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Stones Corner Lease Sparks $116 Million Shortfall for Queensland Police

Queensland Police is grappling with a $116 million budget gap after signing a lease for a new police hub in Stones Corner, sparking urgent cost-cutting measures and an audit investigation.

Stones Corner Lease Strain

The lease for the Stones Corner station, agreed upon for 15 years at $116 million with an option to extend to 23 years for $240 million, was signed without an allocated funding source. This decision has left Queensland Police with a significant budget hole, and senior leaders are now under pressure to find savings across all operations.

Internal documents show a need to cut budget allocations by 5.6% to manage this shortfall. Senior officers are tasked with meeting budget targets without compromising frontline services.

Internal Efforts to Prevent Service Cuts

While Queensland Police leadership aims to keep frontline services intact, staff indicate that reductions in overtime and other areas may be necessary to balance the books. Officers are exploring ways to save costs while minimising the impact on community policing and local services.

Senior staff acknowledge the challenge but affirm their commitment to the public, even as concerns about maintaining services amid budget constraints grow.

Queensland Police Stones Corner — *Photo Credit: QPS*

Investigation and Audit Process

The lease arrangement has attracted scrutiny from the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC), which is now investigating the matter. Though CCC representatives did not disclose the details or progress of the inquiry, they emphasised the need for transparency in government spending while respecting the privacy of those involved.

Queensland Police engaged KordaMentha, a firm specialising in forensic and financial reviews, to conduct an end-to-end audit of the lease agreement. This audit, launched on August 19, will investigate how and why the agreement was signed without securing funds and will evaluate if the usual protocols were followed.

Real Estate and Community Planning

The new Stones Corner hub was chosen in part to serve anticipated needs leading up to the 2032 Olympics and beyond. Queensland Police stated that the area’s limited real estate market influenced the decision, noting that the Stones Corner site was one of few that could meet operational needs. Detailed inspections and commercial assessments were reportedly completed before the lease signing, before Commissioner Steve Gollschewski took office.

The Stones Corner property is owned by the Aequitas Group, with Brisbane investors Geoffrey McIntyre and Norman Fox serving as directors and owners through holding companies. Amid rising community concerns over the $240 million lease cost, leaders urged police to maintain transparency, noting that while the Queensland Police Service has broad budgetary discretion, openness is essential. Property records reveal that Aequitas purchased the Stones Corner building for $45 million in 2021, with the current lease price representing up to five times that amount.

Residents and officials are closely watching how the budget strain might affect community services and police response times.

Published 28-Oct-2024

Grenslopes Residents Ready to Ride Brisbane’s New ‘Metro’

Forget packed buses and frustrating commutes! Brisbane’s shiny new “Metro” system is here to shake things up, and Greenslopes residents are in for a treat.

Instead of trains, the system utilises a fleet of 60 high-tech electric buses, dubbed “BERT” (Busway Electric Rapid Transit), that will run on dedicated busways throughout the city.

What sets Metro apart?

Forget cramming onto crowded buses and struggling with prams or wheelchairs. These Swiss-made, 24.4 metre-long behemoths can comfortably carry 150 passengers, with room for up to 170 in “event mode.” They boast features like low-floor design, multiple mobility aid bays, and automated ramp access, making them the most accessible public transport option in Brisbane’s history.

High-Frequency Service

Say goodbye to timetables! With Metro, buses will arrive every five minutes, whisking passengers along the 21km route at speeds of up to 1800 people per hour. Thanks to the electric engines, the ride promises to be smooth and quiet.

Passengers can enjoy panoramic views, track their journey with real-time information displays, or stay connected with onboard Wi-Fi and USB charging points.

The Routes

While a temporary route is currently operating between UQ Lakes and Eight Mile Plains, two permanent routes are awaiting approval from the State Government:

Metro 1: This route will link Eight Mile Plains to Roma Street, with stops in key locations like Upper Mount Gravatt, Griffith University, Holland Park West, Greenslopes, Buranda, Mater Hill, South Bank, and the Cultural Centre.

Metro 2: Running from UQ Lakes to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, this route will service Boggo Road, the PA Hospital, Mater Hill, South Bank, the Cultural Centre, Roma Street, Normanby, QUT Kelvin Grove, and Herston.

Expansion Plans

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner has ambitious plans to expand the Metro network with new lines to the airport, Rochedale, Springwood, Windsor, Lutwyche, Kedron, Chermside, Aspley, Carseldine, and the eastern suburbs, including Stones Corner and Coorparoo, which would further enhance connectivity for Greenslopes residents.

These extensions are contingent on securing state and federal funding, which seems likely given the cancellation of the planned Gabba station, freeing up $450 million for alternative projects.

A Sustainable Solution

The Metro fleet will use 15 cutting-edge, 600kW fast chargers and 60 overnight chargers at the Rochedale depot. These chargers will be powered by a 1MW solar array, making the system a more sustainable option for Brisbane.

A New Era for Brisbane Transport

With its focus on accessibility, frequency, and sustainability, Brisbane Metro promises to transform how people move around the city. For residents of Greenslopes and surrounding suburbs, it offers a fast, reliable, and comfortable alternative to driving, with easy connections to other public transport options.

Published Date 22-October-2024

Photo Credit: BCC

Brisbane Broncos NRLW Title Dreams Shattered in Historic Shutout Loss to Sharks

Photo Credit: Brisbane Broncos/Instagram

The Brisbane Broncos quest for another NRLW premiership came to a screeching halt at Totally Workwear Stadium, as the Cronulla Sharks delivered a defensive masterclass, securing a 14-0 semifinal victory.

This defeat marks a historic moment for the proud Brisbane club, who were held scoreless for the first time in their NRLW history.

Read: A Safer Summer: Salvation Army Seeks 1000 Volunteers to Combat Disaster Season

Brisbane Broncos shutout in the semi

Despite entering the match as minor premiers, having averaged 30 points per game in 2024, the Broncos were eliminated after failing to crack a determined Sharks defensive line. Warning signs appeared early, as the second-year Sharks outfit demonstrated remarkable composure on the attack from the opening whistle.

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Reflecting on the unexpected defeat, Broncos coach Scott Prince summarised his emotions in one word: numb. “Considering we were building nicely as far as the season was concerned, we had a perfect preparation leading into a finals game… we just couldn’t find our groove,” Prince said.

The defeat ends Brisbane’s otherwise strong campaign, as well as their unbeaten run at Totally Workwear Stadium this year. The Sharks, advancing to their first-ever NRLW grand final, will face the Roosters as they aim to secure their maiden premiership. Meanwhile, the Broncos are left to reflect on a season that promised much but ended in unprecedented fashion.

On the bright side

Despite the disappointing end to their campaign, there were bright moments to celebrate for the Broncos. Prince was named Coach of the Year at the Dally M Awards, having guided the team to the minor premiership.

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Star winger Julia Robinson and standout debutant Stacey Waaka were both named as the wingers in the NRLW Team of the Year. The pair, along with dynamic five-eighth Gayle Broughton, were also included in the prestigious RLPA Dream Team—an honour voted on by the players themselves.

Read: Greenslopes Doctors Return from Lifesaving Mission in Uganda

With such a wealth of talent and recognition, the Broncos NRLW have plenty to build on for an exciting return to the field next season.

Published 04-October-2024

Greenslopes Doctors Return from Lifesaving Mission in Uganda

Prof. Judith Goh AO and Prof. Hannah Krause AO, two Greenslopes urogynaecologists, recently returned from Uganda, where they performed over 140 procedures for women suffering from serious gynaecological issues in remote areas.

The trip, which took place in early September 2024, saw the pair working at Kagando Hospital in western Uganda. In just a short span, they treated more than 200 women, many of whom were experiencing childbirth-related injuries such as vaginal fistulas and untreated 4th-degree tears, conditions that are often left unaddressed in resource-limited areas.

“We treated mostly women with childbirth-related injuries – including vaginal fistulas and unrepaired 4th-degree tears. We also treated women with pelvic organ prolapse,” said Prof. Goh, reflecting on the challenges faced by women in Uganda. “It’s wonderful to be able to use our skills to help these women.”

Almost 30 Years of Volunteer Work

Prof. Goh and Prof. Krause have been volunteering in Asia and Africa since 1995. For nearly three decades, they have dedicated their time and expertise to providing critical healthcare in areas where it is most needed.

Greenslopes doctors — *Photo Credit: File Photo/Greenslopes Private Hospital*

Remarkably, the two doctors cover their own travel costs for each trip, while Greenslopes Private Hospital supports the mission by donating medical equipment.

Their work in Uganda is part of an ongoing commitment to improving women’s health in regions where access to specialised medical care is scarce. The duo’s next mission is scheduled for South Sudan in October 2024, where they plan to continue providing essential gynaecological care.

Recognition and Support

In recognition of their extraordinary humanitarian contributions, both Prof. Goh and Prof. Krause have been awarded the Officer of the Order of Australia, a prestigious honour celebrating their selfless work over the years.

Greenslopes Private Hospital CEO, Justin Greenwell, praised the two doctors for their dedication: “I commend Prof. Goh and Prof. Krause on their humanitarian efforts – the world needs more people like them both. Greenslopes Private Hospital is proud to support their work and to donate to such a great cause again this year.”

As the doctors prepare for their next mission in South Sudan, their ongoing work continues to highlight the important role that Australian medical professionals play in improving global healthcare, particularly for women in underserved communities.

Broncos vs Sharks: Brisbane Challenge Cronulla for NRLW Summit

The Brisbane Broncos face the top-seeded Cronulla Sharks in a crucial match this Saturday, 14 September, with the top position on the NRLW ladder hanging in the balance. Broncos vs Sharks kick off 1:45 p.m. at Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast.

Read: Greenslopes Tops List as Brisbane Braces for Peak Swooping Season

Momentum from historic comeback

The Broncos enter this crucial match riding the wave of a historic comeback against the Knights last week. Down 18-4 in the 37th minute, the team staged a momentous second-half comeback, clinching a 32-24 victory.

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The second half was a clinic, an impressive display with five tries from five different players: Julia Robinson (46’), Brianna Clark (50’), Stacey Waaka (57’), Lavinia Gould (60’), and Romy Teitzel (64’). Teitzel’s near-perfect conversion record (4/5) in the second half further solidified the win.

Broncos vs Sharks

Currently sitting third on the ladder, the Broncos have a golden opportunity to leapfrog the first-placed Sharks with a victory in their final home game of the home-and-away season. This match is pivotal for both teams as they head into the final stages of the season, each aiming for a strong finish.

Broncos head coach Scott Prince stresses the team’s focus, stating, “We want to chase that top 2 for a home final. That’s the advantage we’re striving for.”

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The Broncos have turned their season around with five consecutive wins, recovering from a challenging two-loss start. A win in this match would put them on the verge of securing a spot in the finals series, though mathematically, they need another victory to guarantee it.

“We were put on the back foot initially, it wasn’t the perfect start, but the resilience that the girls showed to stick to their process and get back in the game and come home like a wet sail was well done.”

Read: Chippers: Greenslopes’ New Catch for Fish and Chips Lovers

Following this weekend’s game, the Broncos will take on the ninth-placed Dragons in the final game of the season—in what could be another decisive match for their charge towards the minor premiership.

Published 13-September-2024

Greenslopes Tops List as Brisbane Braces for Peak Swooping Season

Photo Credit: LMAdrianSchrinner/ Facebook

As Brisbane enters the peak of swooping season this month, Greenslopes has emerged as a hotspot for aggressive bird behaviour, prompting a warning for residents to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.

Although breeding season spans from July to January, September typically witnesses the highest number of swooping incidents. In September 2023 alone, 165 incidents were reported to the Council, accounting for nearly 43% of all cases throughout the year. Since July 2024, the Council has already received 68 reports.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner assured the public that every swooping incident is taken seriously and appropriate measures are implemented to safeguard the community.

This year, the Council has proactively installed over 120 new warning signs across 36 suburbs, including Greenslopes, to alert residents about potential swooping areas. The effectiveness of these bright, eye-catching signs, first introduced in 2021, is evident in the notable decline in reported incidents since their implementation.

Lord Mayor Schrinner urged residents to continue reporting swooping incidents so the Council can deploy signage and monitor bird activity. He emphasised the importance of coexisting with native wildlife while ensuring community safety.

Data reveals a significant decrease in swooping bird reports since the introduction of the high-visibility warning signs:

– 1,193 notifications in 2021

-726 notifications in 2022

-571 notifications in 2023

-149 notifications to date in 2024

Despite the decrease, Lord Mayor Schrinner advised residents to remain cautious, avoid areas with swooping birds, and report any aggressive behaviour to the Council.

Common swooping birds include magpies, plovers, butcherbirds, pee-wees, and noisy miners, all driven to protect their young from perceived threats. While the Council has the authority to relocate problem birds posing a severe risk, all native birds are protected under the Queensland Government Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Precautions to take during the swooping season include:

-Avoiding nesting areas

-Leaving the area calmly if swooped

-Wearing protective headgear and glasses

-Refraining from interfering with birds or their nests

-Maintaining eye contact while moving away

-Avoiding provoking or harassing birds

-Not touching young birds

-Dismounting and walking away if swooped while cycling

In addition to Greenslopes, suburbs with high reported swooping incidents this year include Carseldine, New Farm, Bracken Ridge, Keperra, Camp Hill, Forest Lake, Sinnamon Park, Teneriffe, Calamvale, Bridgeman Downs, and Upper Mount Gravatt.

Published Date 04-September-2024

Stones Corner Attack: Baby Scalded in Random Act of Violence

A heinous act of violence has shaken the Stones Corner community in Brisbane, leaving a nine-month-old boy hospitalised with severe burns and his parents pleading for justice.

On Tuesday, the infant, Luka, was enjoying a sunny winter day at Hanlon Park with his mother and a friend when a stranger approached and poured scalding liquid from a Thermos onto the child before fleeing the scene.

Luka suffered severe burns to his chin, neck, and chest, the full extent of which remains unknown until his dressings are removed. His distraught parents, who witnessed the attack, are reeling from the trauma. Luka’s mother expressed online that her son didn’t deserve this, and no one did. She wishes the hot coffee had been poured on her instead of her boy. She emphasised that the man needs to be found and charged.

Police have released chilling CCTV footage of the attacker fleeing the scene and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton, a 35-year veteran of the force, expressed his shock at the “callous and cowardly” attack.

The attacker is described as being in his 30s or 40s, with a proportionate build and tanned skin. He wore a black hat, glasses, a shirt, and shorts. Police are working tirelessly to identify and apprehend him and vow to hold him accountable for his actions.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page set up by Zara Mazza, a friend of the victim’s mother who witnessed the attack, has already surpassed its $5,000 goal. The funds will assist the family with medical and household expenses during Luka’s long road to recovery.

This senseless act of violence has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about safety in public spaces. As police continue their investigation, residents are left grappling with the aftermath of this horrific incident, hoping for swift justice and a sense of security restored to their neighbourhood.

Published Date 30-August-2024

CCTV Footage Released in Hunt for Man Believed to be Involved in Attack on Baby at Stones Corner Park

Police have released CCTV footage of a man who may assist with their enquiries following a serious assault on a nine-month-old baby boy at Hanlon Park in Stones Corner.

Incident Details

The incident occurred around midday on 27 August when a family was enjoying a day out at Hanlon Park, located off Regina Street. A man, who was not known to the family, approached them and poured a hot liquid, later identified as boiling coffee, onto the infant before fleeing the scene.

The baby suffered burns to his face and arms and was rushed to the Queensland Children’s Hospital. Although his injuries were serious, they were not considered life-threatening.

The Queensland Child Protection and Investigation Unit has taken charge of the investigation. Detective Inspector Paul Dalton stated that the attack appeared deliberate and unprovoked, emphasising that such behaviour is unacceptable in the community. He reassured the public that police are working tirelessly to resolve the matter and have increased their presence in the area.

Public Appeal

The CCTV footage released by the police shows a man running from the scene shortly after the attack. He is described as being around 30 to 40 years old, of proportionate build, with tanned skin. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black hat, glasses, a shirt, and shorts.

Police have urged anyone who recognises the man or has any information that might assist with the investigation to come forward. They have requested that anyone with information, including dashcam or home security footage from the area, contact Policelink or Crime Stoppers.

Anyone with information can contact Policelink online or Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000. The public is encouraged to use the reference number QP2401452454 when making a report.

Published 28-Aug-2024

Man Charged With Murder After Greenslopes Father Found Dead

Photo Credit: Facebook / Donald Robert Green

A Sunshine Coast man has been charged with murder after a father was found dead in his Greenslopes unit.

Ryan Clifford Nord, 40, of Moffat Beach, appeared in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday, August 19, facing charges related to the death of 61-year-old Donald Robert Green. The victim’s body was found during a police welfare check at a unit on Vine Street, Stones Corner, around 1 am on Friday.

**Green with his son, Dominic.**
Photo Credit: Facebook / Donald Robert Green

Magistrate Chris Callaghan adjourned the case to November 1, with a brief to be prepared by October 14. Nord was remanded in custody until the next court date. Court documents revealed that Nord declined a mental health assessment at the Maroochydore Watch House.

Police believe the incident stemmed from an alleged altercation in the unit around 10 pm on Friday, August 9. Investigators have indicated that the two men were known to each other.

The victim, Donald Robert Green, has been remembered fondly by his family. His brother, Danny Green, shared heartfelt tributes, describing Donald as a man who “lived life to its fullest” and was “always helping anyone, especially the homeless.”

Donald Green was a father to a teenage son and a cherished member of his extended family. Born in Papua New Guinea, he moved to Australia in 1974, where he became an integral part of the local community.

Published 19-August-2024

Greenslopes Woman Faces Attempted Murder and Arson Charges

Photo Credit: Pixabay

A 46-year-old woman from Greenslopes has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder and arson following a harrowing incident in the early hours of July 12, 2024.

Queensland Police reported that the woman allegedly set fire to a house while three occupants, including two children, were asleep inside.

The blaze was discovered at approximately 4 am in a residential property in Greenslopes. A 44-year-old man and two children, aged 12 and 9, were inside the house at the time of the incident. Fortunately, all three managed to escape without sustaining any injuries.

According to police statements, officers arrived at the scene and took the woman into custody. As a precautionary measure, she was initially transported to a local hospital. Following a thorough investigation, authorities formally charged her on Friday, August 9.

The accused Greenslopes woman now faces three counts of attempted murder and one count of arson, all classified as domestic violence offences.

The woman has been denied bail. She is scheduled to appear before the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Saturday, August 10, where further details of the attempted murder and alleged arson case may come to light.

Authorities urge anyone experiencing family violence to report it to the police. Support services are available, including 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for general assistance and 13YARN (13 92 76) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander individuals seeking help.

Published 10-August-2024