Public Sessions Confirmed for Redevelopment Proposal
Residents in Toowong will have the opportunity to review and comment on the proposed redevelopment of the Toowong Central site during a series of in-person information sessions scheduled for 11 June 2025. The sessions will be held at Wests Bulldogs Rugby Club on Sylvan Road.
Organised by project leads Verso Developments and facilitated by engagement firm Three Plus, four 45-minute sessions will run consecutively between 4:00 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. Each session will allow residents to speak one-on-one with members of the project team, including representatives from architecture firm KHA, Urbis, and traffic consultants involved in the site design.
Residents can view concept posters, ask questions, and share their feedback on the plans. Registration is required to attend, and newsletters containing session details will be distributed throughout the area.
In addition to public sessions, a focus group discussion will also take place on the morning of the same day. This session will include local organisations such as the Toowong State School P&C, Toowong Residents Association, and the Toowong and District Historical Society. These groups provided early input into the planning process and are being invited to continue contributing feedback during this phase.
Photo Credit: CrPennyWolff/Facebook
Context and Ongoing Community Involvement
The 1.4-hectare site, previously occupied by a Woolworths supermarket, is being redeveloped into a mixed-use precinct. Community input has shaped the early design concepts since early 2024, with hundreds of residents participating through surveys and previous engagement efforts. The upcoming sessions are intended to provide further opportunity for residents to influence planning outcomes before finalisation.
The consultation on 11 June marks the next formal step in public engagement for the Toowong Central project. Residents are encouraged to register, attend, and provide feedback directly to the project team. Feedback can also be sent via email to info@theheartoftoowong.org.
Birdwood Terrace in Toowong carries both historical weight and enduring appeal. Named in honour of Lieutenant General Sir William Birdwood, the street not only reflects a legacy of military leadership but also showcases a tightly held, prestigious neighbourhood.
REMEMBRANCE: Lieutenant General Sir William Birdwood
Birdwood Terrace is one of Brisbane’s recognised Streets of Remembrance, paying tribute to Lieutenant General Sir William Birdwood — a senior officer in Britain’s pre-1914 Indian Army and commander of the Australian and New Zealand forces from 1914. Under his leadership, the ‘A and NZ Army Corps’ was formed, comprising the Australian Imperial Force’s First Division and the New Zealand and Australian Division. His legacy is etched into this street, which now bears commemorative badges acknowledging his service during the ANZAC campaign.
Brisbane City Council’s Streets of Remembrance project places Australian Defence Force Rising Sun and Royal Australian Navy badges on street signs named after key military figures, Victoria Cross recipients, or ANZAC-related locations and events. To date, the project has added 757 badges across 230 locations, honouring 161 significant people, places, and events.
With 85% of properties owner-occupied, Birdwood Terrace demonstrates strong community commitment. Residents typically stay 11 years and 9 months, and 39% have lived on the street for over a decade — highlighting both stability and prestige in this elevated, green corridor of Toowong.
Birdwood Terrace, Toowong Residents
NUMBER OF PROPERTIES: 96 houses, 3 others % OF OWNER OCCUPIERS ON STREET: 85% AVERAGE TIME FOR OWNER OCCUPIERS: 11 years, 9 months % OF PEOPLE 10+ YEARS: 39%
Birdwood Terrace, Toowong – As It Looked in 1936
Birdwood Terrace, Toowong in 1936
SOME RECENT SALES ON BIRDWOOD TERRACE, TOOWONG
Property Address
Sale Price
Sale Date
313 Birdwood Terrace, Toowong
$3,100,000
Feb 2025
233 Birdwood Terrace, Toowong
$2,300,000
Nov 2024
235A Birdwood Terrace, Toowong
$2,200,000
Sep 2024
237 Birdwood Terrace, Toowong
$2,400,000
Aug 2024
368 Birdwood Terrace, Toowong
$1,070,000
Aug 2024
SOME TYPICAL PROPERTY SALES ON BIRDWOOD TERRACE FROM YESTERYEAR
Brisbane development group Suburban Futures has proposed a dramatic concept for the planned Toowong to West End green bridge, featuring bougainvillea plants and overwater dining spaces.
The design, created by MODE Design and named the “Bougainvillea Bridge”, draws inspiration from the curves of the Brisbane River. Design director Ari Pitkanen explained that the concept aims to be a genuine landmark for the city.
A key visual element would be flowering bougainvillea plants growing over the structure. The bridge design features separate pathways for cyclists and pedestrians, possibly on two levels, and includes areas for people to stop and rest over the water.
Suburban Futures director Ross Elliott suggested the bridge should offer more than just a way to cross the river. He pointed to the popularity of the cafe and restaurant near the Kangaroo Point green bridge as evidence that the Toowong bridge could serve a wider community role.
Mr Elliott stated the bridge could be an outstanding place for people to spend time, enjoy views, rest, buy food or coffee, and socialise. He added that making the bridge a destination could also create a lasting income source for Council.
Mr Pitkanen noted the design includes spaces for cafes and restaurants, areas to view the city skyline, enjoy a cold drink, and host bands or community events. The West End landing would incorporate an amphitheatre around a river stage and a public plaza.
Funding Hurdle
Despite the detailed concept, the project faces a major obstacle: funding. Mr Elliott acknowledged that the money for Council to start work is currently unavailable. The proposal is presented as an idea for consideration if funding becomes available.
Council has requested financial help from the state or federal governments to proceed with the bridge. Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner described the 280-metre Toowong-to-West End bridge as an opportunity to improve connectivity between the suburbs and reduce traffic.
He stated it could also deliver a must-do destination for residents and visitors, referencing the success of the Kangaroo Point structure. However, the Lord Mayor emphasised that the bridge requires support from other levels of government to be built. Council has secured the landing site on the Toowong side at the former ABC headquarters, now part of the Monarch Towers development.
The Toowong-West End crossing is one of several green bridges proposed by Lord Mayor Schrinner. Council has already opened green bridges at Breakfast Creek and Kangaroo Point. However, plans for a St Lucia to West End bridge were scrapped late last year, and a proposed Bellbowrie to Wacol crossing was cancelled earlier.
BCC is rolling out enforcement cameras at multiple sites following a sharp rise in complaints about illegal parking, including in Toowong. The program is designed to target drivers who stop in prohibited zones, contributing to traffic congestion and safety hazards.
The expansion follows a trial of enforcement cameras at four locations, including Glen Road in Toowong. The trial identified high rates of non-compliance that disrupted traffic flow and required other motorists to swerve around obstructing vehicles.
In 2024, Brisbane residents lodged nearly 52,000 complaints about illegally parked vehicles. Based on the findings, the authorities extended camera installation to 16 additional areas across the city.
Focus Areas and Enforcement Scope
The cameras target illegal parking in bus zones, clearways, no stopping areas, loading zones, and near yellow lines. BCC data shows that a single vehicle stopped in a clearway can cut a two-lane road’s capacity by half.
Toowong joins Park Road in Milton and Petrie Terrace among West Brisbane locations now under active monitoring. Each site will display signage warning motorists of the cameras and the requirement to follow all parking regulations.
Covert Camera Program Highlights Broader Surveillance Use
In addition to the overt enforcement cameras, Brisbane also operates up to 30 covert surveillance cameras rotated every few weeks. These are camouflaged in public areas and have captured various incidents, from illegal dumping to unusual public behaviour.
Already in 2025, 111 littering infringements have been issued, with individual fines reaching $322. BCC maintains the covert program protects public spaces and discourages illegal behaviour.
Caption: For Illustration Purposes Only Photo Credit: Pexels
Civil Liberties Concerns Raised
The Queensland Council for Civil Liberties has questioned the increased use of surveillance technologies by local officials. Concerns include how long footage is kept and whether such measures are proportionate to the offences being targeted.
A related case in Logan involving AI-enhanced CCTV prompted similar reactions, with questions raised over privacy safeguards and potential overreach.
Community Sentiment Mixed
Online discussions reflect a wide range of public views. While some residents support tougher enforcement to reduce littering and congestion, others voice concern over what they describe as the growing normalisation of surveillance in everyday life.
With high rates of non-compliance already documented, BCC is expected to continue expanding its parking and littering enforcement programs, including in areas like Toowong. Officials state the measures are intended to improve safety and traffic flow across the growing city.
Developers in Toowong have submitted plans to build a 12-storey residential tower at 70 Sylvan Road, exceeding the local height limit of eight storeys and sparking debate within the community.
High-Rise Plans in Toowong Challenge Height Restrictions
BCC is currently reviewing a proposal from developers aiming to build a 12-storey residential tower at 70 Sylvan Road, Toowong. The site, located at the intersection of Croydon and Jephson streets and close to the Regatta Hotel, has a current height limit of eight storeys. The proposal, submitted by Pradella, features 53 residential units along with a rooftop pool and entertainment area.
This ambitious plan has drawn attention due to its proposed height, which surpasses local planning regulations. The development has been designed by HAL Architects, who emphasise that the building’s aesthetics draw inspiration from Toowong’s rowing history. According to the architects, the curved and sculpted form of the structure is meant to evoke a sense of flowing water, reminiscent of the area’s subtropical Queenslander heritage.
Photo Credit: DA/A006737871
Developer’s Argument
Despite the height restriction, developers argue that taller buildings have previously been approved in the area. They believe the proposed Sylvan Residences would blend into the existing skyline and contribute positively to the local architectural landscape.
In materials submitted to the BCC, HAL Architects describe the tower as embodying Toowong’s character.
Photo Credit: DA/A006737871
Planning Application Details
The application (A006737871) was submitted on 24 March 2025 by PP Sylvan Pty Ltd. Currently, the application is in progress under an impact assessment level, awaiting a decision from the BCC.
Photo Credit: DA/A006737871
Future Implications
As of today, only one resident has submitted an opinion on the proposed development. While he welcomes the project to provide more housing in the area, he also raised concerns about the impact on his view. He stated that the new high-rise could “completely decimate” his view of the trees and morning sunlight.
As the application progresses, community input and BCC deliberations will play crucial roles in determining the project’s outcome. The BCC has yet to make a final decision. Residents are encouraged to submit their feedback.
Brisbane Boys’ College (BBC), based in Toowong, delivered an outstanding performance at the Great Public Schools (GPS) Swimming Championships. The Senior School Swim Team secured a historic third-place finish—the school’s first podium result in nine years.
Meanwhile, the Junior swimmers also impressed, finishing fourth in their category and showcasing the depth of BBC’s swimming program. The competition at Brisbane Aquatic Centre saw both teams achieve multiple podium finishes and break several school records.
A Unified Send-Off for Junior and Senior Swimmers
BBC’s swimming program was in full force as both the Junior and Senior School teams competed at the GPS Championships on 13 March 2025. The Junior swimmers kicked off the competition in the morning, while the Senior team followed in the afternoon.
The Junior squad impressed with a fourth-place finish, with 63% of the swimmers achieving personal bests. Their standout performances included:
U12 4x50m Freestyle Relay Champions:
Edward S, Wilbur H, Michael G, Timmy M
U11 4x50m Freestyle Relay Second Place:
Kyne W, Peter Z, James S, Oscar I
Five team relay personal bests and 11 individual relay personal bests
The support of the entire Year 6 cohort, who filled the stands cheering for the #GreenWhiteBlack, added to the spirited atmosphere of the event.
Senior Swimmers Make History with Podium Finish
Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College/Facebook
BBC’s Senior School Swim Team delivered a remarkable performance, securing:
Three GPS Champions:
Jacob Algate (All Age 200m Individual Medley)
Campbell Watt (U14 50m Freestyle)
Andre Venter (U16 50m Breaststroke)
Five BBC Records:
Tom Symonds (U15 50m Backstroke – the second-fastest swim in GPS history)
Jacob Algate (Open 100m Breaststroke)
Andre Venter (U16 50m Breaststroke)
U15 Medley Relay
Tom Symonds, Harrison Hill, Mitch Warman and Gus Lawrence
Open Medley Relay
Jacob Algate, Derwin Lee, Jack McMahon and Dylan Clive
Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College/Facebook
The team’s dedication paid off, with 62% of Senior School swimmers achieving personal bests, reinforcing the strength of BBC’s swimming program.
A Tradition of Excellence in GPS Swimming
The GPS Swimming Championships, held annually by the GPS Association of Queensland, is a premier event for young athletes. It fosters commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship, values exemplified by BBC’s swimmers throughout the competition.
This year’s results highlight BBC’s growing presence in GPS Swimming, with both Junior and Senior squads demonstrating exceptional skill and determination.
Photo Credit: Brisbane Boys’ College/Facebook
Looking to the Future
With the Senior team securing a historic third-place finish and the Junior squad showing great promise with their fourth-place result, BBC’s swimming program is on an upward trajectory. The support from the school community, coaching staff, and families has played a pivotal role in this success.
As BBC looks ahead to future competitions, the momentum from this year’s GPS Championships sets a strong foundation for continued achievements in the pool.
The Toowong area is set to benefit from significant active transport improvements. The long-planned Sylvan Road Bikeway and the Toowong-West End Bridge secured new funding. The projects, which have also received state and local government support, aim to enhance cycling and pedestrian infrastructure in Brisbane’s western suburbs.
The planned upgrades for Toowong’s transport infrastructure have been discussed for several years. The State and BCC previously set aside funds for these projects. The recent commitment from the federal government has now ensured all three levels of government are financially contributing, allowing the long-awaited developments to proceed.
Under the $100 million Active Transport Fund, the Federal Government has allocated $5 million to the Sylvan Road Bikeway, a key cycling corridor connecting the Western Freeway Bikeway and the Bicentennial Bikeway. Additionally, $1 million has been earmarked for an updated business case for the Toowong-West End Bridge, a new active travel connection over the Brisbane River.
Sylvan Road Bikeway: Addressing Safety Concerns
Sylvan Road in Toowong has long been identified as a high-risk cyclist area. According to BikeSpot 2023 rankings, it is one of Brisbane’s most hazardous cycling routes, due to high traffic speeds, dangerous intersections, and a lack of separation from vehicles.
Currently, cyclists outnumber cars at peak times at intersections such as Jephson and Croydon Street, yet sporadically enforced parking restrictions continue to pose risks. The new funding will help BCC implement a safe, separated bikeway, eliminating a critical gap in Brisbane’s active transport network.
Toowong-West End Bridge: Scaling Back But Moving Forward
Initially part of a broader “Bridges for Brisbane” strategy proposing five new river crossings, the Toowong-West End Bridge remains one of the last projects to proceed. Rising construction costs and budget pressures led to the cancellation of the West End-St Lucia Bridge. Still, efforts to deliver the Toowong connection remain on track, with a focus on securing funding ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
While the project is still in the business case phase, the Federal Government’s funding injection signals strong support for the bridge, which will provide a vital active transport link between Brisbane’s western suburbs and the inner city.
Photo Credit: BCC/Flickr
Community Support for Active Transport Investment
Local cycling advocacy groups, including Brisbane West BUG and Space4CyclingBNE, have long pushed for these projects. These groups are engaging with representatives across political lines to prioritise investment in active transport.
With Brisbane’s population continuing to grow and the 2032 Olympics approaching, community advocates hope this funding marks a broader commitment to safer and more sustainable transport solutions.
Photo Credit: Space4cyclingbne/Facebook
Next Steps for Toowong’s Infrastructure
With funding now secured, BCC will proceed with detailed planning and implementation of the Sylvan Road Bikeway. Feasibility studies for the Toowong-West End Bridge continue.
Timelines for construction are yet to be confirmed. Stakeholders remain optimistic that these upgrades will enhance safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists in Toowong.
Lesley Trotter, a 78-year-old retired school teacher known for her active lifestyle and dedication to recycling, disappeared from her Toowong home in March 2023. The coroner ruled her deceased, but the cause of death remains undetermined.
Ms Trotter last contacted her family on 27 March 2023. Her brother found her Maryvale Street unit unlocked the following day, with her phone, wallet, and car left behind. Concerned, he reported her missing, prompting an immediate police search.
Authorities found traces of blood near bins outside her unit. They determined that her body was inside a wheelie bin collected by a BCC rubbish truck from Clayton Lane on 28 March 2023. Despite an extensive search of over 3,000 tonnes of waste at landfill sites in Swanbank and Rochedale, her remains were never recovered.
Police considered three possibilities:
A medical episode while sorting through bins.
Accidental misadventure.
Foul play, potentially linked to tensions with neighbours over her recycling habits.
Ms Trotter was known for meticulously checking bins to ensure recyclables were correctly sorted. While some neighbours appreciated her efforts, others found her behaviour intrusive. Police acknowledged possible tensions but found no direct evidence linking disputes to her disappearance.
Extensive Search Yields No Answers
The search for Ms Trotter’s body was one of Queensland’s largest waste facility operations, involving the Australian Defence Force. Investigators quarantined waste sites and sifted through rubbish, finding various “items of interest,” but none linked to her. Decomposing waste hindered recovery efforts, and the search was called off.
The case remains open. Queensland Police urge anyone with relevant information, CCTV footage, or dashcam recordings from 28 March 2023 to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Even minor details may be crucial in determining how Ms Trotter’s body ended up in the bin and whether foul play was involved.
Thousands of Queensland students, including those in Toowong, are vying for limited spots in the state’s top selective schools, with just over a third making the cut. As competition intensifies, parents are turning to expensive tutoring from as early as age six to improve their children’s chances.
Queensland’s selective state high schools are facing unprecedented demand, with entry rates at an all-time low. Recent figures show that out of nearly 2,500 applicants, only 700 students were accepted into the three Queensland Academy campuses—one of which is located in Toowong, the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology.
Parents are investing heavily in tutoring services, with some enrolling their children in preparation courses years in advance. Experts warn that the extreme competition is not only financially straining families but also putting unnecessary pressure on young students.
Limited Spots, High Costs, and Rising Parental Pressure
The Queensland selective school system currently consists of three state-run institutions:
Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology (QASMT)
Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI)
Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS)
Each year, thousands of students compete for entry, paying a $250 non-refundable application fee.
QACI had only 174 places available.
QAHS offered 179 spots.
QASMT in Toowong, the most sought-after, admitted just 250 students.
Brisbane State High School (BSHS) also runs an out-of-catchment entrance exam, but of the 524 students who applied last year, only 124 secured a spot, with families paying $420 in processing fees.
Tutoring From Age Six: A Growing Trend in Toowong and Beyond
Education experts report that parents are enrolling children in tutoring from as early as Year 1, hoping to prepare them for the rigorous entrance exams.
E-Yong Lee, founder of Lee Excellence Education Academy, said many parents worry that their children will not get into high-performing schools. He explained that some families start tutoring when their child enters primary school.
Six-year-old Emily Paterson, already enrolled in tutoring, is part of this growing trend. Her mother, Jettie Fan, believes early preparation will give Emily a strong foundation.
Tutor Prabhjot Singh, who prepares students for QASMT entrance exams, has seen a sharp rise in demand. He stated that even Year 5 students are coming in for high school entrance exam tutoring.
Photo Credit: QASMT
Queensland’s Selective Schools Lag Behind NSW
Experts argue that Queensland’s limited number of selective schools is putting regional students at a disadvantage.
Currently, NSW has 17 fully selective schools and 25 partially selective schools, many located outside Sydney. In contrast, Queensland’s three academies are all concentrated in Southeast Queensland, leaving gifted students in regional areas with few options.
Dr Matthew White, an inclusive education expert from Australian Catholic University, believes Queensland should expand its selective school network. However, a Queensland Department of Education spokeswoman confirmed that there are no plans to establish additional selective schools. Instead, she pointed to regional ‘Programs of Excellence’, such as those at Cairns State High School and Rangeville State School in Toowoomba.
Critics argue that while these programs provide enrichment opportunities, they do not match the academic intensity of selective schools.
The Mental Toll of Selective School Exams
While some students thrive in competitive academic environments, experts warn that rejection from selective schools can negatively impact students’ self-esteem.
Dr White highlighted that students who fail to secure a spot often experience lower academic self-confidence. Additionally, the high cost of tutoring and exam fees is placing financial strain on many families, raising concerns that selective schooling is becoming an exclusive opportunity for wealthier students.
Photo Credit: QASMT
What’s Next for Queensland’s Selective Schools?
As pressure mounts on the state government to address Queensland’s selective school shortfall, education experts continue to push for a more inclusive model.
With no immediate plans for new selective schools, the debate will likely intensify as more families turn to expensive tutoring services to boost their children’s chances. For now, students in Toowong and across Queensland face an uphill battle to secure a spot in the state’s most sought-after high schools.
The beloved 1952 FX Holden of Brisbane icon Rock ’n’ Roll George has found a new home at Hutchinson Builders’ office in Toowong. After years on display at the Queensland Museum, the vehicle has been relocated to a dedicated space at the company’s reception foyer.
For decades, George Kiprios, better known as Rock ’n’ Roll George, was a fixture on Brisbane’s streets, driving his distinctive FX Holden through the city from the 1950s to the late 1990s. The Greek-Australian worked various jobs, including at a suit factory, a luggage manufacturer, and the Golden Circle cannery, before retiring from the Government Printing Office.
With rock ’n’ roll blaring from the car radio, Mr Kiprios became synonymous with Brisbane’s urban culture, often spotted in Queen Street, Melbourne Street, and West End. He frequented Cloudland’s dances, local milk bars, and cafes, always in his signature flat-top haircut. Legends arose about his near-daily laps through the city, with one story claiming he spent decades searching for a blonde woman he once saw but never found again.
His car, adorned with a personalised “Rock ’n’ Roll” number plate, became as famous as the man himself. The FX Holden and Mr Kiprios were immortalised in the 1960s song “Rock ’n’ Roll George,” with lyrics describing his daily route past Brisbane landmarks.
A Final Ride and Museum Display
Mr Kiprios passed away in November 2009 at the age of 82. His funeral at the Greek Orthodox Church of St George in South Brisbane was attended by more than 200 mourners, including then-premier Anna Bligh. In a fitting tribute, his FX Holden led the funeral procession down Queen Street one last time before he was laid to rest.
Following his passing, Hutchinson Builders acquired the car and later donated it to the Queensland Museum, where it featured in the Rock Around the Block exhibition. Over time, the FX Holden became a centrepiece of Brisbane’s cultural history.
Returning to Toowong
Recently, Hutchinson Builders arranged for the FX Holden’s relocation after the museum no longer required it for display. The vehicle was delivered to Hutchies’ Toowong premises in December 2024, where a special area is being set up in the office’s reception foyer for public viewing.
Caption: Holden FX (48-215) that once belonged to George Kyprios. Photo Credit: Lost Brisbane/Facebook
Scott Hutchinson, chairman of Hutchinson Builders, emphasised the cultural significance of Rock ’n’ Roll George, stating that he was a Brisbane icon who did laps in the city for over half a century. He also added that every adult in Brisbane knew him. Mr George had four songs written about him.
The move ensures that the car remains accessible to the public, preserving the legacy of one of Brisbane’s most recognisable figures.
Rock ’n’ Roll George’s FX Holden remains a symbol of Brisbane’s once-thriving car culture, now reshaped by changing road laws and urban development. While modern restrictions would have made his daily laps more difficult, Mr Kiprios’ legacy endures through stories, songs, and now, a permanent home in Toowong.
