Toll fees at the Clem Jones Tunnel (CLEM7) have increased starting this month, despite Transurban reporting record revenue last December, sparking criticism about the increase amidst the rising cost of living.
The CLEM7, a privately financed inner-city toll road in Greenslopes and Coorparoo, spans 4.8 kilometres beneath the Brisbane River, linking Woolloongabba and Bowen Hills. As one of Queensland’s largest infrastructure projects, it plays a vital role in the state’s transportation network.
Recent discussions about the toll increase for the use of the CLEM7 have raised questions about the affordability and accessibility of this significant thoroughfare.
Effective 1 July 2023, motorists driving a car through the CLEM7 have been paying 42 cents more, as the toll rose from $5.70 to $6.12. Heavy commercial vehicles in Class 4 faced a higher increase, with peak hour rates up by $17.09 to $18.36 and off-peak rates up by $15.09 to $16.21.
Transurban, the sole toll operator in South East Queensland, has justified the fee adjustment by citing the Brisbane Consumer Price Index (CPI). Although the increase may appear modest, it could have a cumulative impact on commuters who frequently use the CLEM7 to navigate Brisbane’s congested roads.
The toll hike comes on the heels of Transurban’s impressive 16 per cent revenue growth, as reported in their half-yearly financial report for December 2022, a detail that has critics up in arms.
Outgoing CEO Scott Charlton expressed confidence in the strength of Transurban’s business model, citing built-in inflation protection due to approximately 68 per cent of toll revenue being linked to CPI escalations. However, critics argue that such increases may disproportionately burden commuters, especially amid rising living costs.
Transurban has assured motorists experiencing financial hardship that they can seek support from their Linkt Assist team, which offers payment plans, toll credits, and more flexible payment options.
Nevertheless, with the rising toll fees, drivers using the CLEM7 will need to carefully evaluate the impact on their budgets and explore alternative commuting options to mitigate the potential strain.
Plans to build a 24-hour Greenslopes McDonald’s outlet have been met with strong objections from locals who believe that a fast food outlet will have an adverse impact on their neighbourhood.
DA A006025123, lodged in May 2022, proposes the construction of a fast food outlet along the corner of Logan Road and Plimsoll Street. The site is near the Greenslopes Mall and also close to other convenient fast food chains like KFC, Subway, Dominos and Pizza Hut.
According to Cr Krista Adams, the location of Greenslopes McDonald’s is within the District Centre (Corridor) Zone, essentially allowing a food and drink outlet, retail, supermarket or service stations. The site has been part of CityPlan 2000’s higher-level multipurpose zone. Based on this, the DA is Code Assessable and does not require a community consultation for residents to raise their concerns, objections or appeals.
Cr Adams also said that the Council’s planners have raised issues with the developer during the assessment period. The developer made changes to the designs after previous meetings with Council in 2021.
Despite this, locals have lodged more than 50 submissions to the development. Dr Dragan Talic, the owner of Greenslopes Family Practice (GFP) on Plimsoll Street, said that the McDonald’s plan is a major concern as it surrounds their property on three sides.
“If the application is approved, not only will this have a significant impact of my business, and the ability of our practice to provide medical care to the community, it will also restrict my ability to develop the site in the future.”
Dr Talic added that their clinic will become “an island among McDonald’s” and will also affect their elderly and disabled patients.
Photo Credit: DA A006025123
The “Don’t Let McDonald’s Trash our Neighbourhood Coalition” has also been campaigning against Greenslopes McDonald’s. Mr Bob Carnegie, the group’s spokesperson, said that proposal is not compliant with the code and their objections were initially dismissed by Council.
“It’s interesting that the removal of pre-1911 house on Logan Road would only benefit McDonald’s and there has been no regard for the ‘greater good’. It appears that character or heritage listings only matter when they don’t get in the way of developers and international big business,” Mr Carnegie said.
“There are MANY McDonald’s within a short drive of this development site,” said Kathryn Heyworth of the Greenslopes Neighbours Coalition. “McDonalds Australia has a plan to have EVERY house in a city within 3 minutes of Mcdonald’s! Looks like it is already a reality for 7 minute.”
Most of the objections also cite traffic concerns given its location near the shopping centre. However, Greenslopes McDonald’s proposal includes 26 carparks and a space for 10 cars queued in the drive-through. The DA has an attached traffic study indicating that the road network will not have any disruptions coming from the fast food chain, even during peak hours.
A car caught fire in the underground parking area of Brisbane’s Greenslopes Mall, forcing the evacuation of shoppers. Approximately 40 minutes after the incident started, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) personnel arrived on the scene.
On 20th April 2020, two QFES crews were sent to the retail centre, they managed to put out the fire by 9:50 a.m. The Fire Investigation Unit was also notified of the incident.
Peter Shaer, who was at the mall at the time of the fire, recalled that people were running to get their cars away from the “horrible” smoke and odours from the fire.
The shopper criticised the mall’s response to the situation as Mr Shaer claimed that “the shopping center reacted very slowly.” He didn’t not notice the sprinklers working and the lift was still operating “even in the den’s smog.”
Crews from the Queensland Police Service (QPS) were also on the scene. A short while later, it was said that the mall was once again accessible to shoppers.
Greenslopes Mall’s Center Management was unavailable for comment.
A new program with no out-of-pocket costs aimed at supporting lung cancer patients who are undergoing both chemotherapy and radiotherapy has been launched at the Greenslopes Private Hospital and seven other Ramsay Health Care facilities.
The Ramsay Lung Cancer Rehabilitation Pilot Program is a six-month program that delivers rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and nutrition support to patients with unresectable stage 3 non-small-cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer.
With support from AstraZeneca Australia & New Zealand, the program provides patients access to a Cancer Care Navigator who will work with an allied health team during chemotherapy and radiotherapy in supporting the patients when it comes to their nutrition and physiotherapy to regain their strength, mobility, and function.
Ramsay Health Plus and its facilities will provide qualified physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, and dieticians.
Photo Credit: Greenslopes Private Hospital
Aside from Greenslopes Private Hospital, the Ramsay Lung Cancer Rehabilitation Pilot Program is also available at St George Private Hospital, Hollywood Private Hospital, John Flynn Private Hospital, Warringal Private Hospital, Wollongong Private Hospital, Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, and The Border Cancer Hospital. AstraZeneca Australia & New Zealand will pay for any cost that will not be covered by the patient’s health insurance.
“The Ramsay Lung Cancer Rehabilitation Pilot Program will provide patients with appropriate exercise and nutrition plans to put them in the best health to undergo their cancer treatment,” Physiotherapist and National Manager of Ramsay Health Plus, Dylan Rowley, said.
“Eating well and feeling strong and fit can have a big impact on your mental health, reduce the side effects of treatment and optimise your treatment outcomes.”
Regulated parking, including a three-hour parking restriction, could soon be adopted in some of the busiest streets in Greenslopes to ease traffic in the area. Have your say on the proposal before it’s implemented!
Under the Greenslopes Parking Study, which was conducted and reviewed in 2021, the proposed parking scheme will include not just a three-hour parking limit but also open applications for residents to secure a Resident Parking Permit and a Visitor Parking Permit.
The permits carry a minimal fee of $16.25 but future residents of multi-unit dwellings could be restricted from applying for permits as well, whilst the use of public transport will be encouraged.
According to Council, residents have raised concerns about the volume of vehicles in street parking areas, especially around the Greenslopes Private Hospital, the Greenslopes State School, and Club Greenslopes. Customers of local businesses along Logan Road, Ridge Street and Dunellen Street also generate a high demand for street parking.
The hospital has a paid parking facility for 300 vehicles with a maximum cost of $25. However, the space is not enough given the number of patients, staff, and visitors in and out of the area.
Currently, about 97.6 per cent of the off-street parking is unrestricted without any time limits. It was determined during the review that the average parking duration for 60 per cent of the vehicles is at three hours, 25 per cent are parked for three to nine hours, whilst 16 per cent park for 10 hours or more.
More than 80 per cent of motorists take up parking spaces along Denman Street, Headfort Street, Hunter Street, Newdegate Street and Nicholson Street, which are near the hospital. Given these demands, the review determined a need for parking time limits and permits.
“If a 3-hour parking limit with resident permit exception is implemented in all unrestricted streets, vehicles parked for 3 to 9 hours (some 25% of all parked vehicles) would be displaced from streets,” Council stated. “The number of streets with high parking occupancy is dramatically reduced from the current situation at 9 AM, 12 PM and 3 PM.”
Photo Credit: BCC
Greenslopes residents may submit their feedback via the online survey until Friday, 2 September.
Students at Cavendish Road State High School in Holland Park are supporting SecondBite for the third year in a row, making regular runs to Coles Greenslopes, Carindale, and Coorparoo.
Cavendish Road State High School Deputy Principal Amanda Nuell said the students were fully engaged in what has now become an annual community action campaign, and they delight in seeing the pallets of tins ready to send off to those in need.
Shoppers can assist the kids in having more to distribute to the needy by placing canned goods in SecondBite donation bins at Coles Greenslopes, Carindale, and Coorparoo or by dropping off their donations to the school until 24 June 2022. .
Photo Credit: Supplied
“Last year we hit a record with 26,000 cans donated, but I think we can do better this year and our students are very much excited to break the record,” she said.
“Good quality, shelf-stable items such as canned vegetables, soups, tuna, sauces and baked beans are in short supply at SecondBite warehouses. We can’t get enough of them, so to have the students and staff at Cav Road help out is just a blessing for us and the charity partners we support.”
“The students’ can drive is a great initiative because the food they’re collecting complements the unsold, edible fruit and vegetables that we donate to SecondBite every day. Our Coles team has also set the goal to donate six cans each to the drive — we’re excited to see how many we can donate.”
Canned good donations are ideal as these are easily stored and distributed without spoiling, and are a great supplement to the fresh produce that SecondBite primarily provides its charity partners.
SecondBite is a national food rescue organisation founded in 2005 by Ian and Simone Carson. With a reach that now extends to every territory and state in Australia, the initiative started small.
At first, the dedicated couple would drop by market stalls in Melbourne with their friends and collect surplus food. They would drop these off at a local charity as contributions to the charity’s food program.
The effort soon snowballed and in 2011, SecondBite and Coles formed a nationwide partnership.
Coles is proud of its partnership with SecondBite in the last 10 years and Coles Carindale Store Manager Jason Williams is equally proud of the students’ initiative, made particularly timely in the face of recent challenges and continuing difficulties in many sectors of society.
Photo Credit: Supplied
The long-term impact of the COVID lockdowns, as well as the devastating flood events earlier in the year, have been more challenging for many people dealing with food insecurity this winter.
“A hot meal in winter seems like such a basic right but for far too many, it’s simply not possible. Our research has highlighted that food insecurity is hitting a new demographic we haven’t previously seen before,” SecondBite CEO Steve Clifford said.
Beyond the school’s drive, Coles shoppers may continue to support SecondBite by buying a $2 donation card between Wednesday 22 June to Tuesday 5 July at a Coles supermarket or by making a donation at Liquorland, First Choice liquor Market or Vintage Cellars, as part of Coles’ annual Winter Appeal for the charity.
All of the funds raised will be directed to SecondBite to help support its food rescue programs for Aussies in need.
The Greenslopes property market has broken into Queensland’s million-dollar club in 2021, following a banner year of record low-interest rates, low levels of stocks, and interstate migration.
Data from Property Market Updates show the Greenslopes property market’s growth, with the median rising by 18.13 per cent for the period covering January to December 2021. The median house price has breached the one million mark at $1,010,000.
House values in this suburb have had a steady growth in the last decade with many properties selling slightly above their listed prices. For this period, 105 properties were sold within a quick turnaround of just 26 average days on market, especially for three-bedroom homes.
The demographic in Greenslopes comprises young families and professionals who can invest in a prime piece of real estate. The Greenslopes property market continues to attract strong demand because investors have plenty of opportunities for securing tenants given that over 50 per cent of the suburb’s population are renters.
Greenslopes Unit Price Growth
Units in Greenslopes, however, saw a modest increase compared to houses for January to December 2021 with an 8.97 per cent growth from last year. The increase has set the median unit price at $425,000, following last year’s low of $390,000.
There were 221 units sold for this period with an average listing of 49 days on market. Two-bedroom units had the highest demand, mostly from professionals employed at the hospitals. Even with the unit value’s increase, Greenslopes is still one of the most affordable suburbs for units within 10 kilometres of the CBD.
About Greenslopes
Reasonably located near the CBD, Greenslopes is an easy commute for many Brisbane locals for its proximity to the motorway. Whilst it is mostly residential, Greenslopes is known for Greenslopes Private Hospital, a leading teaching hospital and a major employer of the city.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
This neighbourly suburb provides residents with all the conveniences with the Greenslopes Mall and the Stones Corner Village shopping centres nearby. The suburb is also a short distance from Woolloongabba and Coorparoo, which are filled with the trendiest dining places,
As for outdoor recreations and healthy activities, Greenslopes has green spaces like Hanlon Park, Ekibin Park, and the Greenslopes Bowls Club. The area also provides a mix of schools, including medical colleges.
Whilst there are still some stunning pre-war character homes in Greenslopes, there are plenty of unit blocks and modern apartment complexes in the suburb for professionals or couples.
“Greenslopes is great for families. We relocated from Victoria over 18 years ago and have never looked back. We had a great selection of schools, both private and public. All schools in the area offer quality education. There are many sporting clubs in and around the area. Close to the Gabba for AFL and Cricket. The public transport is great, especially great when you have teenage children. Even though we are very close to the city, traffic noise in our area is very minimal. To drive into the city during non peak hour take about 7 -10 minutes, a bit longer during peak time.”
Gail
“Greenslopes is pretty good by way of public transport in terms of volume of services, although buses are often late. It is conveniently located close to the city, has good grocery facilities, and an excellent network of bike paths. Getting out of the suburb can be problematic in peak times, due to the build-up of traffic on both the Pacific Motorway and the Riverside Express, but usually, it is hassle-free. There are some nice parks in the area and it feels pretty safe. Its dining scene won’t set the world on fire but it is improving. Greenslopes feels like a suburb on the cusp of renewal.”
“After being one of the longest standing pharmacies in the area, we’ve formed some really strong relationships with members of our close-knit community,” David Su, owner of Greenslopes Discount Drug Store said.
Mr Su is also celebrating a 20-year milestone, after joining the pharmacy as an intern in 2001. After eight years as an intern, he became the owner of the store.
With the help of his wife, Ka-Man, the store has grown to include a staff has grown to 14 workers since then, including five pharmacists.
The pharmacist-businessman acknowledged that his customers have been instrumental in the store’s longevity and success.
“Throughout the twenty years that I’ve been part of Greenslopes pharmacy we’ve had to continuously evolve as the demographics of the area have shifted,” Mr Su said.
To celebrate two decades in business Mr Su has decided to hold an exciting contest. To join, shoppers may simply buy anything from the Greenslopes Discount Drug Store until 31 December 2021 and sign up for a DiscountPlus™ loyalty membership.
One lucky shopper could find himself the lucky recipient of $20,000!
“It would be great to see one of our local customers take out the prize and help us celebrate 20 years of Discount Drug Stores,” Mr Su said.
Photo Credit: Supplied
“A philosophy that I’ve upheld over the years is that if you look after your customers, the rest will come easily,” he added.
“I’m really proud that our pharmacy has become an integral part of the Greenslopes community and that we’ve been able to form such close bonds with our loyal customers.”
Greenslopes is flexing its potential for growth following its strong performance within the 12-month period ending June 2021, as soaring buyer demand in Brisbane’s red-hot property market continues despite the pandemic.
Figures from Property Market Updates reveal that between July 2020 to June 2021, the median house price in Greenslopes has risen to $900,000 from $790,000 in the previous year, reflecting a 13.92 per cent growth which has kept this suburb on the list of Brisbane’s top performers.
The Greenslopes property market has been flexing its high growth potential in recent years as the median house price continues to rise annually, to its present level in 2021 where the house prices have risen more than the average wage per year.
On average, house prices from 2018 to 2021 have risen by approximately $90,000 annually. The median income of Greenslopes residents is between $60,000 to $70,000 per annum.
Buyers who want access to high-demand suburbs pick Greenslopes for a better return of investment and value for money, considering it a still more affordable alternative to neighbours like Camp Hill and Coorparoo.
113 houses sold in this time period after an average of 62 days on the market. Buyers compete for two and three-bedroom houses but the highest-selling house stands on an elevated allotment on Henzell Terrace, one of Greenslopes’ most exclusive family-friendly enclaves, for $3,300,000.
A majority of Greenslopes residents are renters who work at the hospitals in the area, or in nearby inner-city suburbs like South Brisbane, West End, or Woolloongabba. With strong rental demand, buyers are keen to purchase units with high prices for investment purposes. Thus, it’s no surprise that Greenslopes’ unit property growth grew by 11.26 per cent in the period ending June 2021, with 196 units sold.
The current median unit price is now at $405,000, up from $364,000 last year. Units are quick sells on the market for an average of 45 days.
About Greenslopes
Being close to the motorway brings convenience to Greenslopes locals, which makes this place one of the easiest choices for home buyers and investors. Filled with a mix of old homes, modern houses and apartment blocks, this leafy locale close to the city — but still quiet and peaceful — attracts young families, professionals, or downsizers and retirees.
Photo Credit: Google Maps
A former farming town, Greenslopes has risen to be one of the more popular and sought-after suburbs in Brisbane by investors, especially with the revitalisation of Stones Corner. Families love this suburb for its great choices of quality schools, a number of sporting clubs and community hubs, and generous green spaces like Hanlon Park and Ekibin Park. The shopping precinct has a variety of retailers with convenient parking and easy transport access.
Greenslopes is also home to some of Brisbane’s major hospitals with excellent medical care, such as The Princess Alexandra Hospital and Greenslopes Private Hospital. The hospitals are two of the suburb’s biggest drawcards, driving up the median prices.
“Excellent accessibility to public transport, bikeways and motorway. Lots of green space and playgrounds for kids. Great local community full of diversity thanks to the many different property types – older units, new units and lots of young families. Local park run and walking groups and awesome cafes and access to shopping such as Aldi, IGA and Coles. We’ve been here 13 years and love it!”
ChristineBM
“Public transport is close by, as is access to the SE Freeway. Greenslopes Mall has Coles and take away shops. People are friendly. Lots of families and professionals. I like it.”
Ryant12
“My partner and I purchased our first home in Greenslopes in Dec 2018. We were drawn to the area for the value for money, proximity to the city and motorways and potential for stones corner to become a cool bar, dining and shopping hub. Shops are super close and handy and everyone has been so friendly so far.”
Despite an initial plan to rehabilitate the former Australian Red Cross Centre in Greenslopes, changes are now underway to demolish the old building and put a public park in its place.
The intention to buy the land on Headfort Street from the Department of Veterans Affairs was laid out in a Council letter to residents. The decision was deemed the more cost-effective solution to the historical site, which has been highly contaminated and closed off to the public since 2013 due to the presence of asbestos.
The cost of retaining and renovating the building would set back the government between $5.4 to $7.5 million. On the other hand, full demolition and removal of all hazardous material would cost $1.8 million.
Photo Credit: BCC
The creation of the parkland will preserve most of the heritage-listed elements of the property. A portion of the area will also be allocated for the headquarters of Legacy Queensland, a non-profit that supports the families of the veterans if they decide to erect a building.
On 16 September, EPB Notice 2021/8997 was issued approving the demolition of all hazardous materials and removal of contaminated soil from the site. Following the earthworks, the land will be turned over to Brisbane City for community use.
Councillor Fiona Cunningham said that the residents of Greenslopes have asked for the park since there is no such public space for families within the precinct. They will work with DVA to plan out a “heritage strategy” in designing the new public space.
“Council has also had discussions with Legacy, an organisation with deep connection to this site, about a portion of the land being used for their services for the families of our veterans,” the councillor said.
“While it is sad to see the buildings go, I believe it is important to provide certainty to residents about the future of the site. I am also pleased that we will be able to provide new parkland for local families and community use that will honour the site’s history.”
