The suburban renewal initiative targets smaller, underutilised, or strategically located suburban areas, with detailed planning designed to deliver rapid and effective results.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Cr Fiona Cunningham, who announced the project on Instagram, emphasised the vision for the area: “We want to unlock the potential of Stones Corner and build on the already great lifestyle and village atmosphere that’s here, taking advantage of the public transport, employment, and business opportunities.”
Objectives of the Suburban Renewal Project
The suburban renewal precincts program is designed to:
Unlock Opportunities for Underutilised Land: The initiative seeks to transform underutilised parcels of land into vibrant areas offering new homes and jobs, enhancing the community’s economic and social fabric.
Ensure Quick and Responsive Planning Outcomes: By streamlining the planning process, the program aims to deliver outcomes more rapidly and efficiently.
Deliver Locally Relevant Outcomes: Each precinct plan will be tailored to address the specific needs and characteristics of the local area, ensuring relevance and effectiveness.
Engage the Community and Stakeholders: Effective and targeted engagement with the community and stakeholders is a cornerstone of the program, ensuring that the voices of residents and local businesses are heard.
Coordinate Council Programs and Priorities: The program will align with broader Council initiatives, ensuring a cohesive approach to suburban renewal.
Selection Criteria for Precincts
Photo credit: Google Street View
Precincts were chosen based on factors indicating their potential for community benefit, including site characteristics such as context, size, and potential for mixed-use development.
Strategic significance within the urban framework and the presence of underutilised land, particularly land not currently used to its full potential, were also considered. Proximity to existing and planned public transport infrastructure was a key factor, along with alignment with current and proposed major infrastructure investments.
Photo credit: Google Street View
Additionally, the ability to manage constraints effectively and compatibility with the existing planning framework were important criteria. The timing of infrastructure projects and the potential for partnership opportunities to enhance outcomes were also taken into account. Finally, ensuring alignment and synergy with other Council projects was crucial in the selection process.
A Stones Corner-based company Surgery TV Pty Ltd is at the forefront of medical innovation, developing a groundbreaking app and cloud-based surgical data recording software platform.
In a recent announcement, Innovation Minister Leanne Linard revealed that 56 small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) would receive a share of $5.5 million in funding. Among them is the Stones Corner-based firm, which was recognised for its innovative approach to transforming surgical procedures through advanced data recording and analysis.
Surgery TV Pty Ltd
Surgery TV Pty Ltd is an Australian-based media production company that specialises in creating and distributing high-quality, educational content focused on surgical procedures and medical practices. The company aims to provide valuable resources for medical professionals, students, and the general public interested in the intricacies of surgical techniques and advancements in medical technology.
Photo Credit: Pexel
Surgery TV Pty Ltd produces a variety of programming, including live broadcasts of surgeries, detailed instructional videos, interviews with leading surgeons, and documentaries that explore the latest developments in the field of surgery. The company’s content is designed to be both informative and accessible, making complex medical procedures understandable to a broad audience.
Through partnerships with hospitals, medical schools, and professional organisations, Surgery TV Pty Ltd ensures that its content is accurate, up-to-date, and reflective of current best practices in medicine. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and high production standards, the company has established itself as a trusted source of surgical education and an important contributor to the global medical community.
The Ignite Ideas Fund, now in its eleventh round, distributed $3.3 million among 26 businesses, acknowledging their high-growth potential and commitment to commercialising groundbreaking products and services.
The funding will also support projects like ‘You After X,’ a mobile app designed to assist women navigating separation or divorce, and ‘Clean&Recover,’ an initiative aimed at helping mining companies repurpose waste streams into valuable assets.
Additionally, the inaugural Ignite Spark Programme funding round will allocate $2.2 million to 30 innovative enterprises. This support will enable them to further develop their prototypes and move closer to bringing their products to market. Among the recipients are ‘Attunga,’ a tethered drone designed to enhance rural communication networks, and a project focused on developing ultraviolet water sterilisation devices for health and aged care facilities.
Ignite Spark Program inaugural funding round recipients
Organisation
Project
Location
Amount
15 Times Better
Igniting And Scaling First Nations’ Engagement
Brinsmead
$75,000
Aamber Software Pty Ltd
Academic Electronic Medical Record and Simulation Platform for Health Education
Brookfield
$74,800
AirBridge Networks Pty Ltd
ARNI-Emergency Communications Infrastructure Benefitting Australians in Remote Locations
Smithfield
$75,000
Carbonaught Pty Ltd
A Platform to Carbon Neutralise QLD Agriculture
Brisbane City
$74,800
Convergence Medical Pty Ltd
The World’s First Arthroscopic Surgical Robot
Newstead
$55,100
D3 Genetics Pty Ltd
Precision Management for Agriculture using D3 Genetics Platform
Oxley (Recipient HQ)St Lucia (project location)
$75,000
DefenceX Pty Ltd
AI Enabled Edge Data Recorder (Military, Ground Applications)
Fortitude Valley
$75,000
Defining Future Solutions Pty Ltd
Integrated Smart Downlight and Smoke Alarm System with App Connectivity
Parkwood
$75,000
Everlast Networks Pty Ltd
Single-Use Encrypted Connections for Trusted and Heavily Secured Communications
Noosa Heads
$75,000
Finn Biogas Pty Ltd
Small-Scale FOGO Composting System For Remote and Regional Communities.
Sumner
$75,000
G S Sturman and M Sturman
Carbon Dioxide to Ethylene Electrochemical Device for Producing Carbon-Neutral Fuels
East Barron
$75,000
Genics Pty Ltd
Genics Shrimptracker – Advancing Shrimp Health and Breeding Program Management
St Lucia
$75,000
integratedPRIVATE Pty Ltd
Cloud Platform for Project And Retention Trusts
Fortitude Valley
$75,000
Intelligent Software Design Pty Ltd
Hazview
Caloundra West
$73,950
Legacy Habitats Pty Ltd
Cost-Effective Artificial Reef Modules for Ecosystem Enhancement and Coastal Protection
Burleigh Heads
$72,500
Mirragin Project Isidore Pty Ltd
Airborne Cellular Repeater for Emergency and Temporary Communications Infrastructure
Brisbane City
$75,000
New Building Solutions Pty Ltd
Innovative Wall Construction for Single and Multi-Residential Buildings
Noosa
$74,938
Paile Solutions Pty Ltd
PAILE – Win First Clients!
Daisy Hill
$,650
Pathmaster Pty Ltd
Above-Ground, Modular Travelator: the Future of Sustainable Urban Movement
Hope Island (Recipient HQ)Northgate (project location)
$75,000
Rain Harvesting Pty Ltd
Modular, Variable Rainwater Filter for any Rainwater Collection System Globally
Milton
$75,000
Rainstick Pty Ltd
Rainstick Mimics Lightning to Germinate Seeds and Increase Food Production
Smithfield
$75,000
Repurpose Recycling Pty Ltd
Textile Recycling Plant – Microniser
Luscombe
$75,000
Resilience Design & Build Pty Ltd
EVGLE: Autonomous, Solar Powered Awning To Charge EVs & ES
Brisbane City
$75,000
Specialist Airway Solutions Pty Ltd
D-FLECT Bougie: a Steerable Introducer for Tracheal Intubation
Seven Hills
$74,966
Surgery TV Pty Ltd
App and Cloud-Based (Medical) Surgical Data Recording Software Platform
Stones Corner (Recipient HQ)Brisbane City (Project location)
$74,824
The Research & Development Company Pty Ltd
Development of Australia’s First Dual-Purpose Hydraulic Rock Mining Drill System.
Mount Isa
$74,250
The Trustee for Trikids Family Trust
UVC Water Sterilisation Devices
Robina
$75,000
Think Logic Pty Ltd
Intelligent Earth Fault Detection Device
Corinda
$66,025
Valiant Space Pty Ltd
Small In-Space Thrusters for Cubesats
Tennyson
$75,000
Will Surety Pty Ltd
Prototype Modifications, Industry Compliance Integration and Testing
Varsity Lakes
$75,000
Minister Linard highlighted the government’s commitment to assisting these innovators in developing and commercializing their products as he expressed pride in the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit displayed by Queenslanders. The Ignite programme already plays a significant role in job creation across the state and represents a substantial investment in Queensland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Selina Millers, founder of ‘You After X,’ expressed gratitude for the funding, stating that it marks a pivotal moment in the app’s development. The financial support will enable the company to expand its reach, assisting more women across Queensland and beyond in navigating the challenges of separation or divorce.
Millers emphasised that the app’s POWERHOUSE Method equips users with practical tools and emotional support, empowering them to thrive during this difficult transition.
Applications for the next rounds of both funding programmes are now open, encouraging further innovation and entrepreneurial endeavours in Queensland.
Situated just off Hanlon Park, on a sprawling 3,846-square-metre site at 73-85 Cleveland Street, the development marks a significant addition to the evolving urban landscape on the cusp of the Woolloongabba Olympic precinct.
The project, which Peter Gartshore and the family-run Idec Group are spearheading, promises 226 apartments in a variety of styles to meet different living needs. But it’s the architectural vision of NMDS that truly stands out. A skybridge will connect two rooftop havens atop the towers, giving residents access to a sizable 1273 square meter oasis.
Rooftop Recreation: A pool, spa, terrace, gym, sauna, dining areas (both indoor and outdoor), a theatre, a community garden, and even a dedicated dog walking zone are all part of the sky-high offerings.
Green Living: Extensive landscaping by Wild Studio will see the building adorned with vertical green walls, feature trees, and lush gardens, creating a cool, inviting micro-climate.
Transport Options: Three basement levels will house 330 cars, while a car share system with 10 electric vehicles and ample bicycle parking (with a workshop) will encourage sustainable mobility.
Strategic Location: Situated within a growth node identified in the City Plan, the project addresses the housing needs of the region while providing proximity to amenities and transport links.
This project signals a shift in Stones Corner, with a focus on higher-density living that seamlessly integrates green spaces and communal areas. As the Woolloongabba Olympic precinct gears up for 2032, Stones Corner finds itself at the forefront of a revitalised urban identity.
Developers have submitted plans for a six-storey mixed-use development in Greenslopes, which aims to transform the site into a vibrant hub offering a diverse range of amenities.
The subject site is located at 730-742 Logan Road and 11, 11A & 15 Plimsoll Street.
At the heart of the proposal is a 5045 sqm gross floor area, catering to office spaces, healthcare services, a food and drink outlet, and a gym.
This blend of functions, designed by Wiltshire Stevens Architecture, reflects a modern approach to urban development, promoting both productivity and leisure within the same space.
Photo credit: Wiltshire Stevens Architecture
According to planning documents, the proposed building is envisioned as a contemporary marvel, boasting sleek design elements and versatile spaces. Its strategic location on a prominent corner holding further enhances its visibility and accessibility.
One of the standout features of the development is the 24-hour gym, providing round-the-clock fitness opportunities for patrons. Meanwhile, the rooftop pool deck and garden offer an exclusive retreat for members, elevating the concept of leisure amenities to new heights.
“The development capitalises on the site’s location and access to social and transport infrastructure to provide additional housing choice within a key inner-city location and represents the efficient use of the of the land,” planners stated.
Photo credit: Wiltshire Stevens Architecture
With 147 car parking spaces spread across two and a half levels, convenience is prioritised for visitors and tenants alike. The remaining four levels are dedicated to accommodating the food and drink outlet, healthcare services, indoor sport and recreation facilities, and office spaces, ensuring a dynamic blend of activities within the building.
The project is the brainchild of Brisbane-based office park developer Bill Henderson of OPD, in collaboration with Capital Transactions’ David Watson.
If approved, the food and beverage establishment, healthcare services, and office spaces will adhere to the designated operating hours outlined in the Centre’s code, spanning from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., inclusive of deliveries.
Photo credit: Wiltshire Stevens Architecture
Conversely, the proposed gym plans to operate continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Group classes will start daily at 5:00 a.m. and conclude by 8:00 p.m. Moreover, access to the rooftop garden will be exclusive to gym members, open from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
In summary, the proposed six-storey mixed-use development at Greenslopes represents a fusion of innovation, functionality, and luxury. It embodies the evolving needs of modern urban communities while setting a new standard for mixed-use developments in Brisbane.
Two years after approval of a $750 million redevelopment of the ageing Buranda Village shopping precinct, shop owners say they are still in the dark about when or if the major project will proceed.
The ambitious plan, submitted by site owners Vicinity Centres, called for transforming the 1970s-era centre in Woolloongabba into a modern urban village with over 620 new apartments, up to 50,000 square metres of office space, retail spaces, subtropical landscaping and community spaces.
The proposed redevelopment calls for the complete demolition of the current Buranda Village shopping centre to make way for an entirely new mixed-use precinct billed as “world-class.” It would include residences, workplaces, and shopping/dining areas all in one space.
Artist’s impression of Buranda Village redevelopment (Photo credit: vicinity.com.au)
The master plan is divided into three phases. Phase one would involve constructing four 15-storey residential buildings designated for renters within a lifestyle-oriented precinct. Phases two and three focus on commercial development – two 15-storey office buildings and one 10-storey building comprising a working precinct.
Photo credit: vicinity.com.au
Construction was originally slated to begin in early 2024 according to Vicinity. But with that target now slipping away, traders who have operated at the centre for decades say communication from the developers has been scant.
Photo credit: vicinity.com.au
The traders at Buranda Village report being informed that the redevelopment project has been postponed indefinitely, with no new timeline provided. Whilst the site’s owners, Vicinity Centres, acknowledge they cannot confirm specifics at this point, they claim to be making progress toward finalising the redevelopment plans.
The shopping centre first opened its doors in 1978. It was purchased by Vicinity Centres in 2000, and underwent its most recent renovation and expansion in 2005.
Dr Andrew Nicol, a leading Greenslopes haematologist and oncologist, has launched a virtual cancer choir, providing a harmonious refuge for patients undergoing gruelling cancer treatments from the comfort of their own homes or hospital beds.
Dr Nicol spent over 20 years leading cutting-edge haematology-oncology research at the Greenslopes Private Hospital, testing innovative lymphoma, myeloma, and leukaemia therapies. His Brisbane Clinic for Lymphoma, Myeloma and Leukaemia ensures rapid access to specialist care and seamless coordination with other medical experts.
However, he recognised the need for a more holistic approach, one that addresses the emotional and psychological toll of cancer treatment.
Thus, the idea for Hope Sings was born. The project was officially formed in 2023.
Collaborative Healing Melodies
Hope Sings is a virtual choir that allows patients to record themselves singing from anywhere in the world, with their voices merged into a unified performance by music technicians.
The project is a joint effort between Dr Nicol’s Exercise, Music and Art in Medicine charity, Queensland’s renowned Voices of Birralee community choir, cancer survivor and podcaster Jacqui Cowan, and the support of university composers.
Voices of Birralee, under the guidance of musical director Paul Holley, has provided backing tracks and a repertoire of uplifting songs tailored to various vocal abilities. Patients can download the tracks, sing along while recording themselves on their smartphones, and optionally submit video performances.
Ms Cowan is a patient of Dr Nicol, who has been in remission for 10 years. She hosts the “Cancer Culture” podcast on Spotify.
Harmonising Hope
Dr Nicol explained that cancer treatment often involves extended periods of isolation or being bedridden, leading to feelings of boredom and depression. Their research consistently demonstrates the positive effects of singing, collaborating, engaging in art, and exercising for individuals undergoing treatment.
The therapeutic power of music is already evident among the choir’s first participants.
David Taylor, undergoing leukaemia therapy, has experienced the emotional benefits of choir singing firsthand.
Terry Ryder, a 76-year-old lymphoma patient and music lover, sees the choir as a source of solace and hope during his cancer journey. For Nerida Rienecker, a mother of four, the choir is a source of comfort and relief from the stresses of cancer as her son battled stage 4 Wilms tumour.
As the virtual choir expands, participants can collaborate with university composers, share their stories on podcasts, and eventually participate in hybrid concerts streamed online. Hope Sings aims to bring hope and healing to cancer patients worldwide with an inclusive and innovative approach.
Legacy is relocating its head office to Greenslopes Private Hospital to support veterans undergoing treatment and to provide comprehensive assistance to their families
A troubling statistic revealed by the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research indicates a veteran contacts emergency services every 16 hours in Queensland due to suicidal thoughts. This data, forming part of the evidence for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, highlights a critical need for better support mechanisms.
Between 2014 and 2017, 1625 Queensland veterans had interactions with police or paramedics, showing a 24% higher likelihood of suicide-related contacts compared to civilians.
Legacy’s Response and New Initiatives
In response to these alarming figures, Legacy Brisbane is moving its headquarters and planning to construct Legacy House at the Greenslopes site. The new facility aims to be a sanctuary for veterans and their families, offering both clinical and non-clinical support to address the complex mental health consequences of military conflicts.
Brendan Cox, a 26-year veteran and the CEO of Legacy Brisbane, emphasised the need for community and governmental support to realise this vision.
The project, valued at $9 million, has successfully raised $8.3 million so far, with Legacy Brisbane spearheading the Bring it Home campaign to secure the remaining funds by Anzac Day. The community’s involvement is seen as pivotal in bringing this project to fruition, providing a lifeline to veterans and their families.
Dr. Annabel McGuire, the new president of Legacy Brisbane and the spouse of a Queensland war veteran, shared her personal experience to illustrate the everyday challenges faced by returning soldiers and their families. Her account of her husband’s struggle with post-traumatic stress after serving in Iraq underlines the profound impact of war on mental health and the dire need for accessible support networks.
Legacy Brisbane encourages the community to engage with and support the Bring It Home campaign, stressing the importance of such initiatives in providing crucial services to those affected by military service.
The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is facing a critical shortage of donated breast milk, essential for premature and low birthweight babies in the state’s Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
“Donated breast milk is liquid gold for premature or very sick and small babies,” says Chris Sulfaro, Lifeblood Milk Service Manager. When a mother’s own milk isn’t available, donated breast milk provides vital nutrients and antibodies, helping these fragile infants fight off infections and grow strong.
Currently, Lifeblood supplies 120 litres of milk to 19 Queensland hospitals each month, but with demand on the rise, their freezers are running low. “We’re reliant on milk donations from other states to meet Queensland’s needs,” says Sulfaro. “Ideally, we’d triple the number of donors in Brisbane and the South East to ensure a consistent supply.”
Lifeblood is specifically looking for mothers residing in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and Ipswich who have an excess of three litres of frozen or expressed milk that are less than 10 weeks old, and meet eligibility criteria.
The donation process is designed to be convenient for mothers. Milk can be expressed, frozen, and stored at home or in the hospital, with Lifeblood coordinating pick-up directly.
“Many mothers in NICUs need a temporary bridge of support while their milk supply establishes,” explains Sulfaro. “Donated breast milk fills that gap, providing the best possible nutrition for these vulnerable babies.”
Lifeblood’s national milk service distributes donated breast milk to 35 hospitals across Australia. With demand expected to rise from 5500 litres to 6000 litres this year, increasing the donor base in Queensland is crucial.
Mums interested in becoming lifesavers for Queensland’s tiniest patients can find more information and eligibility details at lifeblood.com.au.
IGA Greenslopes is taking drastic action to combat a surge in shoplifting, announcing it will be abandoning its modern self-checkout system in favour of good old-fashioned manned checkouts.
According to a sign posted in the store, the controversial change is a direct response to a “massive spike” in theft.
Photo credit: Kristy Robinson/Google Maps
On a positive note, some customers welcomed the change, suggesting it would likely lead to the creation of more jobs. One shopper said they were happy about the change, adding that they hate the self-serving areas, because the machines don’t have the same personal touch as traditional manned checkouts.
The Cost of Living and Rising Crime Rates
Meanwhile, theft is a problem that is plaguing retailers across the country – the National Retail Association estimates retail crime, including shoplifting, robbery and vandalism, costs Australian businesses up to $9 billion each year.
Even more alarmingly, the retail group says less than 20 percent of these crimes are reported to police.
In recent months, major chains like Coles and Woolworths have been ramping up their anti-theft efforts, implementing AI-powered cameras, security gates, and other technologies at self-serve checkouts. But for the IGA Greenslopes, these measures haven’t gone far enough.
Photo credit: Legends IGA Greenslopes/Google Maps
The move comes at a time when many Australians are struggling with the rising cost of living. A financial expert highlighted that the current economic climate is driving some people to desperate measures.
Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows the living costs for employee households rose 6.9 percent in the year to December 2023, with essentials like insurance, housing and food seeing sharp increases.
Michelle Marquardt, head of prices statistics at the Australian Bureau of Statistics stated that employee households recorded the largest annual rise in living costs, though the increase this quarter has eased from a peak of 9.6 percent in the June 2023 quarter.
Whether the return to old-school checkouts will succeed in stemming the tide of shoplifting at supermarkets remains to be seen. But with the cost of retail crime spiralling, stores like IGA may have little choice but to try radical new approaches to protect their bottom line.
Did you know that The Princess Alexandra Hospital in Woolloongabba launched a pioneering clinical trial for advanced prostate cancer, offering new hope through Targeted Alpha Therapy that attacks cancer cells while preserving healthy tissues?
Traditional oncology treatments, while effective, can have harsh side effects due to their impact on surrounding healthy cells. Targeted alpha therapy takes a different approach. It utilises radioactive isotopes that bind directly to cancer cells, delivering a potent dose of radiation with minimal damage to healthy organs.
PA Hospital’s Integrated Theranostic Centre, established in 2023, is one of the few facilities in Australia offering this cutting-edge treatment. Theranostics combines diagnostic imaging with targeted therapy, allowing doctors to precisely locate and eliminate cancer cells.
The TheraPb clinical trial for prostate cancer is just the beginning. This three-year study aims to enrol up to 100 patients and paves the way for further theranostic trials targeting various cancers.
PA Hospital Medical Oncologist Dr. Aaron Hansen emphasises the potential of theranostics to improve cancer treatment across various types of the disease.
This pioneering trial at PA Hospital signifies a significant advancement in cancer treatment. Targeted alpha therapy offers a potential future with fewer side effects and more effective cancer management.
Queensland Investment in Cancer Care
The Queensland Government is heavily invested in improving cancer care for its residents. Their 10-year Research Strategy, funded for $73 million, directly supports innovative research like the one at PA Hospital.
Additionally, the government’s 10-year Queensland Cancer Plan consultation survey, which ended 17 April 2024, sought public input to shape the future of cancer treatment in the state.
Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman applauds Queensland’s world-class research and highlights the importance of public participation in shaping the new Cancer Plan.
