a favourite Greenslopes hangout.



Locals are drawn to the home-cooked goodness of its food choices. The menu changes every season to keep the selection fresh and interesting.

The current menu (Winter 2019) is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds with beautifully-prepared meals like Ricotta Blueberry Pancakes, Confit Duck on Chilli Corn Bread Waffle, Herb and Garlic Roasted Cauliflower “Steak,” and The LM Gringo Waffle.

Photo Credit: Lady Marmalade Cafe and Bar/Facebook
Photo Credit: Lady Marmalade Cafe and Bar/Facebook

The drink list has an extensive collection of wine, cocktails and mocktails, spirits, beers and bubbles, juices, milkshakes and smoothies, as well as coffee. The Saigon Coffee has been a top choice to pair with a good breakfast since the restaurant opened. 

Lady Marmalade has a hip and rustic interior that appeals to the regulars’ comfort. It also has good outdoor seating if you’re looking for a place to chill and relax on a beautiful day.  

This restaurant is open weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Trading hours extend from 9:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 



“This funky little cafe is always packed and with good reason! The food is always fresh and delicious and the meals are interesting, incentive and very reasonably priced. A breakfast for six with two drinks each and some french toast to share only came to $120, which is 20 bucks a head. The service is five star and the noise levels and decor are both good quality.  Fully deserving of a full five stars.”

~ Declan D.B. Winterton, Google Reviews

“Great place for a weekend brunch. The ambiance is great, good service and the options on the menu are great. We had the Lm gringo waffle, which was really good, as well as the confit duck which was amazing, the duck was really well cooked and came off the bone easily. Also, the Korean chicken burger was really good. Can’t wait to get back and try all the other things on the menu. The coffee was amazing too!!”

~ Harshit Jain, Zomato 

“After reading and hearing so great things about this place we finally got to try it out. Dinner was really lovely. Sonya and her crew are really friendly and welcoming and the food is top-notch. Can’t wait to try breakfast and lunch.”

~ Maryanne Q, Trip Advisor 

Newtons Home Appliances in Greenslopes to Host a Smeg Cooking Demonstration

You might have spotted those sleek Italian Smeg ovens at Newtons Home Appliances in Greenslopes. If you plan to own one but you’re intimidated by its features, then perhaps a cooking demonstration of the Smeg Appliance Range may help seal the deal.

On Thursday, the 22nd of Aug 2019, Newtons Home Appliances will host a Smeg Cooking Class at Logan Road. From 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., discover what this appliance innovation can do to help you become a pro in the kitchen. 

The cooking class is designed to be a fun and interactive session that will help you maximise the functions of the oven. Best of all, it’s a free event but you’ll need to sign up as slots are limited. The next Smeg cooking demonstration at the store will take place on Saturday, the 7th of Sept 2019.

Photo Credit: Newton Home Appliances/Facebook


When it comes to kitchen and laundry, Brisbane families have relied on Newtons Home Appliances since the 1930s. Holding cooking demonstrations has been a long-enduring practice for the company and generations of homemakers have gained from these classes. 

Aside from the cooking classes, Newtons Home Appliances has kitchen design seminars. The company is also planning to offer bathroom design and renovation services seminars in the future.



Smeg is just one of the premier kitchen products the store carries. It has seen through 70 years of technological innovation and still remains the market leader when it comes to trendy designs and features. 

The Smeg showroom in Queensland is at 46 Northlink Place in Virginia.

Langlands Park Memorial Pool Upgrade Taking Shape

Works for the Langlands Park Memorial Pool upgrade at Stones Corner are well underway as the much-anticipated 50-metre pool upgrade takes shape.

Latest updates on the construction site show a lot of progress on the nine-lane 50-metre pool. Aiming to make the pool more accessible for all, the ninth lane will have a special rehabilitation purpose with ramp entry.

Photo credit: Langlands Park Memorial Pool/Facebook

Langlands Park Memorial Pool Upgrade

Apart from the new and improved Olympic Competition Pool, upgrades to the Greenslopes pool complex will also include the following:

  • Construction of a new six-lane 25-metre pool, new program pool, and a new children’s aqua park;
  • Upgrades to the existing amenities and pool entrance;
  • Landscaping throughout the complex;
  • Making the site fully accessible by including ramps into the 50-metre and 25-metre pool and providing accessible change room facilities.

Take a sneak peak behind the scenes of work underway to improve our local Langlands Park Memorial Pool! Theme hint: 🐙🐳🏖

Posted by Councillor Fiona Cunningham on Tuesday, June 18, 2019
Credit: Councillor Fiona Cunningham/Facebook

Brisbane City Council set the upgrade in stages to make sure that a program pool is available at all times for pool patrons. This is made possible by maintaining access to the existing learn-to-swim pool whilst the new facility is being built.

Upon completion of the 50-metre pool, BCC will readily make it available for use whilst they continue with the other works to complete the upgrade. Council will be keeping locals informed of construction activity in their area.



Photo credit: Brisbane City Council

Once finished, Langlands Park Memorial Pool‘s new facility will provide an excellent environment for athletes of all levels and abilities. Improvement works are anticipated to be complete in late 2019 weather and construction conditions permitting.

To learn more about the upgrade you can:

  • Call the project team on 1800 669 416
  • Call Council’s 24-hour Contact Centre on 07 3403 8888
  • Email City Projects Office at cityprojects@brisbane.qld.gov.au
  • Write to:

Langlands Park Memorial Pool upgrade

City Projects Office

Brisbane City Council

GPO Box 1434

Brisbane Qld 4001

The Gabba To Undergo Makeover in Time for First 2021 Ashes Test Hosting

The Gabba will undergo a major upgrade, thanks to the infusion of $35 million worth of funding by the State Government, in time for its hosting of the First Test of the 2021-22 Ashes cricket series against England.

“The Palaszczuk Government knows that sport is a language spoken by all Queenslanders,” Minister for Sport Mick de Brenni said during his announcement of the State Government’s 2019-20 budget for sports and recreation.

“Which is why this funding will support sports players from local volunteer-run community clubs, to our elite world-renowned venues.

Photo Credit: The Gabba /  Facebook

“We are investing $40 million in at least 150 community infrastructure projects across the state, as well as $12 million to unlock school sporting facilities for community use.

“The Gabba will also receive $35 million to refurbish public, corporate and media facilities while we ensure our next T20 2020 World Cup players, Olympians and Paralympians are brought up and supported with $44.5 million for sporting excellence.

“All up, this $506.4 million three-year commitment is part of our $1.3 billion 10-year plan to shape the future of sport and recreation in Queensland,” said Mr de Brenni.

Photo Credit: The Gabba /  Facebook

First Ashes Test 2021-22 at the Gabba

Cricket Australia through its CEO Kevin Roberts recently confirmed that the Gabba will host the first Test of the 2021-22 Ashes series.

“Nothing excites Australian cricket fans like an Ashes series on home soil and the upgrades to the Gabba will ensure that in hosting the first test of the Ashes series in 2021-22, fans in Queensland will get the first opportunity to enjoy world-class cricket while experiencing the upgraded facilities,” Mr Roberts said.

The announcement means that Australia will continue its unbeaten test run at the Gabba. Australia’s current record at the Gabba is at 30 Tests, unbeaten since 1988, which is the longest active streak in world cricket.

Photo Credit: The Gabba /  Facebook

Enhanced Experience at the Gabba

“Whether fans turned up to The Gabba to cheer on the Australian test team or the Heat, or in their Lions jersey, this upgrade will enhance every second of the action,” Mr de Brenni said.

“Entry through turn-styles will be quicker and easier, and with upgraded TVs throughout the stadium you won’t miss a second of the action when you visit the new bars and food outlets.

“With these upgrades, and Australia’s unbeaten record here at The Gabba I’m sure the Ashes Test will be an unforgettable one for fans,”  Mr de Brenni added.



BCC Allocates $2 Million on Tree Planting in Greenslopes, Zillmere, Paddington, and Murarrie

The Council will spend $2 million towards greening Brisbane suburbs through tree planting activities in Zillmere, Paddington, Greenslopes and Murarrie. 

Cr Schrinner said that the Council’s 2019-20 Budget will allocate $2 million on tree planting projects for the next year in Zillmere, Paddington, Greenslopes and Murarrie “to improve the amenity of local shopping areas as well as beautifying busy traffic corridors through plantings in median strips.”

“Residents love Brisbane for its open green spaces and shady boulevards, and in the coming financial year we have allocated $22.8 million towards planting and maintaining trees across the suburbs, which is an increase of $4.4 million or about 25 per cent,” Cr Schrinner said.

Tree Planting Greenslopes
Photo Credit: Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner / Facebook

The 2019-20 Budget also includes $107,000 boost towards jacaranda planting program at local parks in Bulimba, St Lucia, and New Farm.

“Like most people in Brisbane, I love our iconic jacarandas and one of my favourite times of the year is when they are flowering. Once these new jacarandas are planted and start to grow, jacaranda season will become even more colourful,” LM Schrinner said.

Council will also allocate $7.8 million on free green waste bins, delivered to more than 109,000 households, to further encourage Brisbane residents recycle their green waste.

Brisbane City Council Budget 2019-20 | Brisbane City Council / YouTube

Protecting Brisbane’s green space and koala habitat

LM Schrinner said that the Council is on track to deliver on its four-year plan to safeguard Brisbane’s important green space and koala habitat through the acquisition of 750 hectares of bushland by 2020 as part of the accelerated Bushland Acquisition Program.

“Continuing to protect Brisbane’s significant bushland is part of my ambition to ensure the Brisbane of tomorrow is better than the Brisbane of today,” the lord mayor added.

The Budget also allocates $386,000 to continue to fund a comprehensive koala research program, which outcomes will be shared with the Brisbane Koala Science Institute at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary as part of a wider effort to protect the koala population. 



Stephens Mountain in Greenslopes Gets BCC Budget, Neighbourhood Plan Protection

Following clamour from locals, Stephens Mountain Reserve in Greenslopes is due to get the protection it deserves as well as some funding boost from Brisbane City Council.

The council is earmarking $200,000 to construct a lookout and walking trails at Stephens Mountain. The plan is in line with the recent amendments to the Coorparoo and Districts Neighbourhood Plan, which is rezoning 5.8 hectares of Stephens Mountain to the conservation zone.

Conservation Zone

The Coorparoo and Districts Neighbourhood Plan also provides that ecological, landscape and visual values of Stephens Mountain be retained and that remnant vegetation on the area be protected.

Amendments to the neighbourhood plan aims to ensure protection for the conservation zone precinct of Stephens Mountain. This means that any development in the area should keep intact the landscape, habitat and ecological values in the area.

Developments for consideration should also respect the natural topography and should complement the scenic landscape. The neighbourhood plan encourages passive recreation developments such as the planned walking trails.

The protection for part of Stephens Mountain is a result of public insistence to keep the mountain reserve lush and free from high-rise residential developments. The reserve located behind Greenslopes Hospital was previously considered utility services. However, the council gave in to public demand and moved the area to the conservation zone.



Emerging Community Zone

Not all parts of Stephens Mountain will be zoned under conservation. Whilst the reserve will be rezoned to conservation zone, the quarry site and the adjoining Energex depot will be considered as “Emerging Community.” As such, this sub-precinct could allow residential developments fronting the Greenslopes Busway station and plaza.

Photo credit: www.norman-creek-catchment.org.au

The neighbourhood plan states that any development in the Emerging community zone should not adversely affect the character or environmental value of the land.

Taro’s Ramen Arrives in Stones Corner

Taro’s Ramen is now at Stones Corner, and they’re bringing their signature Tonkotsu ramen to the heart of Greenslopes.

The restaurant, which is owned by Brisbane’s ramen master chef Taro Akimoto will also feature ramen dishes like Miso ramen, shoyu ramen, and vegetarian dry noodles.



This will be the fourth restaurant from Chef Akimoto, who has locations in CBD Queen, Ascot, and South Brisbane.

The Japanese chef is proud to bring a delicious bowl of ramen that does not contain any MSG or preservatives and only uses the best natural ingredients. He gets his dry goods from personally trusted supplier in Japan and fresh produce from locals to guarantee its quality.

With its warm service and BYO beer or RTD, Taro’s Ramen is a serious contender for Stone Corner’s funky cafes and premium bars.

Like the rest of other Taro’s locations across Brisbane, the new ramen bar features a hip, industrial vibe.

It’s the perfect setting for slurping up a hearty bowl of ramen best paired with a bottle of wine, beer, or sake.

Taro’s Ramen new location is at 16 Old Cleveland Stones Corner. For bookings and updates on this new location, see their Facebook page. The new ramen bar does not accept phone queries for the time being and only accepts bookings made four hours in advance.



Begin Your Day with Heartwarming Breakfast At this Greenslopes Cafe

If you can’t eat your bread without marmalade or just love the idea of eating pancakes or waffles with a dollop of jam on top, The Jam Pantry in Greenslopes is the place to go to.

Occupying a sweet spot on Logan Road, this cafe serves breakfast and lunch in light and airy surroundings. Although menus change constantly, you can look forward to creative approaches to the classics like omelette, toast, and salad.

Menu hits include Focaccia with nutmeg bechamel and bolognese; gluten-free gnocchi; and mac & cheese with rocket cress and pickled zucchini. Produce comes from Food Connect, bread from Jocelyn’s Provisions, and coffee from Coffee Supreme.

Photo Credit: The Jam Pantry/Facebook

The Jam Pantry is the brainchild of Gideon and Naomi Zavackas, who want to share their obsession with preserves on the southside through seasonal produce as well as fermented and pickled goodies.

It’s not strictly vegetarian, but it offers a lot for diners who want to go meat-free. They build a list of complementary ingredients each month based on what their local farmers and suppliers have harvested and collected.

For creatures of habit, they also have a list of classic favourites that they tweak each month. These are not quite as playful as the board, but still reflective of the season.  

The Jam Pantry is 2/575 Logan Rd, Greenslopes and opens Wednesday to Friday and on weekends. For further information about this eatery, give them a call at 3158 9570 or follow them on Instagram: @thejampantry.   



Council Lowers Speed Limit on Old Cleveland Road and Logan Road at Stones Corner

To improve pedestrian safety, the Council will slash speed limit on Old Cleveland Road and Logan Road, Stones Corner, beginning 28 May 2019.

According to the Council, speed limits will be reduced from 60 km/h to 40 km/h starting Tuesday 28 May on Old Cleveland Road and Logan Road, Stones Corner — between Montague Street and the O’Keefe Street roundabout. The same speed reduction will also be implemented on Oxley Road, Corinda — between Hassall Street and Martindale Street intersections.

Beginning 20 May, variable message signs will notify motorists of the upcoming speed limit changes.

The Council said that a speed reduction through the intersection of Mains Road and McCullough Street in Sunnybank is yet to be finalised. Moreover, the construction of a pedestrian crossing on Adelaide Street between Albert and Edward Street is also well underway.

These projects are part of the Citywide Pedestrian Safety Review interim report recommendations announced in September 2018. The Citywide Pedestrian Safety Review aims to identify programs and projects that will help improve pedestrian and road users safety.

Previous initiatives to enhance pedestrian safety were introduced last November 2018: a similar speed limit reduction on Ann Street in the Brisbane CBD; the pedestrian scramble crossing at the Albert Street and Charlotte Street intersection, and the Albert Street and Mary Street intersection.

RACQ Calls for separated infrastructure for pedestrians

In response to the Council’s announcement, the State’s peak motoring body — RACQ, called on the Council to consider implementing separated infrastructure for “vulnerable road users and motor vehicles,” in addition to speed reductions.

“Prevention of serious pedestrian incidents by removing the risk is the priority,” Mr Turner said.

“In addition to looking at reduced speed limits in high pedestrian risk areas, we want to see a greater focus on safety measures such as pedestrian fencing and a review of on-street parking which would better separate pedestrians and vehicles.

“Prevention of crashes is better than having them occur at a lower speed. Separation can keep traffic flowing while also protecting pedestrians,” RACQ spokesperson Paul Turner said.