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Toowong “Champagne Flutes Tower” Still a Go

The former ABC Studios was abandoned in 2006 due to a cancer scare, when a cluster of 17 women were diagnosed with breast cancer, raising fears of radiation contamination in the area. After being declared contamination-free, the land was later sold in 2013 to Sunland Group for $20 million.

Shortly after the purchase, Sunland submitted a proposal to the Brisbane City Council to build Grace on Coronation, three glass towers resembling champagne flutes on the site.

Grace on Coronation will have 555 secured residential units, 714 residential and 86 visitor car parks in the basement, and 125 visitor bicycle spaces. Half of the 1/5 hectare site will be set aside for parks.

Two of the towers on the Grace on Coronation development will be 24 storeys high, whilst the third tower will be 27 storeys high.

Sunland aims to breathe new life into the historic riverfront site by building an urban village through fascinating architecture that Managing Director Sahba Abedian calls “organic” and “sculptural.” He further said that the project will rejuvenate the old riverfront site.

Despite the similarities to another proposed Sunland development. Mariner’s Cove on the Gold Coast, Lord Mayor Graham Quirk has referred to the design as “a one-off,” calling it “striking.”

Turmoil in the Community

At the time of submission of the proposal, the planned towers exceed the 15-storey height limit for the site under the Brisbane City Plan. Despite this, in 2015, the project was approved after much deliberation.

Kate Peta Bell, a resident of Toowong, launched a Planning and Environment Court appeal against the development because it exceeds zoning regulations. Just recently, Judge Michale Rackemann dismissed the appeal.

According to Judge Rackerman, while he acknowledges that the towers do not comply with the zoning regulations, the height was offset by the expanse of public space around the towers’ base. He also said that the Grace on Coronation development perfectly jives with the character of Toowong.

This is not the only issue against the development, though. Local community groups were displeased with the proposal, preferring parklands to occupy the site instead. A local community group has even urged architect Jeremy Ferrier to propose a public park plan to the BCC to counter Sunland’s plan.

All’s Well that Ends Well

To address the local community’s qualms on the development, BCC planning chairman Julian Simmonds explained that in the proposal submitted, the developer has limited their project to just three buildings, instead of utilising the option to have up to five buildings, to which the applicant is entitled, under local planning laws.

Based on the project proposal, the community is going to have access to a large part of the 1.5 hectare sits. Also, Middenbury House, a mid-19th century riverfront villa will be open to the project.

Mr Simmonds said that the project will provide an extension of the Bicentennial Bikeway along Coronation Drive to Archer Street, through the site.

For his part, Councillor Graham Quirk also pointed out that the project has enabled nearly 60% of the site to be publicly accessible. This corresponds to an area that covers 8,868 square metres, composed of landscaped pathways, with access to the Brisbane River frontage. Likewise, two heritage-sited fig trees will remain untouched by the development.

It looks like it’s a win-win situation for the developer and the community of Toowong, after all.

Toowong’s St Ignatius Catholic Church Remains To Be a Beautiful Sanctuary of Faith and Hope

Listed on the Queensland Heritage Register. St. Ignatius Catholic Church in Toowong is a living memorial to the faith and generosity of the priests, sisters, and parishioners over the decades. Built on property donated by the Sisters of Mercy, the two-storey building opened on the 18th of May, in 1930.

The church is known for the striking scagliola seen on the pulpit and sanctuary. Scagliola is an artificial stone made from different materials that can mimic different stone types. The technique was developed in Germany and Italy and was mainly used for churches. Considered a notable feature of the church, the scagliola is also part of the reasons why the Church is in the Queensland Heritage Register.

Looking Back

In 1928, the Archbishop Duhig recruited architect Jack Hennessy to work on some plans for a new church because the existing church and school, which was run by the Jesuits in 1916, have become inadequate for the growing population in the suburb.

In 1929, the very first foundation stone was laid. Archbishop Dug held a ceremony and said that the “the day of wooden churches are past.”

The new church was built by Concrete Constructions Ltd, using only the best materials whilst the five altars were designed by H Credington of the Catholic Art Gallery in Melbourne.

That year, the Architects and Builders Journal of Queensland predicted that the Toowong church will rank as one of the most beautiful churches in Queensland. The Catholic Leader, meanwhile, remarked that the church will be most suitable to the Queensland climate.

The Church Today

The two-storey building features a hall on the lower level. The church proper is located on the upper level. Its eye-catching brickwork is done in orange and brown, visible while walking on Grove Street. The walls are lined up with the Stations of the Cross. You can access the lower floor through a separate entrance that showcases a large hall with a stage and a verandah on the northern side. Just behind the church is a brick school.

Just recently, one of the most loved parish priests Fr. Peter Quin succumbed to Myelodysplastic syndrome, “a blood disorder which was pre-cancerous but required chemo which gradually weakened his system over the past year,” on 22 November, 2016, He was 86.

Brimming with energy despite his advanced age, he is remembered for his frequent interactions with the community, gaining the trust and love of the Catholics surrounding the area. He was considered as the closest the parish had to a Francis Xavier due to his energy, passion, and availability.

Father Quin’s ministry was very strong in marriages and baptisms. He was very passionate in strengthening the Catholic family unit in the Church community, which brought him closer to the Catholic families in the suburb.

In structure and in spirit, St Ignatius Catholic Church is truly a landmark in the community, a beautiful sanctuary of faith and hope.

Fire Ants are Taking Over Toowong, Residents Warned

Biosecurity Queensland has released a warning that fire ants have been detected in Toowong. Residents say the recent flooding may have caused the fire ants to emerge from their mounds. Biosecurity Queensland urges residents to take precautionary measures and follow their guidelines to eradicate these destructive ants.

Fire ants were first detected in Brisbane in 2011. These South American ants are a huge threat to the social, economic, and environmental state of Queensland. They were considered Category 1 restricted pests under the Biosecurity Act 2014. Residents must immediately report suspected sightings of fire ants on their property to Biosecurity Queensland.

Fire Ants and Their Deadly Stings

Fire ants produce large mounds in open areas. They feed on young plants and seeds. They also often attack small animals and can kill them. Getting bitten by a fire ant can be deadly to sensitive people. The painful sting is similar to a burning sensation, hence the name. Its after effects can be critical. They nest in soil that is near moist areas. It is easy to overlook their soil because it is usually built under objects such as bricks and rocks.

Mounds of fire ants can reach up to 40 centimetres. It could go higher on heavier soils and reach up to 1 meter in height. Fire ant colonies are established by a group of queens or single queens. Even if only one queen survives, the colony can expand within a month.

Fire Ants Invasion in Queensland

In 2011, the fire ant infestation reached record highs and the State Government found its $15-million fire ant eradication budget severely lacking. Queensland Agriculture Minister Tim Mulherin even accused the state government of putting biosecurity at risk through their insufficient funding. Mr Mulherin pushed for a stronger ongoing funding to prevent the pests from getting into other states such as NSW and Victoria.

Last year, fire ants were detected at the Brisbane airport making the Australian and Queensland Governments respond quickly to the matter because it could kill people and pets, and affect the livestock of residents. Queensland acquired support from Australian states and territories to eradicate the pests and more than $910,000 has been allocated for the eradication program’s use over a two-year period.

The fire ant program has been successful in Port Botany, Gladstone, and the Port of Brisbane, proving that eradication is possible if done quickly.

Fire Ants Prevention

Toowong residents are urged to call Biosecurity Queensland or you can accomplish their online form here if you see a fire ant. If you get stung by one, here is what you need to do:

Apply a cold compress.
Wash the affected area with soap and water.
Seek medical attention if you’re allergic to insect stings or you experience allergy symptoms.

All residents are required to check their properties for fire ants and report it right away under the Biosecurity Act 2014. For more details, click here.

Photo credit: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/

Elegant Drinking at Regatta Hotel’s Laneway Vineyard Festival

Overlooking the Toowong Reach of the Brisbane River, the heritage-listed Regatta Hotel sits unperturbed by the hustle & bustle of Coronation Drive, looking elegantly classical. Every year, the hotel transforms into the site of a vineyard festival, presenting some of the finest wines from all over the world. This year, it’s happening again.

The Laneway Vineyard Festival will be held on the 20th-21st of May starting from 12:00 p.m. until late in the evening. The event will showcase 70 premium international and local wines. Gourmet food stalls will also be set up to offer perfect pairings for the various wines.

The culinary team at the Boatshed Restaurant will be responsible for the delicious food at the event. Expect an eclectic mix of delectable delights, such as wood-fired pizzas, freshly shucked oysters, and cannoli. Some premium wine brands at the event are Penfolds, Robert Channon, Moet, Craggy Range, and Shaw & Smith.

The Walrus Club will be playing some great music along with other acoustic musicians and DJ’s.

Event-goers can get the $9 tokens which will entitle them to one glass of wine and one a pairing portion of food. Those who wish to participate in the wine-tasting can get a wine passport for $30.

So when you see the fairy light canopy at the Regatta Hotel, take it as a sign that the Festival’s about to happen. You wouldn’t want to miss it.

Photo credit: Regatta Hotel / Facebook

Four Best Brunch Places in Toowong for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is fast approaching. Where are you planning to take the most special mother in your life? Brunch is always a good idea. It’s the perfect start to a fun day out. Here are some some of the best brunch places in Toowong to help you decide where to go.

Pitch & Fork

At the Corner Store Cafe, one of the best breakfast places in Toowong, long lines every morning can be exhausting. You almost want to do a double-take and find a different place. But of course, you don’t. They’re that good.

Thankfully, Toowong now also has Pitch & Fork, created by the same owners that brought the Corner Store Cafe to life. It is located just a few blocks down the road, at Memorial Park, Sylvan Road lies their latest creation.

Pitch & Fork serves breakfast and lunch only. Popular brekky picks from their menu are their fluffy blueberry and ricotta hotcakes, crisp bacon croquettes with creamed corn and poached eggs.
that just melt perfectly in the mouth.

For a tasty and filling brunch, don’t miss out on their veal parmigiana burger, garlic prawn baguette, and the salt & pepper calamari salad.

Pitch & Fork sources most of their produce locally. They also serve delicious coffee from Parallel Roasters and organic tea from Calmer Sutra. They also have smoothies, cold-pressed juices, and milkshakes.

85 Miskin St.

Formerly known as Brents – The Dining Experience, this new food venture is the result of a successful reinvention by Brent Farrell, owner and executive chef. The award-winning restaurant now called 85 Miskin St. has received a One Hat award from the Good Food Guide in 2014.

Make mum feel more special with their breakfast degustation or have a simple, luxurious breakfast that will challenge one’s tastebuds. 85 Miskin St. delivers a fine dining experience but in a more laid-back fashion, allowing diners to feel more relaxed whilst enjoying a culinary experience that mum will surely not forget anytime soon. Don’t forget to try the owner’s favourite tender, spiced goat tenderloin with hay-baked pumpkin, goats curd and toaster farro. Click here for the full menu.

Newsroom Cafe

At one of the junction corners in the busy Toowong Village lies a comfortable cafe that serves hearty breakfast all day long.

The Newsroom Cafe has various egg dishes and thick milkshakes for the kind of comfort food that everyone’s inner child appreciates. You and your mum will also love their freshly brewed Merlo coffee. Another great feature of the cafe is their special menu board. It changes on a daily basis, so no matter how many times you go back, there’s always something new to try!

Bean on Dean

Known for the best coffee in Toowong, their light brunch-style cafe is perfect for mums who are trying to lose weight or eat clean. This is one of the best places to bring health-conscious wonder mums to, on Mother’s Day. The cafe’s humorous menu will definitely catch your attention.

Check out their Flabbergast. It’s avo, rocket and Danish feta or walnut, prosciutto, ricotta and cream cheese, piled on sour dough, rye or pumpkin bread. Or try the Kerfuffle. That’s avo, Danish feta, rocket, olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Craving for something sweet? No problem. They also have some baked sweet treats, such as banana bread along with other sandwiches and wraps. A cup of creamy their Campos coffee is the perfect complement to cap a delightful visit.

Featured Photo Credit: CC-BY/with wind/Flickr

Six Things to Remember to Make Sure You’re Ready for Auchenflower Kerbside Collection Day

Auchenflower’s kerbside collection will be on the 24th of April. Residents might have already started organising their items to keep and throw away. Although this can prove to be a daunting task, there are several ways to help you guarantee a smooth and stress-free collection process.

ONE: There’s a List of Acceptable and Non-Acceptable Items. Follow it.

8344388-3x2-940x627 — Do not put out non-acceptable items because they will NOT be picked up. Photo credit: ABC

List of the acceptable and non-acceptable items

The Brisbane City Council will not collect unacceptable items. Illegal dumping fines will also apply if any unacceptable item/s is left by the kerb within seven days.

TWO: There’s a Pile Limit.

Follow the required space dimensions. Photo credit: www.1coast.com.au)

Before that pile mounts up, the Brisbane City Council will not collect piles that are larger than two cubic meters. Ease up on the items. It is best to know some proper methods to pile up items especially if there are plenty of stuff to get rid of and reaching within two cubic meters limit isn’t a possibility.

THREE: Keep it Tidy

There have been cases when some residents have gone a little bit overboard when throwing away their stuff for kerbside collection, that the streets looked as if a hurricane landed, and made an awful mess.

Organize your mess. Photo credit: http://ajaneday.blogspot.com/

Ever heard of an “organised mess”? Keep everything tidy by ensuring that everything is piled up well. Place items in boxes and line them up along the street. Fold clothing neatly. For big items such as couches, refrigerators, or even cupboards, have them leaning against walls and not blocking the pathway.

FOUR: Remove Item Doors

blogger-image-597345436 — Photo credit: http://ajaneday.blogspot.com/

For refrigerators, cupboards or any other items that have doors, the BCC wants them removed before you put them by the kerb.

FIVE: Consider Resource Recovery Centres

Formerly known as transfer stations or tips, BCC’s resource recovery centres are four waste and recycling facilities with locations in Chandler, Ferny Grove, Willawong and Nudgee. They provide free recycling for vehicles under 4.5 tonnes RGVM. The upgraded centres recycle more items for free, aiming to resume waste landfill. Residents may use their waste vouchers, otherwise, fees apply.

SIX: Donate. Recycle. Donate. Recycle.

There are some items that may still be usable to other people. The council urges residents to donate these items instead. GIVIT, a national not-for-profit online network that helps residents donate. It has a list of items that are needed urgently buy someone in the community. The online network also helps residents connect with other trusted charities that could use donations.

The National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations Inc. (NACRO) is the peak organization for charities and charity op ships that recycle furniture, household and workplace goods, and clothing all over Australia. The recycled goods are used to fund community welfare programs.

There are also council tip shops along Acacia Ridge and Geebung that you can donate used items to. They sell second-hand items donated by residents through the BCC’s transfer stations and resource recovery centres. Tip shops are operated by Endeavour Foundation and all the proceeds are used to support disabled people.

And there you have it. Take a deep breath and plunge right in. Start moving and start packing, remember to keep everything neatly organised when dumping items outside your home. Don’t forget that you can only bring everything out on the weekend before your schedule. Not a moment sooner or else you might get fined. See you at the kerb!

Photo credit: Gold Coast Bulletin

Toowong Hosts ANZAC Week Events

In remembrance of Australians and New Zealanders who served and died fighting for their countries, the Brisbane City Council (BCC) will hold a week-long series of events to commemorate the fallen, from 21 to 29 April. These events at the Toowong Cemetery is part of the BCC’s City of Lights program and is done in partnership with the Backbone Youth Arts Inc.

During the week, there will be a round of theatrical tours. A concert, aptly called “In Remembrance”, will be held to show honour to the fallen on the 23rd of April with performances by solo artists, choirs and the Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra.

Wrapping up the week-long commemoration on the 29th of April will be a screening of the Australian classic film Gallipoli, a cinematic journey about two soldiers who were exposed to the realities of war in Turkey, during World War I.

The ANZAC Week events are all free of charge. Everyone is welcome.

Event details

Photo credit: Commander Keane / Wikimedia Commons

Toowong Cemetery Weekly Ghost Tours Offer Scary Weekends for the Brave

Spend a spine-tingling evening touring the Toowong Cemetery. Join the cemetery’s weekly ghost tours and try to keep your nerves steady as you bravely walk around Queensland’s largest cemetery. Set on 250 acres of land, Toowong Cemetery has served as Brisbane’s general cemetery for 138 years. That’s a lot of graves and a lot of history, all in one place.

The Original Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour features a two-hour visit highlighted by thirteen ghost stories of real haunted graves within the cemetery.

Photo credit: Ghost Tours Pty Ltd / Facebook

The Other Side Tour, also lasting two hours, has a similar format but starts at a different location, follows a different route and has a different (though no less scary) set of ghost stories.

To join the Toowong cemetery ghost tours, bookings are essential. A maximum of 25 persons per tour is required. Group or private bookings are also welcome.

Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour – The Original details

Toowong Cemetery Ghost Tour – The Other Side details

Photo credit: Ghost Tours Pty Ltd / Facebook

Sizzler in Toowong Isn’t the End of It: Why Collins Foods Keep Shutting Down its Sizzler Branches

After 30 years, Toowong residents got the shock of their lives in November 2016 when Sizzler at Toowong Village released an announcement that it will be closing its doors.

The closure drew mixed reactions. A customer who has been very loyal to the Sizzler branch and has dined there every day for years said, “It’s very sad. It’s fantastic value.” The management also thanked their customers for their patronage over the last three decades.

Collins Foods, owner of Sizzler, released a statement about their decision to shut down the Toowong branch, “We recognise that all employees and management at Sizzler Toowong have worked very hard to make this restaurant a great place for our customers,” a spokeswoman from the company said. Showing their appreciation, the management provided job opportunities for their Toowong employees at other Sizzler branches.

Five months after the Toowong branch closed, Collins Foods announced that it would also shut down its branches at Brookside and in Kogarah. The future of other Sizzler branches are now uncertain, particularly the one in Annerley. Last year, a development application was submitted to the Brisbane City Council for a new fast-food restaurant with a drive-thru at the Annerley site. The application notes that it will retain the KFC in the area, but Sizzler would be removed.

When asked about this, a Sizzler spokeswoman said, “Collins Foods Limited is reviewing the best usage of its Annerley Sizzler restaurant site and is working with Council on this as part of its long-term business planning.”

With all the Sizzler closures that have been happening across Australia, people are starting to wonder if this is the end of the buffet-and-salad bar. Collins Foods addressed people’s qualms by providing reassurance that they have no plans to leave Australia, but made it clear that they are no longer investing in the Australia-based group. Instead, they plan to focus more on their branches all across Asia, which apparently, are booming.

Upon the closure of the recently announced Sizzler branches, Australia will be left with only 16 Sizzlers with 11 branches in Queensland, one in NSW, and the rest in Sydney.

Sizzler has become a familiar sight all over Australia, serving buffet food with a salad bar that has become very popular. However, the excitement for such concept seems to be waning fast with the introduction of more creative food initiatives that are luring more people in by serving a wide variety of innovative, out-of-the-box food selections.

Better food initiatives that are more in tune with today’s market present a death sentence to established restaurants that have gotten stuck in the past and failed to innovate. Future Food’s managing director Francis Loughran said Sizzler was a brand from 30 years ago that stayed there.

“As we finalise our plans any proposed changes would be communicated with our team members and customers,” Sizzler’s spokeswoman said, speaking about the Annerley closure but foreshadowing the company’s position on the rest of the stores.

Can the remaining Sizzlers survive the changing culinary landscape and the vagaries of corporate priorities? It seems clear that Sizzler customers all over Australia will just have to wait and see.

Photo credit: orderinchaos/Wikimedia Commons

Toowong Residents Fight to Save Heritage Homes

Residents in Toowong are standing up against an urban renewal plan by the Brisbane City Council as the development will pose negative impact on the heritage homes nearby.

Dozens of Toowong locals are opposing the plan to build a 4-level, 5-unit complex at 2 Holmes St. Toowong resident Berry Freshney led dozens of locals to go up against the construction plan. They said the development plan would dwarf two heritage homes, on each side of the proposed 850 sqm complex.

There are over 150 objections submitted against the development located in a low to medium density residential zone. Locals are objecting that the proposed apartment complex will be built too close to one of the heritage homes.

Another issue the protesters raised is shortage of parking spaces in case the project pushes through.

Mr Freshney pointed out that parking is already difficult and such a large development would make it even harder to find space to park.

He asserted that the urban renewal plan was not studied meticulously by the city council. He said that the corner of Herbert St and Holmes St is a heritage area and zoned for 2-storey or 3-storey apartments.

The protesters believe that such a type of development will damage the character of the area.

The objection is second of its kind that the BCC has received. It is similar to the opposition being waged by Indooroopilly locals blocking an apartment development on Goldieslie Rd as it would gobble up a heritage-listed residence.

The city council defended the development plan, saying that the area does not fall under a heritage mapped zone. The council reiterates that the area is suitable for low and medium density development even if the houses at 4 Holmes St and 23 Herbert St were considered heritage homes.